By Leann Ray | Editor-in-chief
“Sweeney acted for the sole purpose of helping children, and that he did help children, and that at some point in time, that that has to be enough.” — J.H. Mahaney, an attorney representing Third Circuit Judge Tim Sweeney
Third Judiciary Circuit Court Judge Tim Sweeney asked the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals to throw out his admonishment after raising issues about Child Protective Services shortages in his judicial district. (Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals)
By Amelia Ferrell Knisely
West Virginia Supreme Court justices heard arguments Wednesday about a judge who pushed back on his discipline for speaking out about critical Child Protective Services shortages in his judicial district.
The West Virginia state Capitol in fall 2021. (West Virginia Legislative Photography)
By Amelia Ferrell Knisely
As more schools across West Virginia say they’ll close their doors, the state school board unveiled a robust school funding formula overhaul that they hope lawmakers will consider.
NATIONAL
Dr. Sindhura Manubolu, the director of the family medicine program at the Long Island City Health Center in New York, received her medical degree in India. Some fear the Trump administration’s immigration policies will dissuade or prevent doctors who earned their medical degrees in foreign countries from practicing in the United States. (Photo by Shalina Chatlani/Stateline)
By Shalina Chatlani
As the nation’s physician shortage worsens, some fear the Trump administration’s immigration policies will dissuade or prevent doctors who earned their medical degrees in foreign countries from practicing in the United States.
By Ashley Murray and Jane Norman
WASHINGTON — A federal judge late Tuesday extended a block on a Trump administration ban of press passes for three news organizations, which will allow them to continue to enter the White House grounds while a legal challenge to the ban plays out.
By States Newsroom staff
WASHINGTON — The Social Security Administration announced on Wednesday that recipients will receive a 3.6% increase in benefits in 2027.
By Ariana Figueroa
WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection need to improve oversight and guidance for federal immigration officers’ use of body-worn cameras, according to a Wednesday report from independent federal investigators.
By Jonathan Shorman
The U.S. Department of Justice is demanding California not count ballots from voters it says are suspected noncitizens, a move by the Trump administration to apply last-minute pressure as voting begins in the midterm elections.
By Shauneen Miranda, Ariana Figueroa, Ashley Murray and Jonathan Shorman
WASHINGTON — Democrats are touting an ambitious legislative agenda centered on affordability and accountability if they take back the U.S. House or Senate — or both — in November.
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — The No Kings movement that has brought millions to the streets across the United States three times since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term is staging its next event at the polls.
ICYMI
Thanks for reading First Watch. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.