Brad McElhinny
@bradmcelhinny.bsky.social
statewide correspondent for West Virginia MetroNews
The governor said an amount of a tax cut proposal remains undetermined and will require cooperation with the Legislature, “but looking at least a 5 to 10% — that is my goal.
As regular session nears, governor floats another tax cut - WV MetroNews
The governor said an amount remains undetermined and will require cooperation with the Legislature, 'but looking at least a five to 10% -- that is my goal."
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January 5, 2026 at 6:59 PM
The governor said an amount of a tax cut proposal remains undetermined and will require cooperation with the Legislature, “but looking at least a 5 to 10% — that is my goal.
Court system tasks for Legislature (maybe)
-- more specific definition on ban of some artificial food additives
-- clarifying West Virginia’s religious freedoms law and school vaccinations requirements
-- revisiting the approval process for charter schools.
-- more specific definition on ban of some artificial food additives
-- clarifying West Virginia’s religious freedoms law and school vaccinations requirements
-- revisiting the approval process for charter schools.
3 legal questions lawmakers might (or might not) take up: food dyes, charter schools, vaccine exemptions - WV MetroNews
It's not a given that those matters will be points of emphasis when the annual regular session kicks off Jan. 14, but activity in the courts has left openings for legislative action.
buff.ly
January 5, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Court system tasks for Legislature (maybe)
-- more specific definition on ban of some artificial food additives
-- clarifying West Virginia’s religious freedoms law and school vaccinations requirements
-- revisiting the approval process for charter schools.
-- more specific definition on ban of some artificial food additives
-- clarifying West Virginia’s religious freedoms law and school vaccinations requirements
-- revisiting the approval process for charter schools.
“Ultimately, he is responsible for this deployment and mission to Washington D.C. and therefore the safety and welfare of our guard members,” Kanawha Circuit Judge Richard Lindsay wrote of the governor.
Judge's written order emphasizes unique governance of D.C. allows for National Guard deployment - WV MetroNews
About 175 members of the West Virginia National Guard are set to remain in Washington, D.C., until the end of February.
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January 5, 2026 at 10:01 AM
“Ultimately, he is responsible for this deployment and mission to Washington D.C. and therefore the safety and welfare of our guard members,” Kanawha Circuit Judge Richard Lindsay wrote of the governor.
Now with comment from Senator Justice: “I applaud the brave men and women of our armed forces who carried out this decisive action, and applaud @POTUS for his fearless leadership — America will not back down.”
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Capito praises U.S. arrest of Venezuela's Maduro; Trump says 'We are going to run the country' for now - WV MetroNews
Capito: 'I thank @potus for finally taking action to bring this narcoterrorist thug to justice for his crimes, and I look forward to receiving a full briefing in the coming days.'
wvmetronews.com
January 3, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Now with comment from Senator Justice: “I applaud the brave men and women of our armed forces who carried out this decisive action, and applaud @POTUS for his fearless leadership — America will not back down.”
buff.ly/rEEq4mj
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Senator Shelley Moore Capito praised the U.S. military action in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Nicholas Maduro.
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R-W.Va
January 3, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Senator Shelley Moore Capito praised the U.S. military action in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Nicholas Maduro.
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Several members of the West Virginia National Guard on patrol in Washington, D.C., helped suppress the spread of a fire that could have been a very dangerous situation, according to a report from the Joint Task Force-D.C.
Three from West Virginia National Guard praised for stopping apartment fire in D.C. - WV MetroNews
Several members of the West Virginia National Guard on patrol in Washington, D.C., helped suppress the spread of a fire that could have been a very dangerous situation, according to a report from the…
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January 3, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Several members of the West Virginia National Guard on patrol in Washington, D.C., helped suppress the spread of a fire that could have been a very dangerous situation, according to a report from the Joint Task Force-D.C.
Now that West Virginia has secured $199 million for rural health initiatives for the coming year, state officials are looking for people to guide the programs.
With $199 million announced for rural healthcare, West Virginia looks to hire people to lead programs - WV MetroNews
The West Virginia Department of Health is launching an expansive hiring effort to recruit experienced leaders to oversee and implement the investment in West Virginia’s healthcare infrastructure.
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January 2, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Now that West Virginia has secured $199 million for rural health initiatives for the coming year, state officials are looking for people to guide the programs.
Former state Delegate Margaret Staggers died on New Years Day. Staggers, 80, also was an emergency physician at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital.
Margaret Staggers, former delegate and physician, has died - WV MetroNews
Staggers, a Democrat, served in the House of Delegates from 2006 to 2014 and then from 2018 to 2020, representing communities in Fayette County.
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January 1, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Former state Delegate Margaret Staggers died on New Years Day. Staggers, 80, also was an emergency physician at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital.
