West Virginia Watch
@westvirginiawatch.com
Nonprofit, nonpartisan, independent journalism not hidden behind a paywall. Mountaineers are always free, and so is West Virginia Watch.
westvirginiawatch.com
westvirginiawatch.com
Pinned
Want to follow a journalist or commentary writer you saw published on West Virginia Watch? Find them on our starter pack! go.bsky.app/QGT1pGH
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday, reports Shauneen Miranda.
Trump Education Department bolsters protections for prayer in schools • West Virginia Watch
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:04 PM
The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday, reports Shauneen Miranda.
A federal judge has ordered the release of an immigrant detainee from a West Virginia jail, saying the government violated the immigrant’s constitutional rights, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
Federal judge orders release of fourth WV immigrant detainee wrongly jailed • West Virginia Watch
A judge has ordered the release of an immigrant detainee from a West Virginia jail, saying the government violated the immigrant’s constitutional rights.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:03 PM
A federal judge has ordered the release of an immigrant detainee from a West Virginia jail, saying the government violated the immigrant’s constitutional rights, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president nearly three months ago, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
US Senate Republicans block attempt to sue Trump administration over Epstein files • West Virginia Watch
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimously approved by senators and signed by the president nearly three months ago, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
President Donald Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock this week in the form of bipartisan approval of a spending law that gives the department a small raise, reports Shauneen Miranda.
In setback for Trump, Congress in spending law rejects call to axe Education Department • West Virginia Watch
Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education hit a major roadblock this week in the form of bipartisan approval of a spending law that gives the department a…
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM
President Donald Trump’s attempts to dramatically slash funding for the U.S. Department of Education amid a broader push to dismantle the agency hit a major roadblock this week in the form of bipartisan approval of a spending law that gives the department a small raise, reports Shauneen Miranda.
The West Virginia chapter of an organization that advocates for older people is calling on state lawmakers to implement fraud protections for state residents, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
AARP WV announces push for crypto, fraud legislation during 2026 legislative session • West Virginia Watch
The West Virginia chapter of AARP is calling on state lawmakers to implement fraud protections for state residents.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:17 PM
The West Virginia chapter of an organization that advocates for older people is calling on state lawmakers to implement fraud protections for state residents, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
Critics of the nondisclosure agreements say they have protected abusers and institutions for decades, reports @acvollers.bsky.social.
States move to ban NDAs that silence survivors of child sexual abuse • West Virginia Watch
States including Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma are considering joining the handful of others that ban nondisclosure agreements from being used in civil settlements that involve child sexual abuse…
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Critics of the nondisclosure agreements say they have protected abusers and institutions for decades, reports @acvollers.bsky.social.
COMMENTARY: Whatever you think of the policy, ICE agents have behaved like the dreaded secret police of totalitarian regimes, and disgraced America in so many ways it is hard to count them, writes Neal Barkus.
ICE has violated America • West Virginia Watch
ICE is the hammer of the Trump Administration’s immigration policy. Public opinion is mixed on the policy, but not supportive of ICE methods.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:01 PM
COMMENTARY: Whatever you think of the policy, ICE agents have behaved like the dreaded secret police of totalitarian regimes, and disgraced America in so many ways it is hard to count them, writes Neal Barkus.
For another year, lawmakers in the state House of Delegates are attempting to ban syringe service programs across West Virginia, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
Lawmakers in a House health subcommittee consider bill to ban all syringe service programs in WV • West Virginia Watch
For another year, lawmakers in the state House of Delegates are attempting to ban syringe service programs across West Virginia.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:30 PM
For another year, lawmakers in the state House of Delegates are attempting to ban syringe service programs across West Virginia, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
As federal judges have ruled that three immigrants were wrongly jailed in West Virginia, the state continues to hold hundreds of immigrant detainees in its overcrowded jails, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
As federal judge says third immigrant wrongly jailed in WV, jails overcrowded with ICE detainees • West Virginia Watch
As a judge ruled that two immigrants were wrongly jailed in West Virginia, the state continued to hold hundreds of immigrants in its jails.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:21 PM
As federal judges have ruled that three immigrants were wrongly jailed in West Virginia, the state continues to hold hundreds of immigrant detainees in its overcrowded jails, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
If you want to stay up-to-date with the Legislature, subscribe to our free daily newsletter or the weekly roundup that's delivered to your inbox on Sunday morning.
