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Brad McElhinny

@bradmcelhinny.bsky.social
770 followers 193 following 1.3K posts

statewide correspondent for West Virginia MetroNews

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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 15h
State schools officials twice took aim at West Virginia's strained school funding, first proposing a new framework for legislative consideration and then taking a formal position that the current school funding system is constitutionally inadequate. buff.ly/sTlWqOo
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State board officially says school funding does not meet constitutional standard and rolls out a proposal - WV MetroNews
As community schools have had to close or be consolidated all across the state, the adequacy of the state school funding formula has continually arisen.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Notable write-in candidates will be on ballots this year, but voters won’t see those results until after Election Day. buff.ly/ypnUEbf
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Write-in candidates could bring juice, but results won't appear until after election - WV MetroNews
Ballots have a blank line for each race that says 'Write-in, if any.'
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
State officials have released a request for proposals to find potential operators for Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital in Huntington and William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital in Weston. Both hospitals will remain state-owned. buff.ly/7WrsqOQ
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State explores outside management for Mildred Mitchell-Bateman and Sharpe psychiatric facilities - WV MetroNews
Neither hospital will be sold, according to officials, and the properties would remain entirely under state ownership.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Capito says the policy will have effects on the American economy and productivity, and it’s lining up for congressional votes in relatively short order. buff.ly/2bIIQ5S
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Capito says permitting bill would blast away delays and protect approved projects - WV MetroNews
Capito expects Senate to take up permitting bill next month.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw suggested West Virginia erred in withdrawing from consideration for a federal nuclear hub initiative, but he said the state’s potential for nuclear development remains. buff.ly/hlpPCYh
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Speaker calls state's nuclear initiative withdrawal a mistake, still sees potential in nuclear sector - WV MetroNews
State nuclear prospects remain despite federal hub withdrawal, Hanshaw says.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
"And then some may say our odds are long or our odds are tough," Morrisey said, "but you can't win in fights that you're not involved in." buff.ly/Pb0lnM8
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West Virginia aims for Space Academy: first step is to respond to feds in writing - WV MetroNews
Several states have already jumped in to compete for the major U.S. Space Force and space defense installations.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
West Virginia officials say opportunities with nuclear energy are still worth pursuing, even though the Morrisey administration dipped out of a massive federal initiative last week. buff.ly/2P0gZL0
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West Virginia shut door on federal nuclear hubs initiative, but officials urge pursuit of other opportunities - WV MetroNews
West Virginia had been one of six states being considered as finalists for the federal government’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses program.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The West Virginia Supreme Court is getting ready to set a longstanding case about school vaccinations for oral arguments. buff.ly/z5LZlIz
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Justices say school vaccines issue should move to oral arguments - WV MetroNews
An order entered by justices today indicates a date for oral arguments will be set later.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The lawsuit asks justices to order state officials to fix school funding. buff.ly/14l0zK5
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As Supreme Court takes in conflict over education funding, lawmakers say they're preparing to address it - WV MetroNews
The lawsuit asks justices to order state officials to fix school funding.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
West Virginia’s general revenue fund exceeded monthly and year-to-date targets at the conclusion of the first quarter. buff.ly/ZK5Kood
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West Virginia again comes out ahead on monthly revenue projections, eyes inflation - WV MetroNews
The state collected $570 million in September, which was almost $16 million above estimate.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
West Virginia has bowed out of a federal initiative that could have bought a nuclear energy hub. The state submitted a one-page, one paragraph letter to withdraw from consideration. buff.ly/Z7JfpJi
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After ambitious pursuit of nuclear hub, West Virginia splits - WV MetroNews
The withdrawal followed days of contentiousness over how the bid might include the handling of nuclear waste.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
“This is a major step towards making it faster and more efficient and easier to build infrastructure projects, certainly, without giving up any of the strong protections for our environment,” Capito said. buff.ly/hHdXdKb
