Leann Ray

Editor-in-chief of @WV_Watch | West Virginian | Poca Dot 🔴 | Formerly @wvgazettemail and @wvflipside | She/her
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[Leann Ray @Leann_Ray]

For those on bsky, you can find me @leannray.bsky.social 🦋

[Caity @caitycoyne]

New: WV Treasurer Pack wants more info from Auditor Mark Hunt over his hiring of Sen. Jay Taylor in a contract role, despite legal warnings.

Taylor calls the inquiry + criticisms "politics."
Pack says he wants to ensure taxpayer $$ is appropriately spent

https://t.co/9rNWq7FfT3

[Amelia Knisely @ameliaknisely]

“At the peak of Operation Country Roads, 336 people were crammed into West Virginia’s jails on ICE detainers (seven times the 48-bed cap the state had contracted to provide ICE),” the ACLU-WV report said.

[Leann Ray @Leann_Ray]

I'm attending my 4th States Newsroom Summit. I've been so lucky to work with this group of incredible journalists who produce QUALITY journalism for you to read for FREE. Please consider donating to WV Watch so we can continue to do this important work. https://t.co/kjikdZeCQb

[Andrew Donaldson @four4thefire]

NEW writing from me @WV_Watch

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey proffered on primary night “Listen, I’m the head of the Republican Party in West Virginia" so let us examine the evidence

https://t.co/20XJsDfVwN

[Leann Ray @Leann_Ray]

We have students from both Marshall and West Virginia University out at polling places all over the state talking to voters about what brought them out to vote today. Check back all day for updates! https://t.co/M50fB4uDO2

[Steven Allen Adams @stevenadamswv]

Great column by @Leann_Ray - Be careful who you get your news from; not everyone reports responsibly https://t.co/PBO4QLrQpc

[Leann Ray @Leann_Ray]

@tencentdress @bitmapped @WV_Watch No, no emails saying anything is wrong or asking for corrections

[Amelia Knisely @ameliaknisely]

Inside the WV Senate primary: Out-of-state money, Republicans’ war and a governor who inserted himself
“I will not give up my vote for the Morriseys … I can’t be bought. I can’t be bullied,” said Sen. Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier.
New story from me today.
https://t.co/R01ly2Vivu

[Leann Ray @Leann_Ray]

I extended the deadline by a couple more days. If you want to have a full candidate profile on the WV Watch voter guide, please reach out and I'll send a link.

[Leann Ray @Leann_Ray]

Attention candidates!

If you would like to be included in West Virginia Watch's 2026 Voter Guide, please email [email protected] with the subject “voter guide” to receive a link to the application form.

[Leann Ray @Leann_Ray]

@LoriKerseyWV SAY IT TO MY FACE, LORI

[Leann Ray @Leann_Ray]

Attention candidates!

If you would like to be included in West Virginia Watch's 2026 Voter Guide, please email [email protected] with the subject “voter guide” to receive a link to the application form.

[Amelia Knisely @ameliaknisely]

All 3 WV Watch girlies on the front page of the Times West Virginian today 💪🏼 @caitycoyne @LoriKerseyWV

[Hoppy Kercheval @HoppyKercheval]

This week's commentary: Governor Morrisey and the National Guard deployment in DC. https://t.co/6D5QZWVqqi

[Brad McElhinny @BradMcElhinny]

NYTimes: Specialist Beckstrom’s father said his daughter was unlikely to recover. “I’m holding her hand right now,” Gary Beckstrom said when reached by phone. “She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery.”

https://t.co/u1ULw27MpN

[Leslie Rubin @LeslieRubinWCHS]

Always telling when politicians ignore local media during a major event but go live on cable news.

[Governor Patrick Morrisey @wvgovernor]

We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information.

Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.

[Governor Patrick Morrisey @wvgovernor]

It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries. These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues.

Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.

[Governor Patrick Morrisey @wvgovernor]

Denise and I are devastated by the news that two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot earlier today in Washington, DC. According to reports on the ground, one did not survive the attack and the other was taken to a nearby hospital. We are in direct contact with our Guard and other officials, and are working to obtain the most accurate information as quickly as possible.

Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the extraordinary men and women of our Guard who put themselves on the line every day. West Virginia stands united behind them. We will do everything in our power to support their families as they endure this unimaginable loss and will not rest until justice is served.

[Amelia Knisely @ameliaknisely]

West Virginia Watch Christmas tree in downtown Charleston!