West Virginia Watch

06/04/2026

The federal government will spend $700 million on building or refurbishing coal power infrastructure across the country in a boost to “clean, beautiful coal,” President Donald Trump said Thursday in the Oval Office, reports Jacob Fischler.

The federal government will spend $700 million on building or refurbishing coal power infrastructure in a boost to coal, Trump said.

06/04/2026

Members of the West Virginia State Democratic Executive Committee will meet Saturday in Charleston to elect a chair and other party leaders.

Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva, currently the party’s first vice chair, announced earlier this week she’ll challenge Party Chair Mike Pushkin, a delegate representing Kanawha County, in the election for chair.

Members of the West Virginia State Democratic Executive Committee will meet Saturday in Charleston to elect a chair and other party leaders. Wheeling attorney Teresa Toriseva, currently the party’s first vice chair, announced earlier this week she’ll challenge Party Chair Mike Pushkin, a delegat...

06/04/2026

Foster children suing West Virginia officials over the state’s troubled child welfare system will have another chance to pursue legal action following a successful appeal.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday reversed and remanded a decision last year made by U.S. District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin dismissing the lawsuit meant to improve West Virginia’s long-troubled foster care system.

Foster children suing West Virginia officials over the state’s troubled child welfare system will have another chance to pursue legal action following a successful appeal.

06/04/2026

COMMENTARY: You may have seen in the news lately that climatologists expect the upcoming El Niño to be one of the strongest ever recorded. For much of the world, high temperatures and droughts are expected. In the United States we’re more likely to see more humidity, rain and storms, writes Quenton King.

Experts expect this year could still end up being in the top five hottest years ever recorded — 2025 was the third highest.

06/04/2026

A team at the University of Michigan has created an online tool to track school closures and consolidations in West Virginia as the state is grappling with population decline and widespread school financial issues.

The project was led by Roane County native Christina Weiland, who is currently professor of education and social policy at the University of Michigan.

A team at the University of Michigan has created an online tool to track school closures and consolidations in West Virginia.

06/03/2026

West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack hand delivered a letter Wednesday to state Auditor Mark Hunt requesting more information to clarify the legality surrounding Sen. Jay Taylor’s contract employment at the Auditor’s Office.

West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack hand delivered a letter Wednesday to state Auditor Mark Hunt requesting more information to clarify the legality surrounding Sen. Jay Taylor’s contract employment at the Auditor’s Office.

06/03/2026

Negotiations are stalling and tensions escalating as employees for The Beverage Market, in Charleston, are entering the fourth week of their strike.

The employees — nearly 50 drivers, warehouse workers and more who are all represented by Teamsters Local 175 — have been manning picket lines 24/7 since declaring the strike on May 12.

Negotiations are stalling and tensions escalating as employees for The Beverage Market are entering the fourth week of their strike.

06/02/2026

A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia said that numerous statements made by state officials about a winter immigration crackdown in West Virginia were false or misleading. Three-quarters of the people arrested during the 15-day immigration arrest – called “Operation Country Roads” – had no criminal record, the group said.

A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia said that numerous statements made by state officials about a winter immigration crackdown in West Virginia were false or misleading. Three-quarters of the people arrested during the 15-day immigration arrest – called “Operati...

06/02/2026

COMMENTARY: Folklorist Milnes stewards WV’s living heritage, keeping our past alive for generations, Paula Kaufman writes

06/02/2026

Lawyers that helped WV foster children sue state officials over troubled system still seeking appeal

A sweeping lawsuit brought by foster children against West Virginia continues to seek an appeal after a federal judge tossed the lawsuit out, saying the problems couldn't be resolved by a court.