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Capito and colleagues praise bipartisan permitting reform deal; look ahead to a vote - WV MetroNews
They said the legislation reflects work from members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and from a diverse group of stakeholders.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The U.S. Department of Energy’s call-out explicitly asks candidate states to detail how they will handle nuclear waste, used nuclear material and secondary waste streams. The DOE framed waste management as a core function. buff.ly/Tu2VuG5
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West Virginia would do anything for federal nuclear program, but it won't do that - WV MetroNews
Governor says, 'I have directed my Office of Energy to ensure that every site identified in our final Nuclear Campus application is considered only for nuclear generation or manufacturing -- not as a…
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., says permitting reform is back on the agenda. buff.ly/5g49jL0
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“Governor’s clear directive trumps bureaucrat letter. No nuclear waste. Once again, it couldn’t be more clear.” buff.ly/cr6BvkF
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Administration: Governor's vow that 'West Virginia will not be a dumping ground' overrides first pitch to feds - WV MetroNews
West Virginia's initial, 48-page response proposed a phased approach that begins with spent fuel recycling and interim storage before expanding into advanced reactor deployment and manufacturing.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
People spoke for a little more than an hour, with some in favor of policies to push utilities to run coal plants more and others expressing concern that would result in higher electricity prices for consumers. buff.ly/Qgwxi7S
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PSC hearing on power plant rules balances worries over high electric bills with desire to run coal - WV MetroNews
The policy passed by the Legislature also required utilities to maintain their generating units and fuel inventories to allow them to achieve at least a 69 percent capacity factor.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"It is a 44-year-old formula that does not meet the current needs of our 55 county boards of education and the 234,000 children they serve every day." buff.ly/hn8iNVI
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W.Va. board president is among those being sued over education funding, but he agrees system is inadequate - WV MetroNews
The lawsuit asks state Supreme Court justices to order state officials to fix school funding.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Max Lederer, a 1982 graduate of Marshall University, has been at the center of a conflict over free speech, the independent media and the crossroads with the federal government. buff.ly/YFgvweg
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Marshall alum at center of Stars and Stripes battle says free press is crucial for military personnel - WV MetroNews
Max Lederer says he was fired for defending newsroom independence after CBS interviews and coverage of USS Lincoln.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Lawyers representing a public school student in Lincoln County have filed for a state Supreme Court review of whether the state’s current education funding system is unconstitutionally inadequate and unfair. buff.ly/EQ3EoAm
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Lawsuit asks Supreme Court to mandate overhaul West Virginia school funding system - WV MetroNews
The filing led by attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union-West Virginia asks the justices to mandate that the Legislature and state officials reform the entire public school funding system…
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The financial status for the Public Employees Insurance Agency got a good report with a few warning signs. buff.ly/NYBdU9Z
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Late surge of large claims cuts into PEIA's otherwise solid year - WV MetroNews
This continued a trend where the financial reports for the agency have been generally stable.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The U.S. Senate, which had been expected to recess at the end of this week, now has plans to stay in and take up the Ratepayer Protection Act, a data center utility costs bill. buff.ly/7cALlUZ
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Senate could vote on data center utility costs bill, but might delay permitting reform - WV MetroNews
A vote on energy permitting reform legislation in the Senate now seems unlikely to happen before the upcoming midterm elections.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
West Virginia Supreme Court justices considered the question of what happens when a local congregation wants to disaffiliate from its denomination but keep the church land, buildings and bank accounts. buff.ly/tWqMEQh
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Justices weigh whether courts can hear property disputes when church and denomination split - WV MetroNews
33 congregations say officials misled them about disaffiliation deadline; Methodist conference cites First Amendment.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
West Virginia Supreme Court justices heard arguments in a power struggle over who has the final authority over education regulations, the Legislature or the state Board of Education. buff.ly/Tt6uHwv
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West Virginia Supreme Court considers clash over ultimate authority on education rules - WV MetroNews
