The State Journal

A banner celebrates former Del. Elliott Pritt as a "hometown hero" in Oak Hill, West Virginia. Quick take: CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former Delegate David Elliott Pritt has withdrawn from the 2026 General Election ballot, ending efforts to remove him from the race but creating an unusual election-law situation that prevents the Republican Party from naming a replacement candidate.

Quick take: WASHINGTON — The United States should preserve its remaining coal-fired power plants and remove barriers limiting coal exports as electricity demand rises from artificial intelligence, data centers, manufacturing and global energy needs, according to two reports released by the National Coal Council.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Security America, a leading provider of professional security services since 1982, recently announced several key leadership and staff changes designed to strengthen operations, enhance client service, and support the company’s continued growth. The company has hired Jarrod Burdette as Director of Operations, promoted Van Workman to Field Manager, and transitioned Tina Campbell into the newly created role of Marketing & Technology Specialist.

Pratt & Whitney Canada has secured a nine-year, $1 billion contract to overhaul engines used in the U.S. military’s T-6 trainer aircraft, work that will be performed at the company’s Bridgeport facility and support hundreds of jobs in NCWV. Quick take: BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — High-paying, technical jobs that West Virginians have relied on for decades aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

There you are. Making your “to-do” lists. Updating your project management system. Rearranging your calendar. Busy, busy, busy. Before you know it, you’re at the end of another day, and you wonder: What did I really accomplish? Welcome to the world of fake work. All those activities that make you feel productive without moving the needle on important goals. Taking up your time and giving you the illusion you’re being productive.

Quick take: WV News/The State Journal: You mentioned Beth Walker, so let’s jump to this question. You were the youngest woman on the Supreme Court and now you’re the chief justice. So tell me about some of your obstacles coming up and then talk about your accomplishments. Justice Bunn: Well, I appreciate the question. So, you know, being the only woman in the room sometimes can be intimidating or a disadvantage. I have to say that I have four colleagues that don’t make an obstacle, really at all.

Quick take: CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Back-to-school is an exciting time for parents, students and school staff alike, but public school teachers bear the unique responsibility of preparing their classrooms as best as they can while education concerns like funding and school closures weigh on their minds. Casey Aldrich, an art educator at Elkview Middle School in Kanawha County in her 15th year of teaching, said she finds the challenge lies in acquiring the right supplies for her lesson plans.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Construction and commissioning of Nucor’s new West Virginia sheet mill in Mason County remain on schedule and within budget, with commercial production expected to begin in 2027, company officials announced during the steelmaker’s second-quarter earnings report.

Quick take: FAIRMONT, W.Va. — As worldwide wildfires grow more prevalent and harmful, a group of West Virginia University researchers is working on a way to utilize artificial intelligence software and satellites to spot the early stages of wildfires and notify authorities before they grow out of control.

Quick take: CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Telehealth services across West Virginia are receiving support through the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program as officials work to expand access to care, particularly for residents in rural communities. The Rural Health Transformation Program is directing funding toward initiatives designed to improve health care access throughout the state, including the Connected Care Grid’s Bring Providers Online — Telehealth Upgrades program.