LEAH WILLINGHAM

Transgender Mayoral candidate Rosemary Ketchum stands on a closed down bridge in Wheeling Island on Friday, April 5, 2024, in Wheeling, W.Va. (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten)
How West Virginia’s first transgender elected official is influencing local politics
Rosemary Ketchum became West Virginia’s first openly transgender lawmaker when she was elected to the Wheeling City Council in 2020. Now, she’s running for mayor of the city of around 26,000 in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
May 10, 2024
A Charlotte Mecklenburg police officer carries a gun as he walks in the neighborhood where an officer-involved shooting took place in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, April 29, 2024. Police in North Carolina say numerous law enforcement officers conducting a task force operation have been struck by gunfire in Charlotte. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
The bystander’s role is changing in the era of livestreaming. North Carolina’s standoff shows how
A deadly shootout in Charlotte that left five dead illustrates how smartphone-wielding bystanders don’t always run for cover when bullets start to fly. Increasingly, they look to livestream their perspective of the attack.
May 4, 2024
West Virginia GOP County Commissioners removed from office after arrest for skipping meetings
A three-judge panel has ordered that two county commissioners in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle be removed from office after they were arrested for purposefully jilting their duties by skipping public meetings.
May 1, 2024
FILE - Connor Thonen-Fleck addresses reporters while his parents stand by his side, March 11, 2019, in Durham, N.C. West Virginia and North Carolina's refusal to cover certain health care for transgender people with government-sponsored insurance is discriminatory, a federal appeals court ruled Monday, April 29, 2024 in a case likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. (AP Photo/ Jonathan Drew, FIle)
West Virginia’s and North Carolina’s transgender care coverage policies discriminate, judges rule
A federal appeals court has ruled that West Virginia’s and North Carolina’s refusal to cover certain health care for transgender people with government-sponsored insurance is discriminatory. The Richmond-based 4th U.S.
April 29, 2024
FILE - A pedestrian passes by the US 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Courthouse on Main Street in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, June 16, 2021. West Virginia's transgender sports ban violates the rights of a teen athlete under Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools, an appeals court ruled Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the law cannot be applied to a 13-year-old who has been taking puberty-blocking medication and publicly identified as a girl since she was in the third grade. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
West Virginia says it will appeal ruling that allowed transgender teen athlete to compete
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says the state will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on an appeals court ruling that allowed a transgender athlete to compete on her middle school teams. A 4th U.S.
April 24, 2024
FILE - Former Massey CEO Don Blankenship speaks during a town hall to kick off his Republican U.S. Senate campaign in Logan, W.Va., Jan. 18, 2018. Blankenship is running in the May 14 primary as a Democrat for the seat being vacated by Sen. Joe Manchin. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Disgraced coal CEO lost races as GOP and third party candidate. He’s trying again as a Democrat
Former West Virginia coal executive Don Blankenship is making another attempt to win a U.S. Senate seat, this time as a Democrat. Blankenship finished third out of six candidates in the 2018 Republican primary for Democrat Joe Manchin’s Senate seat.
April 24, 2024
FILE - This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 4, 2015, shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle, center. A West Virginia hospital has identified the first case of measles in the state since 2009, health officials said Monday, April 22, 2024. (Cynthia Goldsmith/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP, File)
West Virginia confirms first measles case since 2009
A West Virginia hospital has confirmed the first known case of measles in the state since 2009. The Monongalia County Health Department says WVU Medicine alerted officials Sunday that an adult patient tested positive for the viral infection.
April 22, 2024
Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott speaks during the 10th Annual Wheeling Police Department Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony at Wheeling Heritage Port in Wheeling, W.Va., on May 18, 2023. Outgoing U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin endorsed the on Monday, April, 22, 2024, in the Democratic primary race for his seat representing deep-red West Virginia, where Manchin is currently the only Democrat holding statewide office. (Eric Ayres/The Intelligencer via AP)
In race for his Senate seat, Joe Manchin endorses West Virginia Democratic Mayor Glenn Elliott
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin has endorsed a West Virginia mayor in the Democratic primary race for his seat representing deep-red West Virginia.
April 22, 2024
FILE - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivers his annual State of the State address in the House Chambers at the state capitol in Charleston, W.Va., on Jan. 11, 2023. Justice announced Friday, April 192, 204, that West Virginia will not face a clawback of $465 million in COVID-19 money from the U.S. Department of Education, alleviating concerns raised by state lawmakers during the last days of the legislative session in March. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)
West Virginia will not face $465M COVID education funds clawback after feds OK waiver, governor says
West Virginia will not face a clawback of $465 million in COVID-19 money from the federal government, alleviating concerns raised by state lawmakers during the legislative session in March. West Virginia Gov.
April 19, 2024
FILE - Julie Su speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions confirmation hearing for her to be the Labor Secretary, on Capitol Hill, April 20, 2023, in Washington. The Labor Department moved Tuesday to better protect miners from poisonous silica dust that has contributed to the premature deaths of thousands of mine workers from a respiratory disease commonly known as “black lung.” (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Coal miners have long faced risk of black lung disease. Now they’re getting new protections
The Labor Department has issued a new rule intended to protect coal miners from poisonous silica dust that has contributed to the premature deaths of thousands of mine workers from a respiratory ailment known as “black lung” disease.