The way the balance has typically been struck in practice is that the Legislature passes laws about education and the superintendent and state board are responsible for filling out the details…
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
West Virginia Supreme Court justices heard arguments about whether state officials followed proper procedures when they vacated the seat of a delegate who had been arrested and then replaced him. buff.ly/EuBlOSd
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Justices weigh whether House lawfully declared delegate's seat vacant after his arrest - WV MetroNews
Fight over Republican appointment tests limits of judicial power over legislature.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
“I mean, we must reverse the catastrophic financial demise of our own making before it’s too late,” Manchin said. buff.ly/TKn5eeZ
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$40 trillion national debt leads Manchin back to Congress, this time as a witness for budget panel - WV MetroNews
The panel's topic was "America's Fiscal Future: Examining the Need for a Fiscal Commission and went almost three hours at a field hearing in Dallas, Texas.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Gov. Patrick Morrisey lauded Wes Virginia tourism efforts that generated what he characterized as a record $9.4 billion economic impact, with 78 million visitors, $6.8 billion in visitor spending and 2% overnight-traveler growth. buff.ly/Sceeql6
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Morrissey touts record $9.4 billion tourism year, new state park investments - WV MetroNews
New tourism secretary pledges listening tour as state celebrates 78 million visitors.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A written agreement between West Virginia and the U.S. Department of Energy lays out the broad outline of what’s expected if the state is selected to move forward with a nuclear energy initiative. buff.ly/ucbDTu0
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West Virginia agreement creates framework for potential growth in nuclear sector - WV MetroNews
State partners with federal energy department to evaluate nuclear campus.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"It is about honoring an American sailor who demonstrated extraordinary courage under fire and gave his life in service to his country." buff.ly/YyyZO0j
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Hero of U.S.S. West Virginia was to have aircraft carrier named in his honor; now that's uncertain - WV MetroNews
Within the past month, news reports by CNN, NBC and other outlets have focused on the possibility of renaming the aircraft carrier, potentially to an alterative that could honor President Trump.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
because it was blurry?
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Senator Shelley Moore Capito acknowledged the pain of high fuel prices and connected that pressure to ongoing hostilities at the Strait of Hormuz But Capito again said she would not vote to restrict the president’s war powers. buff.ly/K1lxxt8
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'Ready for it to end': Capito says West Virginians feel Iran fight at the pump - WV MetroNews
Capito would vote no again on war powers limitations on Iran war, but says Strait of Hormuz conflict is driving fuel costs.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
West Virginia First Foundation's new online portal tracks local opioid settlement spending while short-term loans support nonprofits awaiting state grant disbursements. buff.ly/3eDFtGe
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West Virginia First Foundation launches spending dashboard and nonprofit gap funding - WV MetroNews
New online portal tracks local opioid settlement spending while short-term loans support nonprofits awaiting state grant disbursements.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"If you have the nuclear buffet in front of you of every aspect, each state’s going to go in and pick certain things off that buffet and say ‘This is what we’re going to do.'" STORY: buff.ly/jJxFqD6
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https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/16/nuclear-hub-initiative-is-a-buffet-of-possibilities-west-virginia-energy-chief-says/
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
State revenue officials described stable performance for West Virginia’s tax base, but they expressed concern about aspects of future performance. STORY buff.ly/2vqHLWL
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A proposal to place a hold on removing students from public schools if there is a pending child abuse or neglect investigation could get consideration again by the state Legislature, but the details of crafting a bill could again be complicated. STORY: buff.ly/Go6hP3e
wvmetronews.com
https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/14/lawmakers-examine-child-welfare-safeguards-and-school-transfer-oversight-questions/
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Staff for the West Virginia Public Service Commission recommended denial of an application to build the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link project, a high-voltage electrical line often shortened to MARL. buff.ly/iYy4lFz
wvmetronews.com
https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/13/west-virginia-commission-staff-recommends-full-denial-of-transmission-line-project/
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Different regions of West Virginia have been hammered by severe weather over several months. STORY: buff.ly/7ziozso
wvmetronews.com
https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/13/summer-of-flooding-across-west-virginia-leads-to-ongoing-recovery-efforts/
