House of Delegates approves a bill impacting public records

The West Virginia House of Delegates approved legislation that would change how certain court and law-enforcement records are made public. House Bill 4468 would repeal a 2022 law that restricted access to arrest-stage records in sexual offense cases. Supporters of the original law said it was meant to protect victims, but critics argued it also … Read more

St. Albans man faces animal cruelty charges

A Kanawha County man has been arrested after investigators say he abandoned a pregnant dog inside a camper. Court records show 43-year-old David Manville McKean of St. Albans is charged with cruelty to animals. Deputies say neighbors reported the dog had been left inside the camper for nearly two months and was being fed by … Read more

Two people sentenced in a regional sex trafficking case

Federal prosecutors announced sentencing Monday for a Charleston man and woman convicted in a sex-trafficking conspiracy involving multiple victims, including a minor. 49-year old Tiwan Robert “Quick” Bailey was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. A jury found Bailey guilty on multiple counts, including sex trafficking by … Read more

Lawmakers aim to make West Virginia healthier through new legislation

The “Make West Virginia Healthy Act” passed a floor vote in the House of Delegates Monday, advancing a broad public health initiative aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles. Inspired by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement, the bill focuses on voluntary, collaborative programs rather than mandates. Lead sponsor Delegate Evan … Read more

Man awaits sentencing for a 2025 St. Albans shooting

A St. Albans man is facing significant prison time after police were met with gunfire while serving warrants in Kanawha County last year. Prosecutors say 18-year-old Joel Demarlone James McGee pleaded guilty Monday to five counts of wanton endangerment. The charges stem from a July 2025 incident on B Street, where officers arrived at an … Read more

State lawmakers consider a bill that would impact high school transfer rules

High school sports transfer rules were in the spotlight Monday at the West Virginia Capitol, as lawmakers consider changes to how student athletes can switch schools. House Bill 4759, discussed in the House Education Committee, would limit transfers to an athlete’s freshman and sophomore years. An exception would allow students to transfer back to their … Read more