Subscribe • West Virginia Watch
Sign up for our newsletter First Watch for original reporting and diverse commentary covering the Mountain State.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM
If you want to stay up-to-date with the Legislature, subscribe to our free daily newsletter or the weekly roundup that's delivered to your inbox on Sunday morning.
The top two Democrats in Congress outlined their proposal for restrictions on immigration enforcement, including body cameras and a ban on masks, though they had no details to share about when actual negotiations would begin, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social and @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
Top Dems in Congress list ICE constraints they want in funding bill • West Virginia Watch
The Democrats in Congress outlined their proposal for restrictions on immigration enforcement, including body cameras and a ban on masks.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:05 PM
The top two Democrats in Congress outlined their proposal for restrictions on immigration enforcement, including body cameras and a ban on masks, though they had no details to share about when actual negotiations would begin, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social and @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
A disturbing domestic violence and murder case in Kanawha County has spurred legislation that supporters hope will prevent further tragedies like it in West Virginia, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
WV House member wants to increase domestic violence penalties after Kanawha woman shot by husband • West Virginia Watch
A domestic violence and murder case in Kanawha County has spurred legislation that supporters hope will prevent further tragedies like it.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM
A disturbing domestic violence and murder case in Kanawha County has spurred legislation that supporters hope will prevent further tragedies like it in West Virginia, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
Department of Justice attorneys said that a final decision will be made by May as to what kind of death penalty charges could be pursued for the suspect accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard members in the nation’s capital, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
Suspect in deadly shooting of guard member pleads not guilty amid death penalty discussion • West Virginia Watch
Department of Justice attorneys said a decision will be made by May as to what kind of death penalty charges could be pursued for the suspect accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard…
westvirginiawatch.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Department of Justice attorneys said that a final decision will be made by May as to what kind of death penalty charges could be pursued for the suspect accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard members in the nation’s capital, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
Renee Good’s family, distraught and in disbelief over her killing, took some comfort in the past few weeks thinking her death might prompt change in the country, her brother Luke Ganger said Tuesday, reports Shauneen Miranda.
Family of Renee Good, citizens hurt by DHS detail violence to Democratic panel • West Virginia Watch
Renee Good’s family took some comfort in the past few weeks thinking her death might prompt change in the country, her brother said.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Renee Good’s family, distraught and in disbelief over her killing, took some comfort in the past few weeks thinking her death might prompt change in the country, her brother Luke Ganger said Tuesday, reports Shauneen Miranda.
The federal district court judge overseeing the lawsuit Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly filed against the Department of Defense said during a Tuesday hearing he expects to issue a ruling before Feb. 11, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
First Amendment free speech rights debated in Sen. Mark Kelly’s illegal orders case • West Virginia Watch
The judge overseeing the lawsuit Sen. Mark Kelly filed against the Department of Defense said he expects to issue a ruling before Feb. 11.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
The federal district court judge overseeing the lawsuit Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly filed against the Department of Defense said during a Tuesday hearing he expects to issue a ruling before Feb. 11, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
A bill advancing in the West Virginia Senate aims to prohibit out-of-state providers and organizations from sending abortion medication to West Virginia, where it’s mostly banned, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
Senate health committee advances legislation to prohibit mailing of abortion pills to West Virginia • West Virginia Watch
A bill advancing in the West Virginia Senate aims to prohibit out-of-state providers from sending abortion medication to West Virginia.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM
A bill advancing in the West Virginia Senate aims to prohibit out-of-state providers and organizations from sending abortion medication to West Virginia, where it’s mostly banned, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
President Donald Trump restated a call Tuesday for federal control over election administration across the country, undermining the structure outlined in the Constitution that empowers states to run elections, reports @fischler.bsky.social.
