Leann Ray

1 week ago | newsfromthestates.com | Leann Ray

Now that Gov. Patrick Morrisey has finished his actions on all of the bills passed during the legislative session, we can finally say it’s officially over. On Wednesday, he vetoed six bills — because of “financial reasons” — and signed some of the most controversial bills from the session into law. Morrisey was so proud of signing a voter ID bill into law, he held a news conference at the Capitol.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Leann Ray

Trash sits on the roadside in McDowell County on April 21, 2025, after the flooding. (Sydnei Tatum for West Virginia Watch)Last week, West Virginia Watch reporter Amelia Ferrell Knisely traveled to McDowell County to talk to residents about recovery efforts after the mid-February floods. She found that many people still have soggy carpets and wet basements after more than two months. Houses are filled with mold. Trash is piled up outside.

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Leann Ray

A Necco foster care in Milton, W.Va. (Leann Ray | West Virginia Watch)West Virginia has a foster care problem, and despite lawmakers introducing several bills to try to address the issues, only one of those passed both chambers. The governor has yet to sign it into law. That one bill — House Bill 2880 — passed on the final night of the legislative session. Sponsored by Del.

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Leann Ray

Despite Black lawmakers in the West Virginia House of Delegates giving passionate speeches about the dangers of ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Republicans still passed a bill to ban DEI in the state. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)The regular session of the West Virginia Legislature ended Saturday night, but not before there was one last big fight that gave the majority a chance to show their disdain for West Virginians who don’t look like them.

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Leann Ray

Exposure to mixed coal mine dust that contains silica — a carcinogen — can lead to the development of pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung disease. (Getty Images)I’ve always thought the bumper sticker “Friends of Coal” was odd. Why be a friend to a fossil fuel? Especially one that’s caused so much disease, death and destruction in the state. About 20% of coal miners in Central Appalachia are suffering from black lung, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.