AGP Executive Report

Bankruptcy Watch: Storj Labs filed for Chapter 11 in West Virginia federal court, saying it will keep its decentralized cloud storage network running while it restructures legacy liabilities and explores an equity path for STORJ tokenholders. Power Sector: Omnis Pleasants, LLC (Pleasants Power Station) also filed for Chapter 11 to restructure and set up a sale process, saying operations and reliability work will continue during the court process. Flood Recovery: Gov. Jim Morrisey asked President Trump for an expedited major disaster declaration after devastating Upshur and Lewis County flooding, seeking federal help for multiple counties and statewide hazard mitigation. Food Safety & Local Impact: The CDC and FDA widened a Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico to nine states, including West Virginia, with nearly 2,000 reported sick and dozens hospitalized—while retailers and restaurants report traffic hits. Energy Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile nationally, with AAA citing crude oil swings and supply conditions; West Virginia averages moved upward in recent reporting. Civic & Community: The West Virginia National Guard shifted from rescue to recovery as storm response continues, and local leaders continue planning for the National Scout Jamboree.

Food Safety Update: The FDA and CDC widened the cyclospora investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, adding four states—Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania—bringing the total to nine, including West Virginia, with 1,947 confirmed illnesses and 98 hospitalizations reported so far; Taylor Farms has temporarily shut its central Mexico processing facility tied to the recall. Local Health & Consumer Impact: The outbreak is hitting restaurants and grocery traffic, with reports of sharp drops in Taco Bell visits and lettuce sales as consumers rethink Caesar salads and other produce-heavy meals. Energy & Infrastructure Pressure: A West Virginia zoning fight is brewing as Monongalia County approved a map amendment that could shift parcels near West Run Road from low-density residential to general commercial, raising concerns about road capacity and infrastructure strain. Workforce & Community Programs: WVU’s Energy Express won a competitive AmeriCorps grant to expand its free summer literacy and nutrition program for rural and low-income children, aiming to nearly triple AmeriCorps participation through 2029. Public Safety: West Virginia State Police identified two people who died in Upshur County flooding, with officials urging residents to report damage for accurate FEMA assessments. Business Restructuring: Storj Labs voluntarily filed Chapter 11 in the Northern District of West Virginia to address legacy obligations while continuing operations.

Food Safety & Agriculture: The CDC and FDA say the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has reached 1,947 confirmed illnesses across nine states, including West Virginia, with at least 98 hospitalizations and no deaths reported; federal investigators are still tracing the supply chain as Taylor Farms says the FDA hasn’t confirmed positive test results from its samples. Public Health Response: A separate FDA-linked cyclospora cluster involving 72 people is under investigation with no food source identified yet, while officials warn the true case count is likely higher due to testing delays. Consumer Alerts: A multistate Salmonella egg recall has expanded to 19 million eggs, sickening at least 98 people across 17 states, prompting shoppers to check cartons and avoid recalled products. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices keep climbing; the national average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, while West Virginia averages around $3.80 for regular in the latest reporting. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Morgantown is moving ahead with a new trailside “mini action park” near Deckers Creek, with construction expected to be substantially complete by late September. Workforce & Community: WVU’s Energy Express won a competitive AmeriCorps grant to expand a free summer literacy and nutrition program for rural and low-income children through 2029.

Food Safety: The FDA and CDC widened the cyclospora investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, now reaching nine states including West Virginia, with 1,947 illnesses and 98 hospitalizations reported so far. Public Health Response: A former FDA deputy commissioner says the outbreak is nearing a “catastrophic level,” while Michigan officials describe strained staffing and slower federal communication as cases keep climbing. Local Agriculture Impact: Some shoppers are shifting toward locally grown lettuce, and farmers markets report a noticeable uptick in sales as consumers look for safer options. Consumer Alerts: Separately, the FDA linked a recalled egg product to 98 salmonella illnesses across 17 states, including West Virginia. Workforce & Community: WVU’s Energy Express won a competitive AmeriCorps grant to expand its summer literacy and nutrition program statewide through 2029. Infrastructure & Growth: Monongalia County approved a zoning map amendment to convert parcels near West Run and Stewartstown roads to general commercial use, despite infrastructure concerns. Emergency Updates: West Virginia State Police identified two people who died in Upshur County flooding, as recovery continues.

