Scoop Squad Truth Squad

In a whirlwind two weeks, the 2025 Charleston City Budget was passed, leaving the city council with over 100 pages to scrutinize. The Scoop Squad is on the case, combing through the details to uncover what might have been overlooked or intentionally obscured in the rush. Join us as we delve deep into the budget's intricacies, seeking out what's hidden in plain sight and questioning what the rapid approval process might mean for Charleston's future. If you're curious about where taxpayer money is going and what the budget spells for community projects and services, this episode is a must-listen.

This week The Scoop Squad meets Barry “Top” Holstein, aretired Army First Sergeant and conservative political activist.Author of the annual First Sgt's Guide to the WV Legislature, Barry has been  providing a legislative report and scorecard to help conservative West Virginians separate the Conservatives from the RINOs. In this episode he reviews the bills that passed and failed that he deemed the most important to the state.

Charleston City Hall has had a contentious relationship with the Muslim community lately even though that the community was one of Mayor Goodwin's largest contributors...we discuss that and the treatment members of the black community received at a recent council meeting.We also received new information about the school bus wreck in Calhoun County...this podcast is the only place to get the latest scoop#theonlypodcastthatmatters

Many people think that military dogs are well cared for after their service is over.That is not the case, some were left in Afghanistan to be mutilated or turned loose in the wilderness.We meet the administrators of a group that rescues thousands of these animals and finds them homes.Also, The Scoop Squad talks about how the city administration has failed the businesses of Kanawha City who have been held hostage to a plodding road construction process in the last few years.

The Scoop Squad looks at city council in detail this week. Coverage of Charleston City Council has been silenced by the mayor so that members of the media are restricted with little access for news stories. And now even council members are being silenced by the mayor . The new rule, as of this week's meeting,is that council members can only speak once during the meeting.Meanwhile Charleston leads the nation in overdoses with no leadership in place to fix the problem.For exclusive coverage of city council you have to follow our podcast....no other media covers the city council this closely

On Wednesday , the House of Delegates approved the “Women's Bill of Rights” bill that would codify the definitions of “man” and “woman” and also mandates single-sex spaces like restrooms and locker rooms. Later we interviewed one of the defenders of the bill, JB Akers, who gave us details of what the bill does and doesn't do while also contradicting the bill's opponents.This is the only place to hear about the bill in such detail because this is #theonlypodcastthatmatters

In this gripping episode of The Scoop Squad, we sit down with a woman whose experience with Child Protective Services (CPS) sheds light on the complexities and potential dark sides of the system. She shares her harrowing story of how CPS not only dismantled her family but also, according to her claims, may expose children to the risk of trafficking. Join us as we navigate through these serious allegations, seeking truth and understanding in a system designed for protection. Could there be more victims? Listen in for an investigation into the balance between safeguarding children and the unintended consequences that may follow.

Join The Scoop Squad as they revisit January 6 four years later with provocative former delegate and current congressional candidate Derrick Evans....you may not agree with what he did that day but his story will be intriguing.

The Scoop Squad looks into possible nepotism at the county school board when a resigning board member is replaced by his wife.Also, why is the list of police chief candidates being kept a secret? Legally the list should be public-check it out on this week's episode.

In a groundbreaking episode of The Scoop Squad Truth Pod, we secure the first exclusive interview with former WV VOAD employee Benjamin Cisco. We dive deep into his case, its outcomes, and the recent tumultuous media stories surrounding the organization.This episode also sheds light on the startling admissions made by WV VOAD's Executive Director at the Joint Legislative Committee on Flooding. Don't miss this revealing session that's making waves in Charleston, WV. #scoopsquadtruthpod #theonlycharlestonwvpodcastthatmatters

The Scoop Squad interviews Max Fisher, a Russian-born Jew who grew up in America and hosted a trip recently to Israel with several members of Congress.We heard his insider perspective on the events in Gaza-some things are difficult to hear as they involve observations of rape, torture and murder.If you want to know how the violence can end in Israel, listen to this podcast now!!

We invited two members of the Muslim community who attended city council last week to express their disappointment with city officials for not passing a resolution supporting peace in Gaza. They express feelings of betrayal by the administration after previously giving their unwavering support to the mayor.

