Scoop Squad Truth Squad

09/20/2025

This article has been updated with the latest information. KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WOWK) – A criminal charge has been dropped against a Kanawha County substitute teacher at the center of an ab…

09/16/2025

Hope to see you there!

09/13/2025

Jenny Harless first spoke to The Scoop Squad about her experience with Tyke Hunt. After that, WCHS's Kenny Bass was able to break the story.

That was the beginning of the end for him. We're thankful that Jenny never gave up her fight for justice. We're thankful for the courage she showed in the face of relentless public attack and scrutiny. She put herself out there knowing the backlash she would have to endure.

Courage and a willingness to bring corruption to light is not easy and not for the faint of heart. Thank you, Jenny, for all you did to expose this injustice.

And it's not over yet...

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — The former chief of the Charleston Police Department says he will never serve in law enforcement again, according to an ethics c

07/25/2025

Maybe President Trump should sue Mayor Goodwin. Looks like a sanctuary city to me.

Photo credit Harry Hamrick

07/14/2025

Comment below if any of the public or private pools in the Kanawha Valley have been shut down due to "acid rain"?

06/11/2025

06/10/2025

Looks like the judge in this case made a pretty significant error.

The West Virginia Supreme Court has overturned the murder convictions of a man who killed four members of his family in Elkview in 2020.Gavin Smith, who is 21

05/14/2025

In 2023 and early 2024, we reported on the allegations involving the West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD). Since then, longtime Executive Director Jenny Gannaway cited family reasons and announced her retirement. Additionally, former Operations Manager Benjamin Cisco was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. Before surrendering to authorities, Cisco appeared on our podcast to share his perspective.

Unfortunately, there have been no significant updates since then. While WV VOAD was referred to the State Auditor, the Legislative Auditor, and the Commission on Special Investigations, no further details have emerged.

However, in April 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia issued press releases regarding the misuse of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds—a $144 million allocation to the state. A South Carolina contractor was ordered to repay nearly $200,000, while Mississippi-based accounting firm HORNE was required to return $1.2 million. Notably, WV VOAD was mentioned in the HORNE case.

While justice often moves slowly, the recent developments raise questions: Will WV VOAD or its leadership face further scrutiny? Cisco’s previous allegations against the organization and its then-director involved these same CDBG-DR funds. We’ll continue to monitor the situation—stay tuned.

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05/11/2025

2025 Legislative Scorecard Preview - Missed Votes. This is a historical look at each legislator and the percentage of votes missed on scored bills.

05/09/2025

VOAD is mentioned in this release by the DOJ. I wonder if they are currently under investigation?

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05/03/2025

Does anyone know what happens to the demolished site if the county can't build the sports complex? I asked Commissioner Wheeler this question after the announcement was made that he agreed to the demolition of the the Macy's building. He only agreed to tell me on the basis that I wouldn't repeat it publicly and that I wasn't recording our conversation.

Since I'm an honest person, I agreed and now forgot what he said🤣🤣🤣

I never claimed to be a journalist lol

A multimillion-dollar sports complex slated for part of the Charleston Town Center is “on pause” due to inflation and budget costs.Kanawha County Commissioner L

04/25/2025

The Charleston City Council voted to resolve a $375,000 settlement in a case involving the city's former police chief James "Tyke" Hunt.