Andrew Spellman
@andrewcspellman.bsky.social
Award-winning journalist | Editor-in-chief, Spirit of Jefferson newspaper | West Virginia University graduate x2 | Mountain State native
Around 150-200 protestors filled the sidewalks near the John Brown Museum last Friday, reacting to the White House’s latest directive to remove or cover historic exhibits and artifacts at National Park sites.
#westvirginia #appalachia #history
#westvirginia #appalachia #history
Locals take to lower town Harpers Ferry to protest Trump Administration's actions regarding historical exhibits
HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. —The tense energy suspected throughout Harpers Ferry on Friday didn’t exist; instead, it was an energy of solidarity between county and DMV residents, as well as those
www.spiritofjefferson.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Around 150-200 protestors filled the sidewalks near the John Brown Museum last Friday, reacting to the White House’s latest directive to remove or cover historic exhibits and artifacts at National Park sites.
#westvirginia #appalachia #history
#westvirginia #appalachia #history
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
An Israeli airstrike killed at least 22 Palestinians near a market in Gaza City on Wednesday, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense rescue service.
Israeli Strike Kills Gazans Sheltering in Warehouse, Local Reports Say
The Israeli attack in Gaza City killed nearly two dozen Palestinians, the reports said. The Israeli military said it had hit two “Hamas terrorists.”
nyti.ms
September 24, 2025 at 3:55 PM
An Israeli airstrike killed at least 22 Palestinians near a market in Gaza City on Wednesday, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense rescue service.
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
Movement building for the sake of trails. Read more about WV TRAIL's statewide meeting series and how you can get involved when they visit Berkeley Springs in early October.
Trail talk: WV TRAIL to host statewide meetings to bolster community involvement, including one at Cacapon State Park
WV TRAIL, an organization that works to “increase awareness and appreciation for non-motorized trails” throughout the Mountain State, has embarked on a circuit of meetings, hoping to get the public
www.spiritofjefferson.com
September 24, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Movement building for the sake of trails. Read more about WV TRAIL's statewide meeting series and how you can get involved when they visit Berkeley Springs in early October.
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
In the hallway that leads backstage within the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, a resurgent U.S. Senate candidate wiped his face with a red handkerchief, trying to dry the sweat beading ahead of his moment on stage.
Following Sen. Bernie Sanders' tour, a homegrown movement now prepares for one of the most significant Senate battles in years
WHEELING, W.Va. — In the hallway that leads backstage within the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, an up-and-coming U.S. Senate candidate wiped his face with a red handkerchief, sweat beading ahead
www.spiritofjefferson.com
August 13, 2025 at 2:41 PM
In the hallway that leads backstage within the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, a resurgent U.S. Senate candidate wiped his face with a red handkerchief, trying to dry the sweat beading ahead of his moment on stage.
Large or small, #protests have been consistent throughout West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle since February. These photos are from yesterday's "Make Good Trouble" gathering at the Jefferson County Courthouse where roughly 250 people "and four dogs" attended.
#photojournalism #westvirginia #wv
#photojournalism #westvirginia #wv
July 18, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Large or small, #protests have been consistent throughout West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle since February. These photos are from yesterday's "Make Good Trouble" gathering at the Jefferson County Courthouse where roughly 250 people "and four dogs" attended.
#photojournalism #westvirginia #wv
#photojournalism #westvirginia #wv
Another large-scale day of protests around the U.S. is scheduled for July 17. As part of that, hundreds are expected to descend upon the Jefferson County courthouse.
bit.ly/44JsEf8
bit.ly/44JsEf8
Hundreds expected to 'make good trouble' at upcoming protest in Charles Town
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — On July 17, local organizers are hosting a protest and community gathering outside the Jefferson County Courthouse to “make good trouble.”
bit.ly
July 11, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Another large-scale day of protests around the U.S. is scheduled for July 17. As part of that, hundreds are expected to descend upon the Jefferson County courthouse.
bit.ly/44JsEf8
bit.ly/44JsEf8
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
The neo-reactionary blogger Curtis Yarvin wants to destroy American democracy. With the Trumpian right embracing strongman rule, his ideas have found mainstream purchase.
