News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

Summer EBT will help feed estimated 165,000 West Virginia children this year

Published

2 weeks ago

June 4, 2025

westvirginiawatch.com – Lori Kersey – 2025-06-04 04:55:00

by Lori Kersey, West Virginia Watch
June 4, 2025

While some Republican-led states have opted out of the federal initiative, West Virginia has launched the 2025 Summer EBT program to help low-income families pay for food during the summer months when children are home from school.

This year, 11 states decided not to offer the federal program, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. All 11 non-participating states — Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee and Wyoming — are led by Republican governors.

A 12th Republican-led state, Oklahoma, will offer the program only to tribal nations.

“Recognizing the importance of ensuring children have access to nutritious meals year-round, [West Virginia] opted to participate in this federally funded initiative to combat food insecurity among its youth,” Angel Hightower, a communications specialist for the state Department of Human Services, said in a statement.

The federal program provides families with $120 in grocery benefits per each eligible school-age child during the summer.

The Department of Human Services estimates the program will benefit 165,000 children in the state this year. Most existing participants received their first benefits by June 1, Hightower said. The state will continue processing new applicants through Aug. 20.

Those with school-age children who already receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are automatically enrolled in the program.

Families are also eligible if their child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and the household makes up to 185% of the federal poverty level. For 2025, a family of four can make up to about $59,000 and be eligible for the program.

Families can apply online at http://schoolcafe.com or download an application at http://dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/programs/Pages/Summer-EBT.aspx. Applications are also available at any Department of Human Services county office.

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West Virginia Watch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. West Virginia Watch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Leann Ray for questions: info@westvirginiawatch.com.

The post Summer EBT will help feed estimated 165,000 West Virginia children this year appeared first on westvirginiawatch.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

This article presents the federal Summer EBT program as a positive initiative aimed at combating food insecurity among children during summer months. It highlights West Virginia’s participation in the program favorably, contrasting it with Republican-led states that have opted out. The framing subtly critiques Republican governors for declining the program without delving deeply into their reasoning, implying a preference for government assistance programs. While the tone remains largely factual, the emphasis on the benefits of the program and the states’ choices reflects a center-left perspective supportive of social welfare policies.

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News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

Jay's 11 p.m. Weather for Friday 06/13/25

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WOAY TV – 2025-06-13 23:18:53

SUMMARY: Jay’s 11 p.m. weather update for Friday, 06/13/25, reports ongoing strong showers and thunderstorms in northern areas. The severe thunderstorm warning for northern Nicholas County was canceled as the storm moved out, but warnings remain for northern counties and a flash flood warning exists until 12:45 a.m. for west central Pocahontas County. Rain continues east into Greenbrier Valley and Virginia, with weakened storms in southern coal fields. More rounds of rain and storms are expected through Saturday and Monday, with heavy rain causing potential ponding and flooding. Highs will be in the upper 70s to mid-80s and lows in the 60s, making for a warm, wet weekend.

Strong showers and storms are rolling through the region at this hour. More storms are forecasted as the weekend continues, and more flooding is possible in some areas.

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News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

ACLU: Lawsuit has “important role” following WV BOE voting against childhood vaccine exemptions

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WCHS Eyewitness News – 2025-06-13 16:00:42

SUMMARY: The West Virginia State Board of Education voted to follow state law, rejecting Governor Patrick Morrissey’s executive order allowing religious vaccine exemptions for students. While the Department of Health continues granting exemptions, county school boards are directed not to accept them, creating confusion. The ACLU’s lawsuit challenging the executive order remains important, aiming to clarify conflicts between state entities. The ACLU supports the board’s decision, opposing executive overreach and emphasizing legislative authority. Kanawha and other counties will comply with state law, with very few vaccine exemptions granted so far. Morrissey criticized the board’s decision as infringing on religious liberties.

After the West Virginia State Board of Education voted on Wednesday to go against Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s executive order and not allow for religious exemptions for school vaccines, American Civil Liberties Union West Virginia Legal Director Aubrey Sparks said the lawsuit challenging the legality of the executive order still stands. She said it could now be used to provide further clarity between the differing state entities.

FULL STORY: https://wchstv.com/news/local/aclu-lawsuit-over-morriseys-vaccine-order-can-still-provide-clarity-after-boe-decision#
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News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

Jay’s Thursday Evening Weather for 06/12/25

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WOAY TV – 2025-06-12 17:49:54

SUMMARY: Southern West Virginia enjoyed a warm, sunny afternoon with temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s and good air quality improving from recent wildfire smoke. Winds shifted to the east-northeast, reducing haze. Evening sunset is at 8:47 PM with mild, dry conditions. Clouds and showers are approaching from the northwest and southeast, bringing rain chances Friday through Monday. Some storms could be strong, but flooding risks remain low due to gradual rainfall spread. Overnight lows will be in the 60s. Meteorologists will monitor potential severe weather, with a stalled front bringing moisture from the Gulf and Atlantic driving the rain chances.

It is a warm and pleasant day in southern West Virginia. While the temperatures will stay on the mild side, the rain chances will go way up as we go into the weekend.

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