Trump doubles down on calling for the feds to take over state elections • West Virginia Watch
President Donald Trump restated a call Tuesday for federal control over election administration across the country.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:26 PM
President Donald Trump restated a call Tuesday for federal control over election administration across the country, undermining the structure outlined in the Constitution that empowers states to run elections, reports @fischler.bsky.social.
The question for many states and school districts isn’t whether to remove distracting devices from students each day, but for how long, reports Robbie Sequeira.
As school cellphone bans gain in popularity, lawmakers say it’s time to go bell-to-bell • West Virginia Watch
States that have passed laws requiring some kind of cellphone policy now are considering going further by mandating daylong bans, even for high schoolers.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The question for many states and school districts isn’t whether to remove distracting devices from students each day, but for how long, reports Robbie Sequeira.
More than 26,000 children currently lack access to child care because providers don’t have enough available slots, according to state estimates, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
Will West Virginia lawmakers address the state’s inadequate child care this year? • West Virginia Watch
Parents and child care workers are hoping lawmakers will work on improving the state’s child care desert during the legislative session.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:44 PM
More than 26,000 children currently lack access to child care because providers don’t have enough available slots, according to state estimates, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
The West Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday approved two bills meant to help the state in the application process for the five-year, $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation Program, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
WV House passes bills aimed at helping state’s chances for Rural Health Transformation funds • West Virginia Watch
The West Virginia House approved two bills meant to help the state in the application process for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:00 PM
The West Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday approved two bills meant to help the state in the application process for the five-year, $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation Program, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
Dozens of U.S. House Democrats and leaders of several caucuses rallied Tuesday morning outside U.S. ICE headquarters in the nation's capital, demanding the resignation, firing or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
US House Democrats call for Kristi Noem’s firing in rally outside ICE headquarters • West Virginia Watch
Dozens of U.S. House Democrats rallied outside ICE headquarters demanding the resignation, firing or impeachment of Kristi Noem.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Dozens of U.S. House Democrats and leaders of several caucuses rallied Tuesday morning outside U.S. ICE headquarters in the nation's capital, demanding the resignation, firing or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
West Virginia teachers who are pregnant or new mothers could access their county’s voluntary sick leave bank when needed, according to a bill that’s being considered in the House of Delegates, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
Bill says WV teachers who are pregnant, new mothers would have access to donated sick days • West Virginia Watch
The House is considering a bill that would allow teachers who are pregnant or new mothers could access the voluntary sick leave bank.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM
West Virginia teachers who are pregnant or new mothers could access their county’s voluntary sick leave bank when needed, according to a bill that’s being considered in the House of Delegates, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
The U.S. House cleared a government funding package Tuesday, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump, who is expected to quickly sign it and end the partial shutdown that began this past weekend, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
US House sends funding bill to Trump, setting up immigration enforcement debate • West Virginia Watch
The U.S. House cleared a government funding package Tuesday, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:19 PM
The U.S. House cleared a government funding package Tuesday, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump, who is expected to quickly sign it and end the partial shutdown that began this past weekend, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
Expanded exemptions for parents are likely to drop both Mississippi and West Virginia from the top national rankings they held before the pandemic, according to a Stateline analysis of federal data, reports Tim Henderson of @stateline.org.
States that once led in child vaccination fall as they expand exemptions • West Virginia Watch
States that were leaders in childhood vaccination before the pandemic are among those losing ground as exemptions take hold.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Expanded exemptions for parents are likely to drop both Mississippi and West Virginia from the top national rankings they held before the pandemic, according to a Stateline analysis of federal data, reports Tim Henderson of @stateline.org.
COMMENTARY: When female firefighters develop cancers such as ovarian, uterine, breast or cervical — conditions linked to toxic exposures — West Virginia law provides no protection, writes Jordan Cade.
West Virginia must close the cancer coverage gap for women firefighters • West Virginia Watch
West Virginia worker compensation law recognizes certain cancers contracted by male firefighters, but ignores women exposed to the same conditions as colleagues.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM
COMMENTARY: When female firefighters develop cancers such as ovarian, uterine, breast or cervical — conditions linked to toxic exposures — West Virginia law provides no protection, writes Jordan Cade.