Brad McElhinny
@bradmcelhinny.bsky.social
statewide correspondent for West Virginia MetroNews
West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey joined counterparts across the country in an appeals court filing to support the continued presence of National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
West Virginia AG and others file brief in federal appeals court supporting National Guard in D.C. - WV MetroNews
West Virginia has an estimated 160 to 170 National Guard members who have remained in Washington, D.C., in a response to a call from the governor for volunteers.
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December 4, 2025 at 10:01 AM
West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey joined counterparts across the country in an appeals court filing to support the continued presence of National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
West Virginia’s charter schools system is under a permanent injunction after a circuit judge’s Thursday ruling in a case stretching back several years.
Permanent injunction on West Virginia charter schools system over constitutional issue of citizen votes - WV MetroNews
The order by Kanawha Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey halts the authorization of new charter schools in West Virginia without voter consent. But it provides some latitude.
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December 3, 2025 at 11:40 PM
West Virginia’s charter schools system is under a permanent injunction after a circuit judge’s Thursday ruling in a case stretching back several years.
The state Supreme Court has pumped the brakes on a Raleigh County circuit judge’s recent ruling in a case with statewide implications about religious exemptions to West Virginia’s school vaccination requirements.
Supreme Court halts lower court ruling to allow religious exemptions to school vaccine requirements - WV MetroNews
The stay would apply as the Supreme Court moves to review what has happened up to now in the Raleigh County courtroom.
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December 3, 2025 at 2:06 AM
The state Supreme Court has pumped the brakes on a Raleigh County circuit judge’s recent ruling in a case with statewide implications about religious exemptions to West Virginia’s school vaccination requirements.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said flags have been lowered to half-mast for 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed last week while on duty in Washington, D.C.
Governor: Ceremonies for Spc. Beckstrom will be up to family; Wolfe shows positive signs - WV MetroNews
Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot the day before Thanksgiving at the corner of 17th and I Streets NW.
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December 1, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said flags have been lowered to half-mast for 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed last week while on duty in Washington, D.C.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey has emphasized in recent days that West Virginia National Guard members on duty in Washington, D.C., including two who were tragically shot the day before Thanksgiving, have been there as volunteers.
Following tragic D.C. shooting, governor emphasizes that National Guard members had volunteered - WV MetroNews
Morrisey repeated the voluntary aspect of the National Guard mission today during his first briefing with West Virginia reporters since the attack.
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December 1, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Gov. Patrick Morrisey has emphasized in recent days that West Virginia National Guard members on duty in Washington, D.C., including two who were tragically shot the day before Thanksgiving, have been there as volunteers.
Justices had before them a set of unusual circumstances: an Amish couple that wanted to take in a mixed-race toddler in long-term foster care with the intent to adopt.
Mixed race toddler and Amish couple can make a family, West Virginia Supreme Court rules - WV MetroNews
In an opinion issued this month, justices determined that the care the family is offering for the boy, who is now two, outweighs other concerns.
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December 1, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Justices had before them a set of unusual circumstances: an Amish couple that wanted to take in a mixed-race toddler in long-term foster care with the intent to adopt.
West Virginia is honoring the service of 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom
"My baby girl has passed to Glory," her father, Gary Beckstrom, posted on social media.
"My baby girl has passed to Glory," her father, Gary Beckstrom, posted on social media.
West Virginia and nation honor National Guard members who were shot in D.C. - WV MetroNews
Following the death of 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, the federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia said the suspect now will face charges upgraded to…
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November 28, 2025 at 4:59 PM
West Virginia is honoring the service of 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom
"My baby girl has passed to Glory," her father, Gary Beckstrom, posted on social media.
"My baby girl has passed to Glory," her father, Gary Beckstrom, posted on social media.
West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died after being shot while on duty in Washington, D.C., Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard has died after D.C. shooting, governor says - WV MetroNews
Beckstrom is from Summersville and was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, West Virginia Army National Guard.
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November 28, 2025 at 12:15 AM
West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died after being shot while on duty in Washington, D.C., Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were identified as the two members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot in Washington, D.C.
West Virginia National Guard shooting victims identified as Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe - WV MetroNews
The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro identified the two at a news conference Thursday.
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November 27, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were identified as the two members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot in Washington, D.C.