Greenbrier Finance Fight: A federal judge issued an order to show cause to the Justice family, warning the Greenbrier case could move forward if a new up-to-$500M financing deal misses a July 16 deadline. Food Safety & Agriculture: CDC and FDA expanded the Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell to nine states, including West Virginia, with 1,947 reported illnesses and 98 hospitalizations; Taylor Farms says it found no positive tests but is still recalling and suspending central Mexico sourcing. Consumer Protection: West Virginia AG McCuskey warned residents about a “free” gas and grocery card mailer scam that charges a $5 processing fee and can lead to $46 more in losses. Flood Recovery: West Virginia National Guard shifted from rescue to recovery after Upshur County flooding, while State Police identified two victims found in a swept vehicle. Local Planning & Growth: Monongalia County approved a zoning map amendment converting parcels near West Run and Stewartstown roads from low-density residential to general commercial, despite infrastructure concerns. Workforce & Community: WVU’s Energy Express won a competitive AmeriCorps grant to expand its literacy and nutrition program for low-income rural children.

Cyclospora Outbreak Widening: CDC and FDA expanded the cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the nine-state cluster that already includes West Virginia; confirmed illnesses now top 4,000 nationwide, with thousands more under investigation, and officials stress following recall guidance and getting tested for prolonged watery diarrhea. Flood Recovery Logistics: The West Virginia National Guard is shifting from rescue to longer-term recovery after severe flooding, while Buckhannon and Upshur County are speeding donations by letting residents order supplies online and ship them to the Buckhannon Fire Department. Data Center Power Pressure: Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge is expanding with 200-plus signatories, as utilities and data center firms commit to covering new power costs—an issue West Virginia communities have been watching closely. Coal Industry Push: The National Coal Council delivered reports to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright aimed at reducing barriers to growing the U.S. coal fleet and exports, with West Virginia coal leaders calling it an energy blueprint for the state. Local Agriculture Spotlight: The Mountaineer Country Farm Crawl returns with tours and hands-on farm stops, highlighting West Virginia’s produce, livestock and specialty agriculture.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Congress and the White House pushed new steps to stop large data centers from shifting grid upgrade bills onto electricity customers, with a bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act moving in the House and a White House pledge expanded to utilities and developers. Local Water Infrastructure: Fayette County’s court fight over the Kanawha Falls PSD sale narrowed after a judge allowed the deal to move forward only if a contractor debt is paid, keeping water-service timelines in limbo. Food Safety & Agriculture: The FDA flagged a new cyclospora outbreak (at least 72 cases) while Walmart pulled bagged iceberg lettuce in 27 states as the broader lettuce-linked investigation continues; Taco Bell also ran a $1, lettuce-free item to blunt fallout. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported Monongalia County’s lowest E15 at $2.83 and Lewis County’s lowest regular at $3.41 for the week ending July 18, showing continued regional fuel swings. Health & Workforce: A new analysis put West Virginia near the top for per-person health care spending, while WVU highlights rural health tracks aimed at keeping specialists in underserved areas. Community & Industry Events: Gov. Morrisey welcomed more than 15,000 Scouts to the National Scout Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve, and MAIA Management Group announced a free August 7 showcase and relaunch.

Public Water Upgrade: Wyoming County officials approved an $8.7 million Brenton/Baileysville waterline extension, with construction slated for September 2026 and service for 250+ customers expected by September 2027. Food Safety & Health: The cyclospora outbreak keeps spreading across states, with schools weighing produce changes and consumers urged to follow recalls—while Taco Bell’s lettuce-linked cluster remains a major focus. Invasive Pest Watch: West Virginia’s spotted lanternfly push hit a new milestone as Kanawha County was added after confirmation in St. Albans, raising fresh concerns for agriculture and property. Energy & Industry: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission hearings underscored that coal “comes first” in FirstEnergy’s Monongalia County gas plant and AEP’s long-term energy plan discussions. Workforce & Growth: IKO Commercial expanded its roofing sales network with new independent agencies covering West Virginia and nearby markets. Mining Output: Clinch Resources says its first met coal train was sold and a first 65,000-ton vessel is expected to ship in early September from its Lanes Branch operation in Wyoming County.