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
West Virginia is one of the many states to receive a threatening letter from the U.S. Department of Justice over federal efforts to gain access to private voter data and election records. buff.ly/6II4TLT
wvmetronews.com
U.S. DOJ demands West Virginia election record retention under threat of sanctions - WV MetroNews
'Your failure to preserve relevant data may constitute spoliation of evidence, which may subject you to civil and criminal sanctions,' the letter reads.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The U.S. Department of Justice says it’s going to appeal a ruling about demands for unredacted West Virginia voter registration data. buff.ly/CYRH43u
wvmetronews.com
U.S. justice department says it will appeal West Virginia ruling over unredacted voter data - WV MetroNews
The U.S. Department of Justice has lost 23 district court cases and won none in its nationwide lawsuits seeking unredacted state voter rolls.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The federal nuclear program that West Virginia is aiming for, Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, comes with some catches including the acceptance and management of spent nuclear fuel. buff.ly/qye2I4y
wvmetronews.com
Federal plan for nuclear hubs envisions handling spent fuel and powering data centers - WV MetroNews
West Virginia has not yet been chosen for the nuclear program, but it has a strong shot.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Owners of The Greenbrier Hotel have been released from millions of dollars in liens from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the West Virginia tax department. buff.ly/zsiGy8H
wvmetronews.com
Millions of dollars in IRS and state tax liens are withdrawn after Greenbrier Hotel financial deal - WV MetroNews
State and federal liens for missed tax payments had piled up, but representatives of the Justices had consistently said the deal would wipe them clean.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
West Virginia is now among six states identified by the U.S. Department of Energy as potential hosts for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. buff.ly/MMFHVkJ
wvmetronews.com
West Virginia makes first cut for 'Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses' - WV MetroNews
The initiatives were described as a new effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"The route revisions and the issues raised regarding those revisions are appropriate subjects for the evidentiary record," commissioners wrote in their order. buff.ly/wFnv7lS
wvmetronews.com
Evidentiary hearing for controversial power line will go on as scheduled, and citizens group is disappointed - WV MetroNews
State regulators reject bid to delay transmission line case.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
THROW IT BACK!
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
The state Department of Human Services has announced that SNAP recipients in four specific counties affected by flooding can temporarily use their benefits to buy hot, prepared foods. buff.ly/9yIh1EY
wvmetronews.com
Four West Virginia counties recovering from floods get SNAP hot food waiver - WV MetroNews
The allowance for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program applies specifically to Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties through late September.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
U.S. Senator Jim Justice and Gov. Patrick Morrisey, both Republicans got into a tussle on social media on Thursday evening. Political observers took it as bad blood spilling into the open and a hint of what could be to come. buff.ly/Kzw95lJ
wvmetronews.com
Justice and Morrisey get into a slap fight on social media amid governor's race rumors - WV MetroNews
This week's public beef focused on The Greenbrier Hotel, which has been owned by Justice and his family since 2009.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The West Virginia Lottery Commission decided to approve the casino license for The Greenbrier under its new ownership structure. buff.ly/N3hhvKl
wvmetronews.com
Lottery approves The Greenbrier's casino license after refinancing with new equity partner - WV MetroNews
Greenbrier says deal pays tax debts, brings new oversight.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The state of West Virginia issued a 30-day cancellation notice today for a $63 million contract meant to upgrade the computer systems at the Division of Motor Vehicles. buff.ly/xS19fNt
wvmetronews.com
West Virginia cancels DMV modernization contract; winning vender says that will delay upgrades - WV MetroNews
AstreaX presses state to salvage DMV tech contract.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The West Virginia Energy Users Group, which represents the state’s largest industrial electricity consumers, agrees a delay would be appropriate for consideration of the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link Project, a high-voltage electrical line across several states. buff.ly/TpxfRqk
wvmetronews.com
Big industrial energy users agree that transmission line consideration should be delayed - WV MetroNews
Proposed route changes could affect several people who hadn't previously been notified so the concern is that they wouldn't have adequate time to respond.
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Brad McElhinny @bradmcelhinny.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
There was never a clear answer about what happened to West Virginia's hot, healthy foods proposal. buff.ly/aWxW0Se
wvmetronews.com
West Virginia's pursuit of SNAP waiver for 'hot, healthy' foods probably ran into federal law - WV MetroNews
There was never a clear answer about what happened to the hot, healthy foods proposal.
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