Curtis Yarvin’s Plot Against America
The reactionary blogger’s call for a monarch to rule the country once seemed like a joke. Now the right is ready to bend the knee.
nyer.cm
July 3, 2025 at 5:32 PM
The neo-reactionary blogger Curtis Yarvin wants to destroy American democracy. With the Trumpian right embracing strongman rule, his ideas have found mainstream purchase.
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
BREAKING: The U.S. Supreme Court announced this morning it will hear two cases next term regarding transgender athletes participating in school sports including State of West Virginia v. B.P.J.
www.spiritofjefferson.com/news/article...
www.spiritofjefferson.com/news/article...
SCOTUS to hear case on transgender athletes competing in West Virginia sports
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will take up two cases regarding transgender athletes competing in sanctioned school sports, including a challenge to West Virginia’s Save Women’s
www.spiritofjefferson.com
July 3, 2025 at 3:04 PM
BREAKING: The U.S. Supreme Court announced this morning it will hear two cases next term regarding transgender athletes participating in school sports including State of West Virginia v. B.P.J.
www.spiritofjefferson.com/news/article...
www.spiritofjefferson.com/news/article...
One of the most comprehensive reports I’ve done since returning to print. Give it a read — it’s free!
West Virginia's overdose deaths are finally at pre-pandemic numbers, with hope for further declines in the future. But a preliminary budget circulating through agencies in Washington D.C. show critical funding that supported that decline is on the chopping block.
Opioid overdose deaths in West Virginia plummeted more that 42% in 2024. Now, proposed cuts within DHHS could gut the programs responsible for that decline
On Wednesday, a report was published in the New York Times that cited data released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first bit of good news on
www.spiritofjefferson.com
June 4, 2025 at 8:29 PM
One of the most comprehensive reports I’ve done since returning to print. Give it a read — it’s free!
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
With the Harpers Ferry election looming on the horizon, incumbent mayor Greg Vaughn said he's seeking re-election to ensure the critical work he's kickstarted continues on uninterrupted.
Vaughn seeks re-election to ensure necessary work continues
HARPERS FERRY — Greg Vaughn knows his way around the Harpers Ferry mayoral position.
www.spiritofjefferson.com
May 29, 2025 at 10:09 PM
With the Harpers Ferry election looming on the horizon, incumbent mayor Greg Vaughn said he's seeking re-election to ensure the critical work he's kickstarted continues on uninterrupted.
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
BREAKING: Preliminary results show that Ken Suits won the Ranson Mayor's race over Tommy Custer in a landslide, defeating his fellow councilman 224-70. Also, Stephanie Fagan and Jaden Bound are projected to win the at-large and Ward 3 seats, respectively.
Suits clinches sweeping victory in Ranson Mayor's race, defeating Tommy Custer
RANSON, W.Va. — Ken Suits won the Ranson mayor’s race 224 to 70 against his fellow council member, Tommy Custer, according to preliminary results made available late Tuesday evening.
www.spiritofjefferson.com
June 4, 2025 at 3:24 AM
BREAKING: Preliminary results show that Ken Suits won the Ranson Mayor's race over Tommy Custer in a landslide, defeating his fellow councilman 224-70. Also, Stephanie Fagan and Jaden Bound are projected to win the at-large and Ward 3 seats, respectively.
I really enjoyed photographing Shepherdstown’s first-ever Pride parade. I was shocked this was the first, but glad to see it was an overwhelming success, nonetheless.
FREE GALLERY: Shepherdstown held its first-ever Pride parade on Sunday to kick off Pride Month, celebrating "firsts" within the West Virginia LGBTQ+ community.
Snapshots of the first-ever Shepherdstown Pride Parade
Shepherdstown held its first-ever Pride parade, witih Rosemary Ketchum named the Grand Marshal.
www.spiritofjefferson.com
June 4, 2025 at 8:27 PM
I really enjoyed photographing Shepherdstown’s first-ever Pride parade. I was shocked this was the first, but glad to see it was an overwhelming success, nonetheless.