Two members of the National Guard who were shot in Washington, D.C. were from West Virginia, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
Federal and D.C. authorities described the Guard members as in critical condition, receiving treatment in an area hospital
Federal and D.C. authorities described the Guard members as in critical condition, receiving treatment in an area hospital
Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot in D.C., governor says - WV MetroNews
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser called the attack a “targeted shooting.”
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November 27, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Two members of the National Guard who were shot in Washington, D.C. were from West Virginia, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
Federal and D.C. authorities described the Guard members as in critical condition, receiving treatment in an area hospital
Federal and D.C. authorities described the Guard members as in critical condition, receiving treatment in an area hospital
Two members of the National Guard who were shot in Washington, D.C. were from West Virginia, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
The governor said the two died.
The governor said the two died.
Two West Virginia National Guard members were killed in D.C. shooting, governor says - WV MetroNews
'It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries,' the governor said.
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November 26, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Two members of the National Guard who were shot in Washington, D.C. were from West Virginia, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
The governor said the two died.
The governor said the two died.
In a 74-page Thanksgiving week order, Circuit Judge Michael Froble granted permanent injunctive and declaratory relief to families who want the public school system to accept religious exemptions processed by the state health department.
Circuit judge's final order: Schools can't block unvaccinated students citing religious exemptions - WV MetroNews
Attorneys for the state and local school boards signaled weeks ago that they would appeal the local judge's rulings to the state Supreme Court.
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November 26, 2025 at 4:57 PM
In a 74-page Thanksgiving week order, Circuit Judge Michael Froble granted permanent injunctive and declaratory relief to families who want the public school system to accept religious exemptions processed by the state health department.
Members of the West Virginia National Guard still on duty in the District of Columbia recorded video messages to send well-wishes for the holiday.
About 160 West Virginia National Guard volunteers will be in D.C. through Thanksgiving - WV MetroNews
Members of the West Virginia National Guard still on duty in the District of Columbia recorded video messages to send well-wishes for the holiday.
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November 26, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Members of the West Virginia National Guard still on duty in the District of Columbia recorded video messages to send well-wishes for the holiday.
Hundreds of Glade Springs Resort lots owned by Senator Jim Justice's family were recently close to a forced auction. Now, the state Supreme Court will review the dispute with oral arguments scheduled for the next term, although no specific date is set.
Justice's Glade Springs lots, once on the verge of auction, will be focus of Supreme Court review next year - WV MetroNews
A financial dispute between the Justice family business and Glade Springs Village Property Owners Association goes back years.
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November 24, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Hundreds of Glade Springs Resort lots owned by Senator Jim Justice's family were recently close to a forced auction. Now, the state Supreme Court will review the dispute with oral arguments scheduled for the next term, although no specific date is set.
“Well, I’m listening to all ideas,” Senator Shelley Moore Capito said. “I realize that there are tens of thousands of West Virginians that are impacted by this.”
Senator Capito anticipates vote on ACA subsidies, is open to health savings accounts alternative - WV MetroNews
Part of the bargain to pass stopgap funding for the federal government through early next year included the promise of a Senate floor vote in December on legislation to extend the expiring ACA tax…
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November 24, 2025 at 10:01 AM
“Well, I’m listening to all ideas,” Senator Shelley Moore Capito said. “I realize that there are tens of thousands of West Virginians that are impacted by this.”
Gov. Patrick Morrisey has selected Charleston attorney Gerald Titus III to fill a state Supreme Court vacancy.
Governor announces attorney Gerald Titus III to fill Supreme Court vacancy - WV MetroNews
The appointee serves until the next general election, at which point they can run to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.
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November 21, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Gov. Patrick Morrisey has selected Charleston attorney Gerald Titus III to fill a state Supreme Court vacancy.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito expressed relief that the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history ended last week, and she would like to avoid another shutdown when a continuing resolution ends Jan. 30.
Capito is glad the shutdown is over, and she'd rather avoid another one Jan. 30 - WV MetroNews
The continuing resolution that wound up passing expires now in just a little more than two months.
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November 21, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Senator Shelley Moore Capito expressed relief that the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history ended last week, and she would like to avoid another shutdown when a continuing resolution ends Jan. 30.
A federal judge ruled that deployment of the National Guard from several states, including West Virginia, has been unlawful.