This week's episode explores the idiosyncrasies of Lincoln County politics—Again! Join us as we interview a candidate for Lincoln County Commission, Jody Pistore, who wants to see his county get out from under the political machine and cronyism that has held the area back.Also, another look at the opioid settlement money-is it being distributed equitably?

The Scoop Squad and guests look back at a year's worth of lack of transparency at the city, county, and state level as well as the stories we uncovered about sexual harassment and overtime abuse at the Charleston Police Department. We also discuss the future of the mall and its decrepit parking garages and how that may affect a hoped-for sports complex.

In this eye-opening episode of The Scoop Squad Truth Pod, we're taking a deep dive into the opioid court case settlement. Attorney Rusty Webb joins us to provide an insider perspective on the complex process of distributing nearly a billion dollars from pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, we have a heartfelt discussion with a farm family who shares their experience of feeling victimized by a major state food bank. Join us for these compelling stories that are shaping our community.

This episode of The Scoop Squad is brimming with exclusive information! Dive into our insider's report from the closed-door US House of Representatives hearings on the IRS whistleblowers in the Hunter Biden case – a story you won't find anywhere else. Plus, get the latest on the growing arrogance observed at the Charleston City Council. Don't miss these insights, only on #scoopsquadexclusive, the podcast that truly matters. #theonlypodcastthatmatters

This episode catches our listeners up on The City of Charleston's late response to the gas crisis on the west side as well as a follow up to the West Virginia First Foundation's(the group in charge of distributing opioid court case settlement money)lack of transparency in creating a transparency policy.

Are we, as a society, doing enough to care for our seniors? We return to the financial issues of a nonprofit that receives state and federal funding as well as donations from other agencies.The more we dig into them the more irregularities we find.

The Scoop Squad and guests discuss the opioid money that the new nonprofit West Virginia First, along with cities and counties, have been tasked with distributing. It's an interesting process and some details came to light that you won't hear about anywhere else.

Why is the infant mortality rate so high in West Virginia? It's even higher for African American babiesWe spoke with Crystal Good from Black by God, The West Virginia about how we are failing our babies and their mothersAlso, a look at Charleston City Council and the real reason that those in power want to reduce the number of council members.

WV VOAD is a nonprofit disaster relief organization funded by the state and federal governments.Today we look at the underbelly of the organization to discover corruption, theft, and coverups on multiple levels of the staff and board. It doesn't get any "scoopier" than this!#scoopsquadwv#theonlypodcastthatmatters

This week we interviewed Olive Hugh whose organization, Operation Juice Box, is helping to take child predators off the streets in WV. His efforts have resulted in 59 arrests so far with more coming. Also, more follow-up on the lockdown of Charleston City Council and the lack of transparency with the state auditor's office investigation of the city police department leadership

In this episode, Ashley and a surprise guest delve into the 'Here to Serve' meeting held on October 11th, where the mayor, her team, and local residents came together to discuss pressing issues. Discover the dynamics between Ashley and the mayor as they interact for the first time since the city council's lockdown phase. Additionally, join the team as they explore local initiatives by the WV Faith and Freedom chapter to combat adult and child human trafficking, shedding light on the alarming proximity of this issue

This week's Scoop Squad Truth Pod analyzes the decision by Charleston City Council to banish the press away from contact with council members. Is democracy taking a step backwards? Our guests include a member of the city council Beth Kerns and journalism major Elisa Payne

The Scoop Squad revisits the controversial Lincoln County Health Department trailer controversy with Lincoln Commisioner Josh Stowers. The conversation gets contentious and emotional as Stowers refutes the claims made by last week's guests that the structure is unsafe.

The podcast examines the Lincoln County Commission's purchase of a ten plus year old unsafe trailer for almost $800,000 and we follow up on Charleston police overtime abuse with Beth Kerns.

