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West Virginia Governor Appeals FEMA's Denial of Disaster Declaration for Boone and Logan Counties

West Virginia Governor Appeals FEMA's Denial of Disaster Declaration for Boone and Logan Counties

Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia has announced that the state will appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) decision to deny a major disaster declaration for Boone and Logan counties. The appeal follows severe storms on June 22-23, 2026, which resulted in extensive flooding, landslides, and mudslides, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The state had requested individual assistance from FEMA to aid families in recovery and sought hazard mitigation funding to protect communities from future disasters. Morrisey expressed commitment to supporting affected families and communities, emphasizing the need for relief despite FEMA's earlier approval of disaster declarations for other counties.
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West Virginia Committee Discusses Use of Flock Cameras and ALPR Technology

West Virginia Committee Discusses Use of Flock Cameras and ALPR Technology

The Joint Standing Committee on Government Organization in West Virginia held a meeting to discuss the use of Flock Cameras and automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology by local governments. Presentations were made by Alasdair Whitney from the Institute for Justice and Kevin Kane, Director of Government Affairs at Flock Safety. The discussion focused on what local governments are contracting for when they purchase these technologies, which are used for surveillance and law enforcement purposes. The meeting also included presentations from the Department of Homeland Security.
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West Virginia Fire Commission Drafts Long-Overdue Safety Plan Amid High Fire Death Rates

West Virginia Fire Commission Drafts Long-Overdue Safety Plan Amid High Fire Death Rates

The West Virginia State Fire Commission is in the process of drafting its first comprehensive fire safety plan in fifty years, following a critical audit in December 2025. The audit revealed that the commission had not fulfilled its statutory obligation to develop a plan for fire prevention and control since its establishment in 1976. This plan is intended to address the state's high fire death rate, which has consistently ranked among the highest in the nation. State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree Jr. acknowledged the oversight and is spearheading the effort to complete the plan by Fall 2026. The plan aims to assess fire protection needs, including manpower, training centers, water sources, and public education. Historically, West Virginia has faced challenges such as poverty, high smoking rates, an elderly population, and a prevalence of old and manufactured homes, all contributing to its high fire death rate.
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West Virginia Lawmakers Debate Regulations for Flock Camera Systems

West Virginia Lawmakers Debate Regulations for Flock Camera Systems

West Virginia lawmakers are evaluating the use of Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers amid concerns about data privacy and security. During interim meetings, presentations were made by Flock Safety and the Institute for Justice, focusing on data storage, access, and sharing. The Institute for Justice advocates for statewide regulations to govern the use of this technology, emphasizing the need for warrants for certain searches and limits on data sharing. Flock Safety argues that local customers control their data, but lawmakers remain concerned about potential misuse and the adequacy of existing safeguards.
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Flood Watch Issued for Parts of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio

Flood Watch Issued for Parts of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for numerous counties across West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. This advisory is in effect through Friday morning, as rounds of storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region. Excessive runoff from these storms may lead to flooding of waterways, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Counties under the watch include Barbour, Kanawha, and Wood in West Virginia; Boyd and Greenup in Kentucky; and Athens and Gallia in Ohio, among others. Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and prepare for potential flooding impacts. (Source time: 2026-08-10T17:02:59+00:00)
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West Virginia Office of Energy Initiates Pilot Phase for Home Energy Rebate Program

West Virginia Office of Energy Initiates Pilot Phase for Home Energy Rebate Program

The West Virginia Office of Energy (WVOE) has launched the pilot phase of its Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) Program. This initiative is part of the state's efforts to provide federally funded home energy upgrades to residents. The program aims to help households offset the cost of whole-home energy improvements, such as insulation, air sealing, and energy-efficient windows and doors. The pilot phase involves a select group of homes in southern West Virginia, allowing the WVOE to test systems and processes before a statewide rollout. The program is expected to generate up to $4.5 million in annual utility cost savings for participating households.
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YouTuber Dalton Ain’t Worried Faces Allegations Amid Emotional Video and Arrest Reports

YouTuber Dalton Ain’t Worried Faces Allegations Amid Emotional Video and Arrest Reports

YouTuber Dalton Ain’t Worried Faces Allegations Amid Emotional Video and Arrest Reports
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Carole Burkhead Parsons Ralston's Legacy Celebrated in Buckhannon

Carole Burkhead Parsons Ralston's Legacy Celebrated in Buckhannon

Carole Burkhead Parsons Ralston's Legacy Celebrated in Buckhannon
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Flash Flooding Likely Across Parts of Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky

Flash Flooding Likely Across Parts of Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky

The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion #1007, highlighting the potential for flash flooding across central Indiana, southern Ohio, central West Virginia, and northeast Kentucky. As of 9:02 AM EDT on August 11, 2026, multiple thunderstorm complexes are tracking southeast through the region. These storms are producing heavy rainfall, with rates exceeding 2 inches per hour in some areas. Rainfall totals since midnight have reached 2-4 inches in parts of southeast Ohio and near Fort Wayne, Indiana. The storms are fueled by a favorable thermodynamic environment, including high mixed-layer CAPE values (2000-3000 J/kg) and precipitable water levels of 1.75 to 2 inches.
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Trump administration cuts to sex ed create wide impacts

Trump administration cuts to sex ed create wide impacts

The Trump administration's decision to cut sex education funding is creating significant impacts across the country.
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Severe Storms and Flash Flooding Threaten Midwest and Northeast

Severe Storms and Flash Flooding Threaten Midwest and Northeast

A significant weather event is unfolding across the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Northeast, with over 50 million Americans facing severe storms and flash flooding risks. According to the FOX Forecast Center, most areas are expected to receive 2 to 3 inches of rain, with a heavier band of 3 to 5 inches stretching from Indiana to West Virginia. Localized areas could see rainfall exceeding 5 inches. The storms are being fueled by high humidity and moist, unstable air, creating conditions for intense thunderstorms and damaging wind gusts. A Level 3 out of 5 severe storm risk has been issued for parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley, including Chicago, Indianapolis, and Columbus, Ohio. Flash flooding has already caused significant damage, with over 6.5 inches of rain reported in some areas and active water rescues underway in Perry County, Ohio. The storm system is expected to persist through the week, with additional severe weather and flooding risks anticipated.
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Severe Storms to Rattle the Midwest All Week

Severe Storms to Rattle the Midwest All Week

Severe storms will return across the Midwest, Great Lakes and Ohio Valley starting Monday and continue through Thursday. High humidity will fuel thunderstorms from Chicago to Pittsburgh and the central Appalachians, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding. Rain totals of 2–3 inches are expected, with 3–5 inches possible in parts of Indiana and Ohio. West Virginia could see more than 6 inches by Thursday, while damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes remain possible.