Federal judge rules against deployment of National Guard to D.C. without local consent - WV MetroNews
On August 11, President Donald Trump declared a “crime emergency” for the District of Columbia, and five days later Gov. Patrick Morrisey deployed 300 to 400 members of the West Virginia National…
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November 20, 2025 at 10:11 PM
A federal judge ruled that deployment of the National Guard from several states, including West Virginia, has been unlawful.
The West Virginia National Guard announced participation in patrols in Washington, D.C., until the end of the year. However, the mission is being scaled back.
Much of West Virginia National Guard returns from D.C., with volunteer members remaining - WV MetroNews
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state will re-evaluate extending the mission every quarter through the end of fiscal 2026.
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November 19, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The West Virginia National Guard announced participation in patrols in Washington, D.C., until the end of the year. However, the mission is being scaled back.
Riley Moore and Carol Miller, West Virginia’s congressional representatives, supported a bill urging the Department of Justice to disclose more details on federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and accused sex trafficker.
Moore and Miller vote for bill to compel release of files from Epstein trafficking investigation - WV MetroNews
The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration, where Senator Shelley Moore Capito says 'I would vote to release the files.'
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November 18, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Riley Moore and Carol Miller, West Virginia’s congressional representatives, supported a bill urging the Department of Justice to disclose more details on federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and accused sex trafficker.
Bluestone Coal, a company owned by Senator Jim Justice’s family, has had more than $3 million in liens filed against it for unpaid severance and special reclamation taxes over the past few years, according to public records on file in McDowell County.
State tax department files $3 million in liens on Justice's Bluestone over three years: McDowell County records - WV MetroNews
The liens were filed by the West Virginia Tax Division between 2023, when Justice was still governor, and this past summer.
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November 17, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Bluestone Coal, a company owned by Senator Jim Justice’s family, has had more than $3 million in liens filed against it for unpaid severance and special reclamation taxes over the past few years, according to public records on file in McDowell County.
West Virginia Supreme Court justices are being asked to halt — sooner, rather than later — a lower court’s actions that could allow hundreds of students to go to public school without required vaccinations.
Supreme Court is asked to halt judge's final ruling while reviewing religious exemptions class action - WV MetroNews
Lawyers for school boards are asking the court to pause action in the Raleigh County court and examine the class certification issues on an expedited basis.
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November 17, 2025 at 10:01 AM
West Virginia Supreme Court justices are being asked to halt — sooner, rather than later — a lower court’s actions that could allow hundreds of students to go to public school without required vaccinations.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey expressed excitement about several economic development initiatives.
Speaking at an energy summit in Charleston, Morrisey described private sector investments adding up to $4.2 billion.
Speaking at an energy summit in Charleston, Morrisey described private sector investments adding up to $4.2 billion.
Governor praises energy projects in West Virginia, saying more are to come - WV MetroNews
Speaking at an energy summit in Charleston, Morrisey described private sector investments adding up to $4.2 billion.
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November 13, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Gov. Patrick Morrisey expressed excitement about several economic development initiatives.
Speaking at an energy summit in Charleston, Morrisey described private sector investments adding up to $4.2 billion.
Speaking at an energy summit in Charleston, Morrisey described private sector investments adding up to $4.2 billion.
West Virginia benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are nearly ready to go out in full following the conclusion of the federal government shutdown, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said today.
SNAP benefits will start to flow again, governor says - WV MetroNews
About 275,000 West Virginians — 16% of the state’s population — are supported by SNAP benefits.
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November 13, 2025 at 5:08 PM
West Virginia benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are nearly ready to go out in full following the conclusion of the federal government shutdown, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said today.
West Virginia schools have lost 2.5% of their students in the past year, state Superintendent Michele Blatt said today.
The ongoing loss of student population has been a major factor in a wave of school closures across the state.
The ongoing loss of student population has been a major factor in a wave of school closures across the state.
West Virginia student enrollment is down 2.5% since last year, state superintendent says - WV MetroNews
The state's student enrollment is now 234,957 students, Blatt said during a state Board of Education meeting.
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November 12, 2025 at 4:38 PM
West Virginia schools have lost 2.5% of their students in the past year, state Superintendent Michele Blatt said today.
The ongoing loss of student population has been a major factor in a wave of school closures across the state.
The ongoing loss of student population has been a major factor in a wave of school closures across the state.