April 16, 2024
FILE - West Virginia University students lead a protest against cuts to programs in world languages, creative writing and more amid a $45 million budget deficit, Aug. 21, 2023, outside Stewart Hall in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham, File)
Following program cuts, new West Virginia University student union says fight is not over
The West Virginia United Students’ Union is the leading oppositional force against cuts at the state’s flagship university.
April 7, 2024
FILE - This Nov. 3, 2014 file photo shows the West Virginia Capitol with its dome framed by turning sugar maples leaves in Charleston, W.Va. West Virginia's unemployed workers will need to do more to prove they are searching for jobs to collect state benefits under a new law that will take effect next year. (Tom Hindman/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP, File)
West Virginia bill adding work search to unemployment, freezing benefits made law without signature
West Virginia’s unemployed people will need to do more to prove they are searching for jobs to collect state benefits under a new law that will take effect next year.
March 28, 2024
FILE - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivers his State of the State address, Jan. 10, 2024, in Charleston, W.Va. Justice on Wednesday, March 27, broke with the GOP-majority Legislature to veto a bill that would have loosened one of the country's strictest school vaccination policies. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)
West Virginia Gov. Justice vetoes bill that would have loosened school vaccine policies
West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice broke with the GOP-majority Legislature to veto a bill that would have loosened one of the country’s strictest school vaccination policies.
March 28, 2024
2 high school wrestling team members in West Virginia are charged with sexual assault
Two West Virginia minors are facing sexual assault and other charges following an alleged incident at a hotel involving members of a high school wrestling team.
March 27, 2024
FILE - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivers his State of the State address, Jan. 10, 2024, in Charleston, W.Va. Justice signed a law concerning science teaching Friday, March 22, 2024, supporters say promotes the free exchange of ideas in the classroom and opponents say is constitutionally vague and could allow for the incursion of religion into public schools. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)
West Virginia governor signs vague law allowing teachers to answer questions about origin of life
West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice has signed a law that supporters say promotes the free exchange of ideas in science classrooms. Opponents say it’s constitutionally vague and could allow for the incursion of religion into public schools.
March 22, 2024
Content creator Jensen Savannah, left, and her fiance and brand manager Jorge Millares, produce a client video at El Puro Cuban Restaurant, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)
TikTok creators warn of economic impact if app sees ban, call it a vital space for the marginalized
TikTok creators across the country are expressing frustration over a bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that would lead to a nationwide ban of the app if its China-based owner doesn’t sell its stake.
March 16, 2024
In this photo provided by the West Virginia Attorney General's Office, Jonathan Board, left, and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey shake hands after Board was announced as the West Virginia First Foundation executive director Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Morrisey's office at the state Capitol in Charleston, W.Va. The foundation will be distributing the majority of the state's more than $1 billion in opioid settlements. (Aimee Cantrell/West Virginia Attorney General's Office via AP)
Executive director named for foundation distributing West Virginia opioid settlement funds
A group that will distribute the majority of West Virginia’s settlement money from opioid lawsuits has appointed an executive director. Jonathan Board was named Thursday to lead the West Virginia First Foundation.
March 14, 2024
West Virginia GOP County Commissioners arrested over skipping meetings in protest
Two county commissioners in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle are facing criminal charges after being accused of purposefully jilting their duties and skipping public meetings.
March 12, 2024
FILE - The West Virginia Capitol is seen, May 4, 2023, in Charleston, W.Va. West Virginia lawmakers concluded a legislative session Saturday, March 9, 2024, marked by budget disputes and controversial social issue bills that advanced but didn’t ultimately go anywhere. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)
West Virginia Legislature ends session with pay raises, tax cut and failure of social issue bills
West Virginia’s Republican-dominated state Legislature has concluded a session marked by budget disputes and controversial social issue bills that advanced but ultimately didn’t go anywhere.
March 10, 2024
FILE - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivers the State of the State address in Charleston, W.Va., on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. A West Virginia bill that would provide a framework to public school teachers on how and when to remove kindergarten and elementary school students from the classroom who are being “violent, threatening or intimidating” is headed to the desk of Republican Gov. Jim Justice. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)
West Virginia bill letting teachers remove ‘threatening’ students from class dies at end of session
A West Virginia bill that would provide a framework for public school teachers to remove kindergarten and elementary school students from the classroom for severe misbehavior died after missing a final legislative deadline.
March 10, 2024
FILE - The West Virginia Capitol with its dome framed by turning sugar maples leaves is seen, Nov. 3, 2014, in Charleston, W.Va. Lawmakers in West Virginia's GOP-controlled state Legislature voted Saturday, March 9, 2024, to allow some students who don't attend traditional public schools to be exempt from state vaccination requirements that have long been held up as some of the most strict in the country. (Tom Hindman/The Daily Mail via AP, File)
West Virginia lawmakers OK bill drawing back one of the country’s strictest child vaccination laws
West Virginia’s GOP-controlled state Legislature has voted to allow some students who don’t attend traditional public schools to be exempt from state vaccination requirements.
