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A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday, reports @fischler.bsky.social.
Energy secretary calls for more emphasis on fossil fuels to keep power on in winter storms • West Virginia Watch
A focus on addressing climate change has not helped Americans keep their electricity on during storms, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:46 PM
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday, reports @fischler.bsky.social.
Episode 14 of Stories from the State, Looking into one of ICE’s biggest contractors: CoreCivic, is now live!
Looking into one of ICE’s biggest contractors: CoreCivic • West Virginia Watch
For years, private prison companies have been a key partner to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the government carried out its immigration agenda. In 2025, they’ve been rapidly expanding,…
westvirginiawatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Episode 14 of Stories from the State, Looking into one of ICE’s biggest contractors: CoreCivic, is now live!
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has appointed longtime law enforcement officer Michael Baylous to be secretary of the state’s Department of Homeland Security, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
Morrisey appoints Baylous to lead WV Homeland Security • West Virginia Watch
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has appointed Michael Baylous to be secretary of the state’s Department of Homeland Security.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:17 PM
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has appointed longtime law enforcement officer Michael Baylous to be secretary of the state’s Department of Homeland Security, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
Members of Congress from both political parties expressed dismay and disappointment Friday after President Donald Trump shared a video on social media depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
GOP senator calls Trump's Obama meme ‘the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House’ • West Virginia Watch
Members of Congress from both political parties expressed dismay and disappointment Friday after Trump shared a racist video on social media.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Members of Congress from both political parties expressed dismay and disappointment Friday after President Donald Trump shared a video on social media depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers, reports Kevin Hardy.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers, reports Kevin Hardy.
COMMENTARY: We all know McCuskey picks and chooses when he wants to support West Virginians. Do you remember his office joining other states’ lawsuits to defend programs that were cut last year, like AmeriCorps? Me neither. Because he didn’t, writes Quenton King.
WV GOP doesn’t want you to have nice things • West Virginia Watch
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey has particularly taken an interest in attacking environmental or climate laws.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:04 PM
COMMENTARY: We all know McCuskey picks and chooses when he wants to support West Virginians. Do you remember his office joining other states’ lawsuits to defend programs that were cut last year, like AmeriCorps? Me neither. Because he didn’t, writes Quenton King.
Congress has approved the first public health funding bill since President Donald Trump began his second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the elimination of dozens of programs, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
'It is astonishing': Congress rebuffs Trump push to slash $33B from health, human services • West Virginia Watch
Congress has approved the first public health funding bill since President Donald Trump began his second term.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Congress has approved the first public health funding bill since President Donald Trump began his second term, with lawmakers largely rejecting his proposed spending cuts and the elimination of dozens of programs, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
A bill that would prohibit out-of-state entities and health care providers from sending abortion pills to West Virginia, where it’s mostly illegal, is headed towards a vote by the full West Virginia Senate, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
Bill prohibiting mailing abortion pills to West Virginia heads to state Senate for a vote • West Virginia Watch
A bill that would prohibit out-of-state entities from sending abortion pills to West Virginia is headed towards a vote by the Senate.
westvirginiawatch.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:53 PM
A bill that would prohibit out-of-state entities and health care providers from sending abortion pills to West Virginia, where it’s mostly illegal, is headed towards a vote by the full West Virginia Senate, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social.
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.