By Leann Ray | Editor-in-chief
“We should be focused on helping families get back on their feet, not putting up additional barriers. We now have years of data showing that this drug-testing program hasn’t saved taxpayers money and more importantly hasn’t helped people into recovery.” — Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha
The gold dome of the West Virginia state Capitol in fall 2021. (West Virginia Legislative Photography)
By Amelia Ferrell Knisely
West Virginia will continue drug testing adult recipients for a federal welfare program that helps low income families pay for food, utilities and other day-to-day necessities.
A sign telling people to register to vote sits outside of West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner’s office on Feb. 10, 2026, in the state Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo by Leann Ray/West Virginia Watch)
By Lori Kersey
West Virginians have through Tuesday, Oct. 13 to register to vote in November’s general election.
NATIONAL
An aerial view shows a data center situated near single-family homes in Northern Virginia. The backlash against data centers has become a flashpoint in state and federal races across the country. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
By Alex Brown
In the course of a single election cycle, the backlash against data centers has grown from an issue at local planning commission and city council meetings to become a flashpoint in state and federal races across the country.
By Ariana Figueroa
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump this week will journey out West in an effort to galvanize support for Republican candidates three weeks before the midterm elections and convince voters to support his party amid low presidential approval ratings.
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — Democratic leaders in the U.S. House condemned a “deeply disturbing” raid early Monday at the District of Columbia home of Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat who has long been a target of verbal attacks by President Donald Trump and Republicans.
By Jacob Fischler
The Trump administration’s order to allow import of Russian diesel violates a 2022 law banning Russian energy imports while the country’s war with Ukraine is ongoing, according to a bipartisan group of U.S. senators.
COMMENTARY
In 2026, West Virginia had the highest Affordable Care Act premiums in the nation at $1,314 per month, vs. Idaho where premiums are less than half, only $509 monthly. (Photo illustration by Getty Images)
By Jack Bernard
For 2026, West Virginia has the dubious honor of having the highest Affordable Care Act premiums in the nation, $1,314. For comparative purposes, the lowest is Idaho, where premiums are less than half, only $509 monthly.
ICYMI
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