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Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday escalated their demands that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth publicly release an unedited video of a controversial follow-on strike by U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea that killed two shipwrecked survivors, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
Democrats turn up the heat on Hegseth over Caribbean boat strike that killed 2 survivors • West Virginia Watch
Democratic lawmakers escalated their demands that the Secretary of Defense release an unedited video of a strike in the Caribbean Sea.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday escalated their demands that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth publicly release an unedited video of a controversial follow-on strike by U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea that killed two shipwrecked survivors, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
Republican members of the West Virginia House of Delegates said Tuesday that their priorities for the upcoming 2026 regular session will be policies focused on economic development and job creation, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
House speaker says economy, jobs will be top priority for WV House Republicans in 2026 session • West Virginia Watch
GOP members of the West Virginia House said that their priorities for the 2026 session will be policies focused on economic development.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Republican members of the West Virginia House of Delegates said Tuesday that their priorities for the upcoming 2026 regular session will be policies focused on economic development and job creation, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
The U.S. Department of Education announced a proposed agreement Tuesday that would permanently axe an income-driven student loan repayment plan in which more than 7 million student loan borrowers are enrolled, reports Shauneen Miranda.
Trump administration aims to officially scrap Biden-era student loan forgiveness program • West Virginia Watch
The Department of Education announced a proposed agreement Tuesday that would permanently axe an income-driven student loan repayment plan.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The U.S. Department of Education announced a proposed agreement Tuesday that would permanently axe an income-driven student loan repayment plan in which more than 7 million student loan borrowers are enrolled, reports Shauneen Miranda.
The Trump administration Tuesday defended its fast-track deportation policy before a panel of judges, saying immigrants who have been in the country for less than two years without legal authorization are not guaranteed due process, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
No due process guarantee in fast-track removal proceedings, Trump administration argues • West Virginia Watch
The Trump administration defended the merits of its fast-track deportation policy before a panel of judges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Tuesday.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The Trump administration Tuesday defended its fast-track deportation policy before a panel of judges, saying immigrants who have been in the country for less than two years without legal authorization are not guaranteed due process, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
A Manhattan federal judge granted an order Tuesday to unseal grand jury records in the case of Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking minors among other offenses in 2021, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
Epstein co-conspirator grand jury records to be unsealed in New York under court order • West Virginia Watch
A federal judge granted an order to unseal grand jury records in the case of Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A Manhattan federal judge granted an order Tuesday to unseal grand jury records in the case of Jeffrey Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking minors among other offenses in 2021, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
The head of one of the country's largest anti-abortion organizations wants President Donald Trump to fire U.S. Food and Drug Administrator Marty Makary over access to medication abortion, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
Leader of major anti-abortion group calls for Trump's FDA chief to be fired • West Virginia Watch
The head of one of the country's largest anti-abortion groups wants Trump to fire the FDA administrator over access to medication abortion.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The head of one of the country's largest anti-abortion organizations wants President Donald Trump to fire U.S. Food and Drug Administrator Marty Makary over access to medication abortion, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
Lawmakers should reimplement the Presidential Fitness Test for students as a part of West Virginia’s application for funding through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, legislators were told Tuesday. Lori Kersey reports.
WV legislators told implementing student physical fitness test should be a priority for session • West Virginia Watch
Lawmakers were told they should reimplement the Presidential Fitness Test as a part of the application for the Rural Health Transformation Program.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Lawmakers should reimplement the Presidential Fitness Test for students as a part of West Virginia’s application for funding through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, legislators were told Tuesday. Lori Kersey reports.
Advanced practice nurses, hospital associations and other health groups say a rule from the Big Beautiful Bill Act will make it unaffordable for many nurses to advance their careers — disproportionately affecting communities, especially rural ones, reports @nhassanein.bsky.social.
New student loan rule could dissuade people from advanced nursing degrees • West Virginia Watch
A provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act overhauls the federal student loan program for grad students to simplify the loan process.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Advanced practice nurses, hospital associations and other health groups say a rule from the Big Beautiful Bill Act will make it unaffordable for many nurses to advance their careers — disproportionately affecting communities, especially rural ones, reports @nhassanein.bsky.social.
COMMENTARY: In West Virginia, we talk a lot about work. We want people to show up, punch the clock and pull their weight. But there is an uncomfortable truth we keep dodging: you can’t have a strong workforce if parents have no safe, reliable places to leave their children, writes Jennifer Trippett.