Food Safety & Agriculture: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce continues to expand nationwide, with federal officials reporting 4,173 confirmed cases across 41 states and more than 7,400 additional reports under review; in West Virginia, health officials say residents should watch recall updates and seek care for persistent watery diarrhea. Local Business & Retail: Fresh & Ready Foods LLC recalled spicy breakfast burritos in multiple states, including West Virginia, due to undeclared soy after sausage was found in products labeled vegetarian. Energy & Infrastructure: Yeager Airport construction is moving through its terminal pre-security and Phase Two upgrades, while the airport approved projects including an eVTOL charging station and fuel farm improvements. Manufacturing/Tech & Local Control: A Fundamental Data engineer urged Tucker County officials to adopt safeguards like noise rules for a proposed data center and power complex, but West Virginia law limits local ordinances that would affect data center development. Public Works & Community Resilience: After severe flooding in Upshur and Lewis counties, officials announced shelter sites, donation drop-offs, and continued search-and-rescue operations as 911 lines were down in Upshur. Transportation/Ports: House and Senate committees advanced WRDA 2026 water projects, including funding for ports, inland waterways, and flood and storm risk management. Aviation/Jobs: Yeager Airport also announced it’s hiring for open positions ahead of upcoming Global Entry enrollment events.

Severe Weather & Public Safety: Devastating flooding hit Upshur County after intense storms, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey saying he’s “concerned about fatalities” as search-and-rescue continues; officials reported major flooding that washed out roads and even knocked out 911 service, while the National Guard ramped up response with hundreds of troops and swiftwater teams. Transportation & Infrastructure: Sistersville moved to restore its historic ferry, approving purchase of a replacement vessel expected to cost about $250,000, with a goal of resuming service by September. Food & Agriculture: The multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell remains under investigation as FDA and CDC updates continue; health officials in Nevada reiterated there’s no evidence of local spread, urging residents to watch recall guidance. Energy & Industry: EQT shares jumped after second-quarter results, with the company raising full-year production targets and announcing new supply deals. Local Economy & Construction: WVDOT awarded a $74.5 million contract to rehabilitate the Fort Hill Truss Bridge (I-64), with early lane closures starting this fall and bigger traffic shifts expected in 2027. Consumer Protection: The WV Attorney General warned residents about a “free” gas and grocery card mailer scam that charges a $5 processing fee and then adds another $46. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: NSF announced 12 new Regional Innovation Engines awards to spur jobs and critical technologies, while West Virginia’s National Jamboree planning continues as thousands of Scouts arrive for the event at Summit Bechtel Reserve.

Food Safety & Agriculture: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell remains the big national story, with federal health officials still pointing to Taylor Farms de Mexico even after an FDA lab result was later called a false positive; the CDC says 1,644 illnesses across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with 94 hospitalizations, and Taco Bell has removed Taylor Farms lettuce from its system while lawsuits and recalls expand. Public Health Accountability: WVU Health Systems reached a $4.1 million federal settlement over opioid thefts and reporting failures, after DEA findings showed systemwide theft and lax record keeping. Energy & Utilities: AEP is seeking PSC approval for a $200M plan to extend a coal-fired plant in Marshall County, with rate impacts tied to future load needs like data centers; separately, EQT reported Q2 results and raised its 2026 production forecast amid weaker gas prices. West Virginia Growth & Jobs: WVU leads an NSF RETI Consortium winning up to $160M over a decade, adding up to $321M with partners to drive energy security tech, startups and jobs. Local Business & Construction: Rainelle Medical Center broke ground on a new clinic near White Sulphur Springs, targeting completion in spring 2027. Finance: WesBanco posted record Q2 2026 results, with net income rising to $88.4M. Community & Culture: Bluefield’s Hotel Thelma restaurant restoration received a $100K grant to bring back a soul food spot.

Food Safety & Agriculture: West Virginia health officials are tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations, with FDA still pointing to Taylor Farms de Mexico even after a “false positive” lab result was walked back; Mexico’s health minister says there’s no proof the outbreak started in Guanajuato, while guidance for residents remains: avoid recalled lettuce, ask restaurants about sources, and wash produce well. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in Kanawha County (St. Albans), the 22nd WV county with detections, raising new risks for vineyards, orchards, and hardwood forests. Local Utilities & Legal: A Fayette County circuit judge temporarily halted the sale/dissolution of Fayette County PSDs over unpaid debt claims, after an engineering firm alleged the buyer wouldn’t account for what it’s owed. Public Health & Consumer Protection: The WV attorney general warned residents about scam postcards offering “free” gas and grocery vouchers after a processing-fee payment. Energy & Weather: Appalachian Power is preparing for severe storms with damaging winds and possible outages across its service area. Business: First Community Bankshares reported record Q2 2026 net income and a higher quarterly cash dividend.

