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Title: West Virginia SNAP ABAWD Policy Changes Explained

by David Harrison – Chief Editor November 3, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

West Virginia Updates SNAP Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (November 1, 2025) – The West Virginia Department of⁢ Human Services‍ (DoHS) has implemented changes to its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) policy, effective⁢ November 1st. these adjustments‌ are mandated by federal legislation, H.R.1, and are designed to maintain the state’s compliance wiht national SNAP guidelines.

The revised policy impacts individuals aged 18 through 64, classifying them as ABAWD starting the month ‍after ‍their 18th birthday and continuing until the month they turn 65.

Significant changes include the removal of previous exemptions for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth under the age of 25. Individuals in these categories ⁣will now be required to meet ABAWD⁤ work requirements to ⁤continue receiving SNAP benefits, unless they⁣ qualify for another exemption.

The definition of ⁤a dependent has also been updated. Only dependents under the age of 14 will now qualify ⁢as⁣ an adult for exemption from ABAWD ⁤requirements. ‍ SNAP recipients caring for children aged ⁤14 through 17 will be subject to work requirements unless another exemption applies.

A new exemption has been added for SNAP recipients who identify as Indians, Urban Indians, or California Indians, ‌as defined by the⁢ Indian Health Care Enhancement Act.

The DoHS estimates these changes will affect approximately ‌36,000 SNAP recipients across the state.

Individuals with questions regarding the updated ABAWD policy are encouraged to contact the DoHS Office of Constituent Services at 1-877-716-1212.

November 3, 2025 0 comments

Business

Kanawha County Ambulance: Highmark Members to Pay Out of Pocket

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 31, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Kanawha ⁣County Residents with Highmark May Face Direct Ambulance Billing

CHARLESTON,⁢ W.Va. – Residents ⁣of Kanawha County insured by ⁢Highmark Blue ⁣Cross⁣ Blue Shield may soon receive bills directly for ambulance⁤ services following a contract termination between the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance⁤ Authority (KCEAA) and ⁢the insurance ‍provider. ⁤the dispute centers on reimbursement rates for emergency medical transport.

KCEAA officials state the decision to end the contract stemmed from insufficient payments received from Highmark. According to spokesperson Tom⁤ Susman, the ambulance authority billed Highmark over $1 million last‍ year but only received approximately $400,000 in return. Susman emphasized the high costs⁢ associated with‍ providing emergency ambulance services, including trained personnel, licensing, and equipment. “Everybody who uses that ambulance should pay for a portion⁢ of that cost,” ⁢he stated.

Highmark Health’s ⁢Director of Corporate Communications, Cathy McAlister, ⁤countered that the company adheres to Centers for Medicare &‌ Medicaid Services (CMS) standards for ambulance‍ care‌ reimbursement and pays at those rates. She added that Highmark provided KCEAA with data demonstrating alignment with ⁢industry standards ⁢and offered “some select increases.”

Susman acknowledged ‍Highmark’s offer but saeid it⁣ was “not sufficient to cover costs.” He clarified that KCEAA ⁣isn’t seeking to solve all its financial problems⁤ through insurance reimbursements,but believes all those served - and therefore ‍thier insurance members – should contribute ‍their “fair share.”

Despite the ‌contract termination, KCEAA assures residents that emergency service will continue uninterrupted. “Just as ⁣you’re insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield does not ⁣mean that you won’t get ‍service,” Susman confirmed. “We are an emergency ambulance service and regardless⁣ of the ability to pay we will respond to emergency calls.”

KCEAA is currently operating with a deficit and remains open‍ to‌ reaching a‍ new agreement with ⁣Highmark.⁢ Tho,Susman indicated that direct billing to patients is a more financially viable option in the current situation.

The⁢ changes resulting from the contract termination‌ will not take effect until January 1, 2025, providing individuals and businesses time to adjust.

October 31, 2025 0 comments

Business

Liberty Hill Development Concerns: North Charleston Public Hearing

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 14, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

North charleston ⁢to discuss Proposed‍ Development in Historic Liberty Hill

NORTH CHARLESTON,⁢ S.C. – A public hearing is scheduled for Monday at 6 ⁤p.m. at North Charleston ‍City Hall to address proposed changes to zoning regulations impacting the Liberty‍ Hill community. The ⁤Charleston Affordable Development Group is seeking to rezone a property at 1657 E Montague Ave.‌ from ‍single-family residential to multi-family residential, paving the way for a townhome⁣ development and potential‍ commercial space.

The proposed development has sparked discussion amongst Liberty Hill residents, a community with a 154-year history. While developers aim ⁣to increase⁤ housing options, some residents express concern about maintaining the character of the‌ neighborhood.

“The community is already full with a lot of renters. So now we want to bring back single-family affordable homes for our⁣ community,” stated Valerie Harper Young,President of the Liberty Hill Improvement Council.