West Virginia can’t grow its economy on discount child care • West Virginia Watch
It’s time for West Virginia to pay the true cost of child care for families who use the state child care subsidy.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
COMMENTARY: In West Virginia, we talk a lot about work. We want people to show up, punch the clock and pull their weight. But there is an uncomfortable truth we keep dodging: you can’t have a strong workforce if parents have no safe, reliable places to leave their children, writes Jennifer Trippett.
Retired U.S. Army Capt. James L. McCormick, a three-time Purple Heart recipient from West Virginia, says Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe deserve the high military honor, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
Decorated Iraq war veteran urges Purple Heart award for WV National Guard members shot in D.C. • West Virginia Watch
A decorated West Virginia veteran has called for the two National Guard members shot in Washington, D.C., to receive a Purple Heart award.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Retired U.S. Army Capt. James L. McCormick, a three-time Purple Heart recipient from West Virginia, says Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe deserve the high military honor, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
State lawmakers are entering the upcoming legislative session hoping to make improvements to West Virginia’s overwhelmed foster care system, announcing 16 bills so far to fix long-standing problems, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
WV Republican lawmakers try again to fix foster care; bills would require CPS body cams, AI • West Virginia Watch
State lawmakers are entering the upcoming legislative session hoping to make improvements to West Virginia’s overwhelmed foster care system.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
State lawmakers are entering the upcoming legislative session hoping to make improvements to West Virginia’s overwhelmed foster care system, announcing 16 bills so far to fix long-standing problems, reports @amelianews.bsky.social.
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” President Donald Trump said at a White House roundtable event Monday, reports @fischler.bsky.social.
Trump to send $12 billion in one-time payments to farmers to offset ag losses • West Virginia Watch
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” President Donald Trump said.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The federal government will provide $12 billion to U.S. farmers who have been hurt by “unfair market disruption,” President Donald Trump said at a White House roundtable event Monday, reports @fischler.bsky.social.
Members of the public have until noon on Wednesday, Dec. 10 to submit public comments that could help shape how data centers and their connected microgrids operate in the state of West Virginia, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
Public comment period for proposed rules on WV data center, microgrid program to close Wednesday • West Virginia Watch
West Virginians have until noon Dec. 10 to submit comments that could help shape how data centers and microgrids operate in the state.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Members of the public have until noon on Wednesday, Dec. 10 to submit public comments that could help shape how data centers and their connected microgrids operate in the state of West Virginia, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
The U.S. Education Department is bringing back hundreds of employees in its Office for Civil Rights who were placed on paid administrative leave earlier this year, according to a Dec. 5 email to those employees obtained by States Newsroom, reports Shauneen Miranda.
US Education Department civil rights staff returning to work to tackle complaint backlog • West Virginia Watch
The U.S. Education Department is bringing back hundreds of employees who were placed on paid administrative leave earlier this year.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The U.S. Education Department is bringing back hundreds of employees in its Office for Civil Rights who were placed on paid administrative leave earlier this year, according to a Dec. 5 email to those employees obtained by States Newsroom, reports Shauneen Miranda.
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared ready to expand presidential power after hearing a case Monday on whether President Donald Trump can hire and fire members of independent federal agencies without cause, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
US Supreme Court seems ready to back Trump in case of fired FTC commissioner • West Virginia Watch
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared ready to expand presidential power after hearing on whether Trump can fire members of independent agencies without cause.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:38 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared ready to expand presidential power after hearing a case Monday on whether President Donald Trump can hire and fire members of independent federal agencies without cause, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
As the housing shortage pushes more Americans into homelessness for the first time, the Trump administration wants to focus federal housing aid on mental health treatment and enforcement against street homelessness, rather than on finding people permanent homes, reports Robbie Sequeira.
With homelessness rising, new federal rules could benefit states that take tougher approaches • West Virginia Watch
The Trump administration says that too much effort has gone to prioritizing housing needs and not enough to enforcement against homelessness.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:42 PM
As the housing shortage pushes more Americans into homelessness for the first time, the Trump administration wants to focus federal housing aid on mental health treatment and enforcement against street homelessness, rather than on finding people permanent homes, reports Robbie Sequeira.
The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday justices will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional, reports @fischler.bsky.social.
