West Virginia

Glenville State University celebrates GSU Day at the West Virginia State Capitol

Published

4 months ago

February 13, 2026

Glenville State University celebrates GSU Day at the West Virginia State Capitol

Glenville State University traveled to Charleston on Tuesday, February 10, for its annual GSU Day at the Capitol, according to a press release from the university. Students, faculty and staff met with legislators and state officials throughout the day to share how Glenville State University is preparing career-ready graduates and supporting the state’s evolving needs.

Throughout the day, university representatives discussed academic programs, learning opportunities and student success initiatives that reflect GSU’s commitment to education. The day highlighted the university’s role in strengthening rural communities across West Virginia by delivering accessible, quality education.

Those representing Glenville State participated in a full day of activities at the Capitol, including a guided tour of the Capitol building, a Q&A session with Supreme Court Justices Thomas H. Ewing and Gerald M. Titus II and a visit to the Culture Center. Members of the GSU community were also present for the governor’s proclamation with Chief of Staff Thomas McCaffery and were able to visit both the House of Delegates and Senate chambers for special recognitions, with citations being issued from each chamber in honor of the day.

Senator Ben Queen from the 12th District spoke on the impact Glenville State University has made while recognizing GSU’s 154th anniversary. “GSU continues to raise the bar and continues to expand opportunities for our students making sure they aren’t just prepared for today’s jobs but tomorrow’s jobs as well,” Queen said. “The impact of Glenville State University can be seen everywhere – leading our schools, starting businesses, working in healthcare, serving in law enforcement and giving back to towns and cities across our state. That kind of impact matters especially in rural communities where opportunity can change the direction of an entire family. For my district, GSU is more than just a campus. It’s an anchor, economic driver, and source of pride for generations of West Virginians.”

GSU wrapped up the day at the Legislative Reception held at the Woman’s Club of Charleston. The reception brought together members of the Legislature, alumni and friends of the university for an evening of connection and celebration. Remarks from GSU Student Government President Graylin Floyd and Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw highlighted the impact that Glenville State University has across West Virginia.

“GSU Day at the Capitol is a powerful reminder of the role Glenville State University plays in shaping the future of West Virginia,” said GSU President Dr. Mark A. Manchin. “When our students, faculty, and staff engage directly with lawmakers and state leaders, they are demonstrating the value of investing in accessible, career-focused education that strengthens our workforce and uplifts our rural communities. We are proud to showcase how GSU continues to prepare career-ready graduates who are committed to serving and leading in the Mountain State.”

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West Virginia

Justice firm’s delinquent DEP fines rise past $1.6M amid DOJ criminal liability relief

Published

4 hours ago

June 27, 2026

Press Room

Justice firm’s delinquent DEP fines rise past .6M amid DOJ criminal liability relief

One of the most prominent coal companies in the teetering business empire of United States Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., owes the state of West Virginia over $1.6 million in delinquent fines. Justice’s Bluestone Coal Corp. owes the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection roughly $1.61 million in delinquent fines issued for 214 violations across 44 DEP-issued mining permits spanning Sept. 2019 to March 2026, according to records the Gazette-Mail obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request. Bluestone Coal’s delinquent fine debt has grown 32.5% from the roughly $1.21 million it totaled in January 2026, according to records from a previous Gazette-Mail request, an indication that the long-running debt at the expense of Justice’s own constituents may not be going away anytime soon. But the companies’ long history of environmental failures was an issue that prompted a federal criminal investigation scuttled earlier in 2026 by Trump administration officials, according to a report published June 8 by ProPublica and Mountain State Spotlight.

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West Virginia

West Virginia First Foundation advances key initiatives at second quarterly board meeting

Published

15 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Press Room

West Virginia First Foundation advances key initiatives at second quarterly board meeting

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) convened its second quarterly board meeting of 2026 at Ascend West Virginia in Charleston, continuing its work to advance prevention, treatment and recovery efforts across West Virginia through responsible stewardship of opioid settlement funds.

The meeting provided board members with updates on several key initiatives and strategic priorities currently underway.

Expert panel appointments

A significant focus of the meeting was the appointment of several volunteer Expert Panel members following the conclusion of certain panel terms. Expert panelists serve in advisory roles and provide regional knowledge, professional expertise and community perspective to help inform WVFF’s work and funding priorities. To allow time for all appointees to complete the necessary confirmation and onboarding process, names will not be publicly released until all appointments have been finalized.

“Expert Panelists play an important role in helping us understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing our local communities,” said Jonathan Board, Executive Director of WVFF. “We are grateful for the individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to support this work and help guide thoughtful, informed decision-making.”

Local government reporting and best practices

Board members reviewed progress on the 2026 Local Government Expenditure Report, which compiles annual spending data submitted by local governments receiving opioid settlement funds. Staff reported that more than 65% of eligible local governments have submitted expenditure reports to date, with the statewide report expected to be released in mid-July.

The board also received an update on new resources being developed to help local governments identify promising practices and learn from successful approaches being implemented across West Virginia. While WVFF does not direct how local governments spend their allocated settlement funds, the Foundation remains committed to providing educational resources that highlight allowable uses, share examples from around the state and support informed local decision-making.

[CHAMBER] [2026-06-23] Hiring Executive Director

In the coming months, WVFF plans to host regional learning sessions that will bring local government representatives together to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore opportunities to maximize the impact of opioid settlement investments within their communities.

Strategic priorities

The board received updates on the Community Catalyst Grant (CCG) program, which opened for applications on June 1 and remains open through June 30. Designed as a three-year, outcomes-driven investment, the program will support projects focused on public safety response, day report centers and generational prevention efforts.

Board members also received updates on the West Virginia Wayfinder, the statewide needs assessment project led by the West Virginia University Health Affairs Institute, in partnership with the Institute for Policy Research and Public Affairs, and Data Driven WV. Meetings and engagement activities are underway with WVFF staff, expert panelists and community stakeholders across the state, with data, insights and priority areas currently being gathered and analyzed to help identify needs, gaps and opportunities related to substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery services in West Virginia.

“Our Board remains focused on ensuring these funds are invested responsibly and strategically for the benefit of West Virginia communities,” said Greg Duckworth, Chairman of the WVFF Board of Directors. “Each meeting provides an opportunity to review progress, strengthen accountability, and continue building on the work being done across the state.”

Direct funding request approved

The board also voted to approve a $4 million direct funding request submitted by the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) at West Virginia University. The project is focused on expanding access to innovative addiction treatment and recovery support tools while building the technology and infrastructure needed to support implementation across West Virginia.

Consistent with WVFF’s commitment to transparency and accountability, additional details regarding the project and funding agreement will be released in the coming weeks following the completion of final documentation. WVFF and RNI plan to issue a joint announcement once the agreement process has been finalized.

Hold the Line Tour stop at Rea of Hope

After the board meeting, WVFF board members and staff will visit Rea of Hope, an Initial Opportunity Grant awardee, as part of the Foundation’s Hold the Line Tour, which highlights organizations and programs working to make a difference in communities across West Virginia. The visit will provide an opportunity to hear directly from leadership about the impact of recovery-focused services and community support.

The next regular meeting of the Foundation’s board of directors is scheduled for September 17, 2026 (subject to change). Visit wvfirst.org to learn more.

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