About 175 members of the West Virginia National Guard will remain in Washington, D.C., on a voluntary basis as the new year begins.
About 175 members of West Virginia National Guard to remain in D.C. through February - WV MetroNews
Governor Morrisey had described a re-evaluation of extending the mission every quarter through the end of fiscal 2026.
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January 1, 2026 at 10:02 AM
About 175 members of the West Virginia National Guard will remain in Washington, D.C., on a voluntary basis as the new year begins.
Haley Bunn will serve as chief justice of West Virginia’s Supreme Court for 18 months beginning on Jan. 1 and continuing through June 30, 2027, as the court transitions the chief justice’s rotation from a calendar year to fiscal year basis.
Haley Bunn is next up as chief justice of West Virginia Supreme Court - WV MetroNews
Haley Bunn will serve as chief justice of West Virginia’s Supreme Court for 18 months beginning on Jan. 1 and continuing through June 30, 2027, as the court transitions the chief justice’s rotation…
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December 31, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Haley Bunn will serve as chief justice of West Virginia’s Supreme Court for 18 months beginning on Jan. 1 and continuing through June 30, 2027, as the court transitions the chief justice’s rotation from a calendar year to fiscal year basis.
West Virginia has secured $199 million for the coming year from the Rural Health Transformation fund.
Yet West Virginia hospitals are anticipated to lose about $1 billion a year in Medicaid funding when the One Big Beautiful Bill legislation is fully implemented.
Yet West Virginia hospitals are anticipated to lose about $1 billion a year in Medicaid funding when the One Big Beautiful Bill legislation is fully implemented.
Rural health dollars could cushion anticipated effects of Big, Beautiful Bill - WV MetroNews
The program to support rural health grew out of concerns that changes to Medicaid under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” would undercut already fragile rural health systems.
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December 31, 2025 at 10:01 AM
West Virginia has secured $199 million for the coming year from the Rural Health Transformation fund.
Yet West Virginia hospitals are anticipated to lose about $1 billion a year in Medicaid funding when the One Big Beautiful Bill legislation is fully implemented.
Yet West Virginia hospitals are anticipated to lose about $1 billion a year in Medicaid funding when the One Big Beautiful Bill legislation is fully implemented.
The chairman of the health committee in the House of Delegates agrees lawmakers might have to adjust an upcoming ban on some artificial food additives following a judge’s order.
Following judge's order, chairman of House Health committee agrees food dye bill might need tightening - WV MetroNews
U.S. District Judge Irene Berger of the Southern District of West Virginia entered the 30-page order last week. It would halt the enforcement of portions of a newly passed West Virginia law banning…
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December 30, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The chairman of the health committee in the House of Delegates agrees lawmakers might have to adjust an upcoming ban on some artificial food additives following a judge’s order.
Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that West Virginia has secured $199 million the coming year from the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund.
West Virginia awarded $199 million for first year of Rural Health Transformation Fund - WV MetroNews
The award almost doubled the guaranteed minimum for the first year.
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December 29, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that West Virginia has secured $199 million the coming year from the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service is maintaining pressure on Senator Jim Justice and his wife, Cathy, to pay a longstanding tax claim of more than $3 million.
IRS re-ups lien of more than $3 million on Senator Justice and his wife - WV MetroNews
The refiling means the IRS is formally renewing the claim against the Justices' assets if the debt remains unpaid.
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December 29, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service is maintaining pressure on Senator Jim Justice and his wife, Cathy, to pay a longstanding tax claim of more than $3 million.
Charges in the killing of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and shooting of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, both members of the West Virginia National Guard, have been moved to the federal level, increasing the possibility of the death penalty for the suspect.
Federal charges mean suspect in National Guard shooting is more likely to face death penalty - WV MetroNews
Because D.C. Superior Court does not allow for the death penalty, federal officials moved to transfer the case to a federal venue.
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December 26, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Charges in the killing of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and shooting of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, both members of the West Virginia National Guard, have been moved to the federal level, increasing the possibility of the death penalty for the suspect.
The location where two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot while on duty by the busy Farragut West public transportation stop has a makeshift tribute with American flags, flowers, memorabilia, notes and signs.
At holidays, makeshift tribute at site of tragedy honors Beckstrom and Wolfe - WV MetroNews
The location where they were shot while on duty by the busy Farragut West public transportation stop now has a makeshift tribute with American flags, flowers, memorabilia, notes and signs to honor…
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December 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The location where two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot while on duty by the busy Farragut West public transportation stop has a makeshift tribute with American flags, flowers, memorabilia, notes and signs.
A federal judge’s preliminary injunction order would halt the enforcement of portions of a newly passed West Virginia law banning certain artificial food dyes.