Four of my favorites from earlier this afternoon.
📍Department of Health and Human Services | NIOSH/CDC Protest
📍Department of Health and Human Services | NIOSH/CDC Protest
May 22, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Four of my favorites from earlier this afternoon.
📍Department of Health and Human Services | NIOSH/CDC Protest
📍Department of Health and Human Services | NIOSH/CDC Protest
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
One of the founders of Ben & Jerry’s was arrested on Wednesday after he interrupted a Senate committee hearing to protest Congress’s funding for Israel’s military as it wages war against Hamas in Gaza.
Read more: nyti.ms/43uubGu
Read more: nyti.ms/43uubGu
May 15, 2025 at 2:39 PM
One of the founders of Ben & Jerry’s was arrested on Wednesday after he interrupted a Senate committee hearing to protest Congress’s funding for Israel’s military as it wages war against Hamas in Gaza.
Read more: nyti.ms/43uubGu
Read more: nyti.ms/43uubGu
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
One person has been identified in Tuesday's deadly accident involving a MARC train near Harpers Ferry, according to the Maryland Transit Administration. The other individual who was killed has yet to be named.
One person identified in Tuesday's deadly MARC train accident
SANDY HOOK, Md. — Officials with the Maryland Transit Administration provided more details on the deadly accident that occurred on May 6 in Sandy Hook, Md., located across the river
www.spiritofjefferson.com
May 9, 2025 at 5:36 PM
One person has been identified in Tuesday's deadly accident involving a MARC train near Harpers Ferry, according to the Maryland Transit Administration. The other individual who was killed has yet to be named.
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
Although AmeriCorps was one of the most recent victims of DOGE's bites to federal agencies, Potomac Valley Audubon Society rallied to maintain all of their former AmeriCorps members through their agreed-upon contract periods at a price tag of $75,000.
Cuts to AmeriCorps have hit local organizations, but the Potomac Valley Audubon Society rallied to employ former members despite high price tag
Federal cuts continue to impact vast amounts of Americans, and one of the most recent heads on the chopping block was AmeriCorps, the federal agency that connects public servants to
www.spiritofjefferson.com
May 9, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Although AmeriCorps was one of the most recent victims of DOGE's bites to federal agencies, Potomac Valley Audubon Society rallied to maintain all of their former AmeriCorps members through their agreed-upon contract periods at a price tag of $75,000.
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
Washington upset top-seed Jefferson 4-1 last night in the Class 4A, Region II, Section 2 winner's bracket game, sending the Cougars to an elimination game against Musselman. The winner of that game will face the Patriots in the sectional championship.
Timely, clutch hitting, pitching sets up Patriots' 4-1 upset of Cougars
SHENANDOAH JUNCTION — With Jefferson already having secured both the EPAC championship and the top seed in the Class AAAA, Region II, Section 2 playoffs, Washington used its regular-season finale
www.spiritofjefferson.com
May 9, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Washington upset top-seed Jefferson 4-1 last night in the Class 4A, Region II, Section 2 winner's bracket game, sending the Cougars to an elimination game against Musselman. The winner of that game will face the Patriots in the sectional championship.
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
"[Sinners] not only tells a buttoned-up story about a pair of twins returning to Jim Crow-era Mississippi and bringing their deadly baggage with them, it also ... [touches] on some of the most emotional and well-received storytelling elements that other horror films typically scoff at."
‘Sinners’ is a full sensory experience, and may go down as one of the best films released in recent years
Ryan Coogler’s most recent motion picture, “Sinners,” is earning a market share of the press—and for good reason.
www.spiritofjefferson.com
May 9, 2025 at 7:44 PM
"[Sinners] not only tells a buttoned-up story about a pair of twins returning to Jim Crow-era Mississippi and bringing their deadly baggage with them, it also ... [touches] on some of the most emotional and well-received storytelling elements that other horror films typically scoff at."