In this episode of the podcast, The Scoop Squad listens to Cassie Nicholas who, as a child, was a victim of sex trafficking and other abuses that became an adult who also was emotionally and mentally abused. It felt normal to her because of her background.We also follow up on the City of Charleston's addiction to "temporary" contract employees as well as an exorbitant police overtime budget.#theonlypodcastthatmatters

The Scoop Squad gives a recap of an unusual council meeting following the same day suspensions of Tyke Hunt and Richie Basford.Plus, Ashley and Ron interview an woman who has recently recalled repressed memories of being sexually abused as a child and has clues to possibly being a victim of a child trafficking ring in the valley over 30 years ago. She tells her riveting story of abuse that extended into her adulthood this week and next.... you won't want to miss this exclusive two part episode

The Scoop Squad interviews a Capital High School Student and her mother about her experiences as a biological female who must share locker rooms and restrooms with biological males...the response by the administration and the county school system will shock you!Plus, is the city of Charleston trying to censor who has access to city council....what are they trying to hide?

More revelations about the Chief of Police Tyke Hunt from a former CPD female officer. She was harassed and mistreated... hear her story now. This episode is definitely for adults only.

This week, the Scoop Squad looks at the CPD Chief and his future, delves into the mysteries of mega churches and how power is held by a select few. Is Regatta having as much an economic impact as the administration says? Last but not least, a prosecutor candidate explains her vision.

Join #scoopsquadwv on "The Scoop Squad Truth Pod" as we dive deep into the murky waters of the drug addiction industry. Discover the profit motives driving municipalities to adopt "harm reduction" programs. Gain insights from the emotional journey of an addict's spouse, and learn how determination and love can turn the tide against addiction. Subscribe for eye-opening truths every week.

Join the Scoop Squad on this episode of the Truth Pod as we delve back into the Charleston Police Chief's sex scandal. Armed with the results from our FOIA request, we take a closer look at the city's investigation into this controversial case. Tune in to get the unfiltered truth behind this scandal and the transparency of the city's response.

The squad examines a failing system of incarceration as jails are stuffed to sometimes double their capacity with half of the staff on hand to handle the burden. How did we get to double the jail population of the 90s with a shrinking population... the answers and the conditions will disgust you.

This week, the squad speaks to former WV State Senator Chris Walters about his campaign to replace Kent Carper on the Kanawha County Commission.We also recap the exposure of Charleston Police Chief Tyke Hunt in the local media who were following up on your podcast breaking the story. We also examine his public apology and suspension without pay.

This action packed episode features local attorney Tristan Leavitt who protects Hunter Biden-IRS whistleblowers, a follow up discussion on the Charleston police chief harassment story with attorney JB Akers, a look at the convenient homeless arrests during Regatta, and a follow up look at changes in the corrupt Calhoun County School System.

A woman tells #scoopsquadwv her story of receiving sexually explicit pictures and messages from Charleston's police chief. Unfortunately for her, the harassment didn't stop there. Listen to this me-too moment tale and the incredible follow up struggle for justice.

Charleston is in debt to the tune of 3/4 of a billion dollars ... at this rate, your great grandchildren will still be paying it down.Find out how this is possible, and that city council had no clue about it.Plus, where is the money coming from for the athletic complex at Town Center? The answer might scare you.

The Scoop Squad Truth Squad welcomes Elisa Payne with Christian American Patriots-WV. Elisa discusses their efforts to protect West Virginia public school children, specifically those students in Kanawha County, from inappropriate content in the classroom.The Squad opens the show with a discussion of the viability of the aquatic center and if they city/ county may be putting the cart before the horse.

Ashley and Adam return just in time for tonight's scoop, after crashing a covert meeting regarding a new harm reduction program at the Women's Health Center on the West Side. Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee Director, Diana Graves weighs in on why large West Virginia cities are so blue and what we can do to change it!

Guests include county commissioner Lance Wheeler, JB Akers, and Adam Knauff who discuss city improprieties, Kent Carper (and did the Democrats deliberately leak tantalizing tidbits), and the county's superior efforts at derelict building demolition.

Don't miss this week's Scoop Squad podcast as our guest, former mayor Danny Jones, discusses County Commissioner Kent Carper's legal woes and the only logical exit strategy available. Ashley and Ron also quiz his honor about the leftward shift in city politics, Joe Manchin's future, and what makes Charleston an attractive place to live.