March 10, 2024
West Virginia state Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, talks in her office at the Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2024. West Virginia has the least amount of female state legislators.(AP Photo/Chris Jackson)
Female representation remains low in US statehouses, particularly Democrats in the South
Nearly 130 years since the first three women were elected to state legislative offices in the U.S., women remain massively underrepresented in state legislatures.
March 10, 2024
FILE - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivers his State of the State address, Jan. 10, 2024, in Charleston, W.Va. Justice's administration has been characterized by flat budgets and record-high surpluses that were used to cut the state’s income tax last year — a law he signed a month before announcing a run for U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin's seat. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)
Potential $465M federal clawback raises concerns about West Virginia schools
West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice’s administration has been characterized by flat budgets and record surpluses that were used to cut the state’s income tax last year.
March 8, 2024
Emergency personnel respond to the scene of a bus crash on Monday, March 4,2024 on West Virginia Route 16 in Calhoun County. The bus driver was arrested Monday for driving under the influence after a crash that sent multiple injured students to the hospital, state police said.(WCHS TV)
West Virginia bus driver charged with DUI after crash sends multiple children to the hospital
West Virginia state police say a school bus driver was arrested for driving under the influence after a crash that sent multiple injured students to the hospital. State Police Capt.
March 5, 2024
FILE - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivers his State of the State address, Jan. 10, 2024, in Charleston, W.Va. A West Virginia bill that would outlaw non-binary gender markers on birth certificates is headed to the governor's desk. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)
West Virginia bill banning non-binary gender designations on birth certificates heads to governor
A West Virginia bill that would outlaw the gender designation of non-binary on birth certificates is headed to Gov. Jim Justice’s desk. The Republican governor hasn’t spoken publicly about the bill.
February 29, 2024
FILE - West Virginia University students El Didden, Bri Caison and Lia Farrell hold materials from the Rainbow Coats, March 8, 2023, in Morgantown, W.Va. West Virginia's Republican-controlled House of Delegates passed a bill on Wednesday that doctors treating transgender youth in the state say would prevent the prescription of certain medical interventions like hormone therapy to patients at risk for self-harm or suicide. (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten, File)
West Virginia House OKs bill doctors say would eliminate care for most at-risk transgender youth
West Virginia’s Republican-controlled House of Delegates has approved a bill that doctors treating transgender youth in the state say would prevent the prescription of certain medical interventions like hormone therapy to patients at risk for self-harm or suicide.
February 28, 2024
FILE - Students walk down a hallway at a high school in Iowa, Dec. 19, 2006. West Virginia's Republican-majority Senate green-lit a bill Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, that would make a video on fetal development funded by an anti-abortion group to be required viewing in public schools. (Scott Morgan/The Hawk Eye via AP, File)
West Virginia Senate OKs bill requiring schools to show anti-abortion group fetal development video
West Virginia’s Republican-led Senate has greenlit a bill that would make a video on fetal development produced by an anti-abortion group required viewing in public schools.
February 27, 2024
FILE - West Virginia University students El Didden, Bri Caison and Lia Farrell hold materials from the Rainbow Coats, March 8, 2023, in Morgantown, W.Va. Close to 400 medical professionals in West Virginia have signed onto a letter condemning a bill advancing in the state House of Delegates that would bar transgender youth at risk for suicide from accessing medical interventions like hormone therapy. (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten, File)
West Virginia medical professionals condemn bill that prohibits care to at-risk transgender youth
Hundreds of medical professionals in West Virginia have signed onto a letter condemning a bill advancing in the state House of Delegates that would bar transgender youth at risk for suicide from accessing medical interventions like hormone therapy.
February 27, 2024
FILE - Education Committee Chair Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, speaks with Finance Committee counsel Jeff Johnson and analyst Chris DeWitte during a recess at the Capitol in Charleston, W.Va., Jan. 30, 2019. Married people in West Virginia could be charged with certain sexual assault acts against their spouses for the first time under a controversial bill passed by West Virginia’s Republican-dominated Senate on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Sen. Rucker said she wanted to support the legislation, but she was worried about people “trying to take advantage” of the statute and falsely accusing a spouse. (Craig Hudson/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP, file)
West Virginia Senate passes bill that would remove marital exemption for sexual abuse
Married people in West Virginia could be charged with certain acts of sexual abuse against their spouses for the first time under a bill passed by the state Senate. The bill pushed by former prosecuting attorney Republican Sen.
February 26, 2024
Lawmakers in the West Virginia House of Delegates House and Human Resources Committee discuss a bill that would prohibit certain type of health care for transgender minors in a committee room at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, W.Va. on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. (Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography via AP)
West Virginia lawmakers push to remove a suicide risk exemption from gender-affirming care bill
Some Republican lawmakers in West Virginia want to ban transgender youth at risk for self-harm or suicide from accessing medical interventions such as hormone therapy.
February 24, 2024
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