Federal judge orders preliminary injunction on West Virginia's food dye ban - WV MetroNews
The judge found the law likely to be unconstitutionally vague because it failed to provide adequate notice or standards to prevent arbitrary enforcement.
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December 24, 2025 at 4:38 PM
A federal judge’s preliminary injunction order would halt the enforcement of portions of a newly passed West Virginia law banning certain artificial food dyes.
A new court filing has more information about events that led up to the shooting of two members of the West Virginia National Guard, with allegations that the suspect sought and obtained a stolen gun and that he had conducted online searches for the White House.
Court filing says National Guard shooting suspect bought stolen handgun, wanted higher capacity - WV MetroNews
Federal prosecutors in the Tuesday filing added two felonies for transporting and selling firearms internationally against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national.
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December 24, 2025 at 10:01 AM
A new court filing has more information about events that led up to the shooting of two members of the West Virginia National Guard, with allegations that the suspect sought and obtained a stolen gun and that he had conducted online searches for the White House.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey described economic focus as the state brings one calendar year to a close and prepares to start a new one.
Governor looks back on year and describes economic focus for the coming year - WV MetroNews
The governor's holiday week press conference emphasized economic development, workforce participation and infrastructure improvements.
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December 22, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Gov. Patrick Morrisey described economic focus as the state brings one calendar year to a close and prepares to start a new one.
Congress left for holiday break with no resolution to a lingering healthcare tangle.
Congress takes a holiday without addressing healthcare, but could return to issue in new year - WV MetroNews
Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire Dec. 31. The open enrollment period already began Nov. 1.
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December 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Congress left for holiday break with no resolution to a lingering healthcare tangle.
Lawyers for the state’s Professional Charter Schools Board say a recent circuit court order risks the goals of the schools to improve student learning, promote higher student achievement and expand parents’ choice.
Appeal is readied in challenge to West Virginia's charter schools system - WV MetroNews
Lawyers for the state's Professional Charter Schools Board say a recent circuit court order risks the goals of the schools to improve student learning, promote higher student achievement and expand…
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December 20, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Lawyers for the state’s Professional Charter Schools Board say a recent circuit court order risks the goals of the schools to improve student learning, promote higher student achievement and expand parents’ choice.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey expressed support for the Purple Heart, the U.S. military medal for wounded or fallen service members, to be awarded to West Virginia National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe.
Governor says Purple Heart has been requested for National Guard members Beckstrom, Wolfe - WV MetroNews
Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, were shot Nov. 26 while on duty in Washington, D.C. Beckstrom died on Thanksgiving Day, and Wolfe continues to recover from serious injuries.
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December 19, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Gov. Patrick Morrisey expressed support for the Purple Heart, the U.S. military medal for wounded or fallen service members, to be awarded to West Virginia National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe.
Governor on WV National Guard rotations to D.C. as the year concludes: “I know that some of our kids will be coming home, and I think that’s great, and no timeline about how many will stay into the next quarter."
Governor indicates West Virginia National Guard rotation in D.C. will likely continue - WV MetroNews
'I know that some of our kids will be coming home, and I think that's great, and no timeline about how many will stay into the next quarter,' Morrisey said on MetroNews Talkline.
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December 19, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Governor on WV National Guard rotations to D.C. as the year concludes: “I know that some of our kids will be coming home, and I think that’s great, and no timeline about how many will stay into the next quarter."
Reposted by Brad McElhinny
NEW from me: "Two West Virginians, from a state that is roughly 0.05% of the American population, at that moment part of the less than 1% of Americans serving on duty in uniform at any given time.
Until a monster with murder on the mind turned that corner near Farragut Square and opened fire..."
Until a monster with murder on the mind turned that corner near Farragut Square and opened fire..."
Political debates overshadow the sacrifice of West Virginia National Guard members • West Virginia Watch
For a state that does not have a major active duty military presence, a tremendous number of Mountaineers have served in uniform.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:40 PM
NEW from me: "Two West Virginians, from a state that is roughly 0.05% of the American population, at that moment part of the less than 1% of Americans serving on duty in uniform at any given time.
Until a monster with murder on the mind turned that corner near Farragut Square and opened fire..."
Until a monster with murder on the mind turned that corner near Farragut Square and opened fire..."
Senator Shelley Moore Capito says she feels assured about U.S. actions on Venezuela following an all-senators meeting earlier this week with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
wvmetronews.com/2025/12/18/f...
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Following briefing, Capito says she feels assured about U.S. actions in Venezuela - WV MetroNews
The closed-door session took place Tuesday, and conflict has ramped up since then.
wvmetronews.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Senator Shelley Moore Capito says she feels assured about U.S. actions on Venezuela following an all-senators meeting earlier this week with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
wvmetronews.com/2025/12/18/f...
wvmetronews.com/2025/12/18/f...