By Leann Ray | Editor-in-chief
“In our packet, there’s just a small report. Is that it? Twenty-nine kids died and we got three bullet points to send out.” — Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Children and Families
Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, asks questions about the Critical Incident Review Team’s initial report in the Joint Committee on Children and Families meeting Aug. 10, 2026, in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography)
By Amelia Ferrell Knisely
Lawmakers were clearly displeased with the first state Department of Human Services’ report on West Virginia child deaths, saying the short document was light on details as elected officials try to get a handle on the ongoing child welfare crisis.
House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, listens to a presentation from the Department. of Human Services about potential cost savings following an outside audit on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026 in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography)
After Morrisey touts agency audits to purge waste, lawmakers learn saving money is likely years away
By Amelia Ferrell Knisely
In May, Gov. Patrick Morrisey stood behind a sign that said, “Protecting Taxpayer Dollars,” while announcing that an outside company’s audit of three state agencies revealed a potential $168 million in savings.
Dr. Arvin Singh, secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health, addresses lawmakers about the Rural Health Transformation program during legislative interims on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography)
State finalizing agreements for about $39 million in Rural Health Transformation funding, Singh says
By Lori Kersey
The West Virginia Department of Health is finalizing agreements to award approximately $39 million in federal funding from the Rural Health Transformation program, state lawmakers were told Monday.
House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, filed paperwork Aug. 10, 2026 in the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office to run as a write-in candidate in the 12th district. (Photo by Amelia Ferrell Knisely/West Virginia Watch)
By Amelia Ferrell Knisely
Del. Vernon Criss, R-Wood, has filed to run as a write-in candidate in the upcoming November election to hold onto his House of Delegates seat
NATIONAL
Students walk down the hall at a public elementary school. The Trump administration has given states more flexibility in spending some federal dollars. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
By Robbie Sequeira
The Trump administration is increasing its efforts to turn more control of federal education money to the states as it continues working to dismantle the Education Department.
By Sam Gauntt
WASHINGTON — Todd Blanche took the oath of office as U.S. attorney general at a brief ceremony in the Oval Office Monday, following the Senate’s narrow vote to approve his nomination as the nation’s top law enforcement official over the weekend.
By Shauneen Miranda
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday signed a sweeping executive order that aims to reshape guidance surrounding childhood vaccines, standing alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and was met with immediate pushback.
COMMENTARY
Gov. Patrick Morrisey speaks at a news conference on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 at the state Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey)
By Leann Ray
Why does Gov. Patrick Morrisey seem more concerned with how $11.4 million in clothing allowance money is being spent than the $230 million in Hope Scholarship funds?
ICYMI
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