Criag ⁢Mitchell, President of the Liberty Hill Redevelopment Group, voiced concerns about the aesthetic fit of the proposed townhomes. “It does not fit with the aesthetics of this community,” he said, adding a desire to preserve the area’s unique identity for ⁤future⁢ generations.

Ford Smith of the Charleston affordable Development Group‌ emphasized a commitment ⁣to ‍collaboration. “We’re looking to work alongside the⁢ communities,”⁣ Smith‍ stated,⁤ “and ‌ultimately just⁢ create good housing‍ opportunities.” ‍He expressed hope for a solution that satisfies all parties involved.

Residents have emphasized the importance of respecting the community’s history and⁢ preserving its distinct character. The⁤ public hearing is intended to provide a forum for all viewpoints, with⁤ the goal ‍of reaching a mutually beneficial outcome.

October 14, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Charleston professor created image of a secret coral reef

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor October 10, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

October 10, 2025 0 comments

News

Charleston Teen Wins Miss America’s Teen 2026 Title

by David Harrison – Chief Editor September 8, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Charleston Teen Crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Tess Ferm, a recent graduate of Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, has been named Miss America’s Teen 2026. The crowning took place Saturday in Orlando, florida.

Ferm will begin her undergraduate studies at Furman University this fall,where she intends to major in psychology with the goal of becoming a Child Life specialist. Through her participation in the Miss America’s Teen program, she has secured $58,000 in scholarships.

As national ambassador for the program, Ferm plans to focus on empowering young women to pursue their ambitions and become leaders. “Being Miss America’s Teen means representing possibility,” Ferm stated. “It’s about showing that teens are not just the future, but the now-ready to lead, to innovate, and to make a real difference.”

Ferm’s platform stems from her personal experience with food allergies. She has developed a campaign dedicated to raising awareness and fostering safer, more informed communities regarding food allergies. Her efforts were recognized with the Quality of Life: Teens in Action Overall Award.

Ferm credits the Miss america’s Teen program with providing her opportunities to advocate for her initiative with legislators, hone her public speaking skills, and develop confidence. “Miss America empowers young women to be bold, well-rounded, and ready to chase their goals,” she said.

this victory marks the third time a South Carolina contestant has been awarded the title of Miss America’s Teen, and the first time since 2009.

September 8, 2025 0 comments

News

West Virginia Hospital Shooting: Man Killed After Knife Attack

by David Harrison – Chief Editor August 8, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

West Virginia Police Shoot, Kill Knife-Wielding Man in Hospital Emergency Room

Table of Contents

West Virginia Police Shoot, Kill Knife-Wielding Man in Hospital Emergency Room

Charleston, W.Va. (AP) – A man wielding a knife was fatally shot by police in the emergency room of Charleston Area Medical Centre’s General Hospital early Friday morning, following an attack on a hospital employee. The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 a.m.,according to Charleston Police Chief Scott Dempsey.

Details of the Incident

The suspect, later identified as Peter Delnardo Lilly, 46, of Charleston, entered the emergency room shortly after midnight seeking medical attention for an unspecified injury. Witnesses reported Lilly quickly became agitated, yelling and exhibiting aggressive behavior towards staff and other patients.He reportedly retreated to a bathroom before emerging with a knife.

According to Chief Dempsey, lilly then lunged at individuals in the emergency room, overturned furniture, and discharged a fire extinguisher. Attempts to de-escalate the situation by those present proved unsuccessful.As an officer arrived on the scene and ordered lilly to drop the weapon, the suspect entered an elevator and attacked a hospital employee. The officer afterward discharged thier firearm,striking Lilly,who was pronounced dead at the scene. The attacked employee sustained no injuries.

Hospital Response and Investigation

Charleston Area Medical Center spokesperson Dale Witte confirmed the emergency room was placed on lockdown for approximately two hours following the shooting. The lockdown was lifted after authorities secured the area and completed an initial investigation. The West Virginia State police are now leading the investigation into the shooting, a standard procedure in officer-involved incidents. No further details regarding the officer involved have been released at this time.

Charleston Area Medical Center General Hospital is a 874-bed tertiary care facility serving a 17-county region in West Virginia. This incident highlights the increasing challenges faced by healthcare workers and the potential for violence in emergency room settings. Hospitals across the nation are implementing enhanced security measures to protect staff and patients.

FAQ

What led to the shooting? The shooting occurred after the suspect attacked a hospital employee with a knife while in an elevator, following a period of erratic and aggressive behavior in the emergency room.

Was anyone else injured? The hospital employee attacked by the suspect was not injured.

what is the status of the investigation? The West Virginia State Police are currently investigating the incident.

Compliance & Disclaimers

This article reports on a developing news event. Information is based on preliminary reports from law enforcement and hospital officials and is subject to change as the investigation progresses. This article does not provide legal or medical advice.

Call-to-Action

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August 8, 2025 0 comments

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