“I’m sure it’s going to be financially challenging for our organization but I’m so grateful that we’re in a position to [keep the members], and they’ve expressed as well that they’re very grateful.”
www.spiritofjefferson.com/news/article...
www.spiritofjefferson.com/news/article...
Cuts to AmeriCorps have hit local organizations, but the Potomac Valley Audubon Society rallied to employ former members despite high price tag
Federal cuts continue to impact vast amounts of Americans, and one of the most recent heads on the chopping block was AmeriCorps, the federal agency that connects public servants to
www.spiritofjefferson.com
May 3, 2025 at 3:14 PM
“I’m sure it’s going to be financially challenging for our organization but I’m so grateful that we’re in a position to [keep the members], and they’ve expressed as well that they’re very grateful.”
www.spiritofjefferson.com/news/article...
www.spiritofjefferson.com/news/article...
Cuts to AmeriCorps have severely impacted WV, including eight positions in the E. Panhandle's Potomac Audubon group who's paying roughly $75K to keep those members on board through August.
I've reached out to Sen. Capito's office for comment as she's been a major supporter of AmeriCorps.
I've reached out to Sen. Capito's office for comment as she's been a major supporter of AmeriCorps.
May 1, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Cuts to AmeriCorps have severely impacted WV, including eight positions in the E. Panhandle's Potomac Audubon group who's paying roughly $75K to keep those members on board through August.
I've reached out to Sen. Capito's office for comment as she's been a major supporter of AmeriCorps.
I've reached out to Sen. Capito's office for comment as she's been a major supporter of AmeriCorps.
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
A national grassroots action against the Trump administration’s policies is expected to unfold across 50 states and D.C. on Saturday.
The rallies are loosely organized under the 50501 movement — which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.”
The rallies are loosely organized under the 50501 movement — which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.”
What to know about the nationwide ‘50501’ protests planned against Trump
Organizers say the demonstrations are expected in cities across the U.S., focused on different issues and with ‘day of action’ community service elements included.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 18, 2025 at 2:51 PM
A national grassroots action against the Trump administration’s policies is expected to unfold across 50 states and D.C. on Saturday.
The rallies are loosely organized under the 50501 movement — which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.”
The rallies are loosely organized under the 50501 movement — which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.”
For the second time in two meetings, the Jefferson County Commission’s feed has been hijacked.
Last time it was lewd visuals, this time it was obnoxious noises in addition to pornographic images. Have to wonder why people are trying to derail an otherwise normal meeting.
Last time it was lewd visuals, this time it was obnoxious noises in addition to pornographic images. Have to wonder why people are trying to derail an otherwise normal meeting.
April 17, 2025 at 10:23 PM
For the second time in two meetings, the Jefferson County Commission’s feed has been hijacked.
Last time it was lewd visuals, this time it was obnoxious noises in addition to pornographic images. Have to wonder why people are trying to derail an otherwise normal meeting.
Last time it was lewd visuals, this time it was obnoxious noises in addition to pornographic images. Have to wonder why people are trying to derail an otherwise normal meeting.
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
JUST IN: Judge finds 'probable cause' to hold U.S. in contempt over Alien Enemies Act deportations
Judge: 'Probable cause' to hold U.S. in contempt over Alien Enemies Act deportations
The government sent several planeloads of alleged gang members to El Salvador, including 137 people under the act, the White House said at the time.
www.npr.org
April 16, 2025 at 4:43 PM
JUST IN: Judge finds 'probable cause' to hold U.S. in contempt over Alien Enemies Act deportations
Reposted by Andrew Spellman
Breaking News from @theathletic.bsky.social: The ESPN broadcaster Lee Corso will retire in August after a 38-year run as the face of the network’s “College GameDay” show.
Lee Corso to retire from ‘College GameDay’ after Week 1 after 38 years, hundreds of headgear picks
Corso's weekly headgear selections have been a staple of college football Saturday's for nearly three decades.
nyti.ms
April 17, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Breaking News from @theathletic.bsky.social: The ESPN broadcaster Lee Corso will retire in August after a 38-year run as the face of the network’s “College GameDay” show.