By Leann Ray | Editor-in-chief
“The West Virginia Department of Education and West Virginia’s local school systems support the right of parents to determine the educational pathway that best meets the needs of their child. At the same time, parents need to consider the benefits, responsibilities and limitations associated with each education option when making these important decisions. We remain committed to providing accurate information and supporting families as they navigate those choices.” — Michele Blatt, state schools superintendent
West Virginia Schools Superintendent Michele Blatt speaks before lawmakers at the state Capitol in Charleston Jan. 7, 2025. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography)
By Amelia Ferrell Knisely
West Virginia’s top school official says Kanawha County Schools’ procedure regarding students with disabilities returning to the public schools and the Hope Scholarship is legally sound.
(Greenleaf123/Getty Images)
By Caity Coyne
The West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals dismissed two appeals challenging Fundamental Data’s proposed Tucker County data center and power plant this week, ruling that it does not have jurisdiction to rule on the cases under current environmental review statutes.
NATIONAL
A wave of new state laws may be making it harder for private equity to scoop up hospitals and other healthcare companies. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)
By Anna Claire Vollers
New state oversight laws are pumping the brakes on private equity’s push into healthcare, according to new data.
By Ariana Figueroa
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Treasury’s recent proposed regulation to limit refunds for certain tax credits based on immigration status is the latest move by the Trump administration to restrict noncitizens’ access to federal benefits.
By Shauneen Miranda
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday sued Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington over laws that allow immigrants in the country without legal status to pay in-state college tuition in the states where they live.
By Ariana Figueroa
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service took another step Thursday in implementing a Trump administration policy to restrict mail-in voting, even as a high-stakes legal battle plays out and midterm elections approach.
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — A developing trade war with Canada could bite Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections as voters worry about rising prices and industries in states with competitive races could suffer.
COMMENTARY
West Virginia University announced last year that it had sold naming rights for the former WVU Coliseum to energy company, Hope Gas. Under a 10-year agreement, it will be known as “Hope Coliseum.” (Photo courtesy of Hope Gas)
By Paula Kaufman
In September 2025, for the first time in its 55-year-old history, West Virginia University announced it had sold naming rights for the former WVU Coliseum to energy company, Hope Gas. Under a 10-year agreement, it will be known as “Hope Coliseum.” According to the university, the deal covers sponsorships and future donations to athletics.
ICYMI
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