Today is my first day as an investigative reporter at @WSAZnews! I’m excited to get started and serve this community. Please reach out with any tips and story pitches – my inbox is always open: charlie.roth@wsaz.com

The developer of the Mason County data center is offering to buy surrounding homes. The neighbors told me they can’t stand living next to the site anymore… but they are struggling to find somewhere to go. “I can’t live like this. I don’t have a choice.” wsaz.com/2026/06/10/mason-co…

Scoop: A host of Republicans across the admin, K Street and the Hill are pushing for GOP Rep. RILEY MOORE as the next labor secretary it's dividing Rs between the more union-friendly Moore and acting DOL chief Keith Sonderling - as the party tries to navigate a new pro-union coalition ahead of midterms tapping Moore could also be fairly catastrophic to Speaker Mike Johnson's razor-thin majority, some Rs argue. But many House Rs doubt they actually move a third GOP reconciliation bill where they would need his vote. w/ @jordainc politi.co/4xpVw9Z via @politico

Trump administration killed criminal investigation of Sen. Jim Justice's coal companies propublica.org/article/trump…

Jim Justice is credited with saving the Greenbrier, but now faces calls for new ownership as some claim he drained its revenue to pay other bills. on.wsj.com/4uhixZC

The state school board is changing West Virginia’s pre-K enrollment eligibility rule, and board President Paul Hardesty stressed public schools must become flexible as they’re competing with growing school choice options. westvirginiawatch.com/2026/0…

Ohio Gov. DeWine announces a pause on data center tax exemption requests wsaz.com/2026/05/27/ohio-gov…

New from me: While TANF cuts loom to West Virginia’s childhood programs, Gov. Morrisey is considering giving TANF money to Star Academy, whose CEO donated to the governor’s campaign and affiliated PACs. No Star Academy sites remain in state. westvirginiawatch.com/2026/0…

West Virginia leaders are still assessing recent comments by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who indicated the state has a $40 million structural gap in funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. buff.ly/aHj9BGI

• Invented College Football • #1 in USNWR • National Champions in Men’s Lacrosse

FINAL: Princeton 16, Notre Dame 9 The Tigers played like a champion today and captured their SEVENTH @NCAALAX championship in program history!

THE PRINCETON TIGERS ARE NCAA MEN’S LACROSSE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2001 🐅

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ed Gallrein wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, beating incumbent Thomas Massie. #APRaceCall at 7:54 p.m. EDT. apnews.com/projects/election…

With last week’s election seeing several incumbent members of the West Virginia House of Delegates lose their primaries, House members came to the State Capitol Building Monday for a series of two-day meetings. newsandsentinel.com/news/loc…

A series of speakers told delegates that special education costs have ballooned, representing a difficult balance between ensuring the students receive the education they deserve versus the limited financial capacities of school systems. buff.ly/sqUigJ8

BREAKING — WVSP shooting suspect found guilty on all five counts, including first degree murder. The jury is now hearing arguments over whether to grant mercy. wsaz.com/2026/05/18/wvsp-tro…

Closing arguments – and potentially a verdict – today in the Timothy Kennedy trial in Mingo County. Kennedy is charged with the murder of WVSP Sgt. Cory Maynard. Updates here and on @WSAZnews tonight

New: Speaker Hanshaw vows "we will remember" after Gov. Morrisey targets House members in elections “It is sad that the governor chose to insert himself where he did not belong rather than focusing on doing his own job these past several months," he said. westvirginiawatch.com/2026/0…

Timothy Kennedy is testifying in his own defense. He is facing several charges, including first degree murder of West Virginia State Trooper Cory Maynard. Story to come on @WSAZnews

Here is my spreadsheet showing candidates endorsed by Gov. Morrisey or Morrisey-affiliated groups (Dark Red) vs. candidates either backed by Sen. Capito or like-minded groups (Light Red).

Hi, I'm awake ~ After Gov. Morrisey’s heavy meddling in a dozen Republican primary races, he successfully ousted the House Finance Chair. Morrisey’s top targets in Senate survived despite more than $600K spent against. westvirginiawatch.com/2026/0…