Food Safety & Agriculture: The multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce continues to roil grocery and restaurant supply chains, with the FDA saying a previously reported positive lab result for Taylor Farms was a false positive—while still pointing to Taylor Farms Mexico-sourced lettuce as the likely source and keeping the recall in effect across 27 states, including West Virginia. Public Health Guidance: Consumers are being told to avoid recalled lettuce and follow safe produce-washing steps as case counts climb in several states. Energy & Utilities: West Virginia’s Public Service Commission announced progress on broadband pole-attachment disputes and opened a review into electric capacity auction governance tied to PJM. Local Infrastructure & Power: Weston City Council formally opposed the Valley North Transmission Line, citing impacts to property values, tourism, agriculture, historic resources, wildlife, and public health. Power Demand Watch: A new look at data centers highlights why the growing industry needs major electricity and cooling planning—an issue that matters as West Virginia weighs energy security and grid capacity. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show E85 and E15 prices in West Virginia easing in the week ending July 11, with several counties posting single-station lows.

Cyclospora Food Safety Shake-Up: The FDA walked back a prior positive lab result tied to Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce, calling it a false positive, but still urged consumers to avoid recalled products as the multistate cyclosporiasis investigation continues. Retail & Supply Chain Impact: Walmart expanded recall notices for Taylor Fresh Foods lettuce shipped to 27 states, including West Virginia, while Taco Bell removed affected lettuce from restaurants in five states. Public Health Pressure in the Region: Michigan reported 6,148 cases, with West Virginia among the states previously warned by FDA/CDC to not eat certain Taco Bell lettuce. Local Industry & Jobs: Fairmont’s Kibar Americas says it’s on track to restart operations at the former Novellis aluminum facility, with first product lines expected in coming weeks and hiring to follow. Aerospace Contract: Pratt & Whitney Canada won a $1 billion, nine-year JPATS sustainment deal to overhaul 750+ PT6A-68 engines, with its Bridgeport, W.Va. workforce cited. Energy Policy Watch: Federal officials advanced a plan to open 2,800 acres of Ohio’s Wayne National Forest to fracking via a Sept. 15 lease sale, with nearby ties to Parkersburg, W.Va. Construction & Infrastructure: Congress fully funded the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild, and West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito joined a tour of overwater foundation work in Baltimore.

Food Safety Update: The FDA says a Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce sample tied to the Cyclospora “explosive diarrhea” outbreak was a false positive, and it now reports no confirmed positive product tests as of July 19, though the investigation is still ongoing; Taylor Farms’ voluntary recall and retailer pullbacks remain in place as officials keep tracing what sickened more than 1,600 people across multiple states, including West Virginia. Retail & Supply Chain: Walmart removed certain Taylor Farms Marketside bagged lettuce items in multiple states as a precaution, following Taco Bell’s earlier decision to pull the lettuce from restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Local Business Costs: The Cleveland Fed’s Beige Book notes fuel and petroleum-related costs are still pressuring prices across the region that includes West Virginia, even as some fuel prices have eased. STEM & Workforce: Gov. Morrisey toured West Virginia Wesleyan’s SpaceTrek aerospace camp for young women in Buckhannon, highlighting a pipeline into STEM careers. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported West Virginia diesel and premium prices hovering around the mid-$4 range for the week ending July 11, with county-by-county lows including McDowell premium at $4.34.

Food Safety Fallout: The FDA confirmed a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Salinas-based Taylor Farms tested positive for Cyclospora, even though the company says the positive lot isn’t part of its current recall—raising fresh questions for shoppers and food operators. Multi-State Recall: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall of central Mexico iceberg lettuce to 27 states, including West Virginia, after the outbreak was linked to Taco Bell lettuce; retailers and distributors have pulled product and consumers are urged to discard it. West Virginia Impact: The CDC has tied the outbreak to Taco Bell-linked cases in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with hundreds of hospitalizations reported nationwide and no deaths. Local Governance & Tech: In Huntington, officials are defending a $2.1 million Flock Safety contract amid ACLU-backed legal action over surveillance concerns, including license plate readers and other monitoring tools. Politics & Policy: Sen. Mark Warner campaigned in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, fielding questions on AI, Iran, housing and election security.