Trump order ending birthright citizenship to be argued at US Supreme Court • West Virginia Watch
The U.S. Supreme Court said justices will hear a case to decide if President Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday justices will hear a case to decide if President Donald Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship is constitutional, reports @fischler.bsky.social.
Residents in Mingo County filed a federal lawsuit this week against the New York-based company working to build an ammonia plant, two natural gas power plants and a data center complex in their communities, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
Mingo County residents file federal lawsuit against company building power plants, data center in WV • West Virginia Watch
Residents in Mingo County filed a federal lawsuit this week against a company working to build power plants and a data center complex.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Residents in Mingo County filed a federal lawsuit this week against the New York-based company working to build an ammonia plant, two natural gas power plants and a data center complex in their communities, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
Health committee leaders for both the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate say they’re not planning bills to change vaccine requirements during the upcoming 2026 session, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social
House, Senate health committee leaders don’t have plans for vaccine exemption legislation in 2026 • West Virginia Watch
Health committee leaders for the House and Senate say they’re not planning bills to change vaccine requirements during the upcoming session.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Health committee leaders for both the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate say they’re not planning bills to change vaccine requirements during the upcoming 2026 session, reports @lorikerseywv.bsky.social
A federal judge has once again blocked a controversial provision barring federal Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood and other nonprofit reproductive health providers. But this time, she’s ruling in a different case with a different set of arguments, reports @sofiaresnick.bsky.social.
Judge blocks Planned Parenthood ‘defund’ provision for 22 states and DC • West Virginia Watch
A federal judge has once again blocked a controversial provision barring federal Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:35 PM
A federal judge has once again blocked a controversial provision barring federal Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood and other nonprofit reproductive health providers. But this time, she’s ruling in a different case with a different set of arguments, reports @sofiaresnick.bsky.social.
The Trump administration Thursday announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months, the latest crackdown on legal immigration, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
U.S. work authorizations for legal immigrants slashed from 5 years to 18 months • West Virginia Watch
The Trump administration announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:00 AM
The Trump administration Thursday announced new restrictions for immigrants, reducing the work authorization periods from five years to 18 months, the latest crackdown on legal immigration, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a longtime champion of creating legal status for immigrants brought into the country as children who will retire next year, re-introduced his trademark immigration bill for the last time Thursday, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
Retiring US Sen. Durbin makes last push for long-stalled immigration bill • West Virginia Watch
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who will retire next year, re-introduced his trademark immigration bill for the last time Thursday.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:30 AM
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a longtime champion of creating legal status for immigrants brought into the country as children who will retire next year, re-introduced his trademark immigration bill for the last time Thursday, reports @arianalfigueroa.bsky.social.
A federal appeals court Thursday paused a lower court’s order to remove the National Guard from the streets of Washington, D.C., eight days after two members were attacked in broad daylight in the district, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
Federal appeals court extends National Guard presence in D.C. • West Virginia Watch
A federal appeals court Thursday paused a lower court’s order to remove the National Guard from the streets of Washington, D.C.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM
A federal appeals court Thursday paused a lower court’s order to remove the National Guard from the streets of Washington, D.C., eight days after two members were attacked in broad daylight in the district, reports @ashleymurray.bsky.social.
Proceedings wrapped Thursday for a hearing regarding a requested appeal of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Air Quality Board’s decision to grant a permit to Fundamental Data for the construction of a natural gas power plant in Tucker County, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
WV DEP wraps up hearing over appeal of air quality permit for proposed Tucker County power plant • West Virginia Watch
Proceedings wrapped Thursday for a hearing regarding a requested appeal of the DEP’s Air Quality Board’s decision to grant a permit for the construction of a power plant in Tucker County.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Proceedings wrapped Thursday for a hearing regarding a requested appeal of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Air Quality Board’s decision to grant a permit to Fundamental Data for the construction of a natural gas power plant in Tucker County, reports @caitycoyne.bsky.social.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated official policy when he used the Signal app to message about military plans from his personal cell phone, including imminent bombings in Yemen, according to a report released by the Pentagon’s own watchdog, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.
Signalgate report says Hegseth created a risk to national security with cellphone messages • West Virginia Watch
Pete Hegseth violated official policy when he used Signal to message about military plans, according to the Pentagon’s own watchdog.
westvirginiawatch.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated official policy when he used the Signal app to message about military plans from his personal cell phone, including imminent bombings in Yemen, according to a report released by the Pentagon’s own watchdog, reports @jennifershutt.bsky.social.