Hi there, Charleston! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Joy & Justice Tour: Charleston, WV and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Charleston skatepark closed for Interstate 64 bridge rehab project – Mountain Media, LLC (mountainmessenger.com) — Charleston's popular skatepark under I-64 is now closed indefinitely as part of the $74.5 million Fort Hill Bridge rehabilitation, with the city's lease on the site suspended during construction. Local skaters say alternative spots like Coonskin Park are either too far or in poor condition, meaning many will likely turn to riskier street skating until the bridge work wraps up in 2028.
2. $145 million set for West Virginia water and wastewater upgrades, topping $1B in projects (wchstv.com subscription) — Speaking from Charleston, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced $145 million in new state funding for water and wastewater projects, pushing West Virginia's total to more than $1 billion. The plan, shaped by a recent southern West Virginia listening tour, aims to modernize aging systems, speed project oversight, and update utility laws. For Charleston-area residents, it signals concrete steps toward more reliable, cleaner tap water statewide.
3. West Virginia higher education metrics rebound to pre-pandemic levels (wvnews.com) — State higher education officials in Charleston report that graduation numbers, financial aid completion, and enrollment in high-demand programs have all rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. More students are finishing certificates and degrees debt-free, and tuition at West Virginia's two- and four-year colleges remains below national averages, supported by 17 different state financial aid programs.
4. Lorie Bragg out as commissioner of Bureau for Social Services, W.Va. DoHS confirms (wchstv.com) — State officials in Charleston have confirmed that Lorie Bragg is no longer commissioner of West Virginia's Bureau for Social Services, though they declined to share details, citing personnel rules. Bragg, appointed last year after serving in an interim role, is the second high-profile departure from the Department of Human Services this year, following former secretary Alex Mayer's exit in March.
5. Lawmakers hope to unite for effective change in upcoming session (wvnstv.com) — From the Capitol in Charleston, state leaders say they're finally aligning on how to fix West Virginia's aging water systems, especially in the south. Gov. Patrick Morrisey and lawmakers are working on plans for the 2027 session to modernize infrastructure, improve clean water access, and overhaul how smaller water systems are run. Locals could see major policy proposals emerging from these talks.
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Ok Charleston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
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