Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What will lawmakers preview at Charleston’s 2026 Legislative Lookahead?

You won't want to miss New Year's Eve on the Charleston Patch calendar

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Good morning Charleston! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What will lawmakers preview at Charleston’s 2026 Legislative Lookahead?
  • How a Nitro tragedy is driving tougher sextortion penalties in WV
  • How much did Charleston’s small shops gain from holiday shoppers?

Today's riddle: How many sheep does it take to make a sweater? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Charlestonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Cloudy, with a high of 55 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Sunday: Cloudy and warmer, temps: high: 66, low: 43.
  • Monday: Rain at times in the morning, with a high of 49 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The 2026 WVPA Legislative Lookahead is Friday, Jan. 9. It's a free event — register today. (wvpress.org) — Charleston will host the West Virginia Press Association’s free 2026 Legislative Lookahead at the Culture Center on Capitol grounds, running 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9. Media attendees can hear from state leaders, join panel discussions on public health and West Virginia’s future, and must RSVP in advance to reserve a spot.
   

Find out what's happening in Charlestonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Delegate pushes for harsher penalties in sextortion cases (wchstv.com) — From Charleston, a Kanawha County delegate is pushing a new bill to make online sextortion a felony in West Virginia, with tougher penalties when minors are targeted. Sparked by a Nitro teen’s suicide, the proposal aims to protect local students, raise awareness in schools, and encourage better digital citizenship across Kanawha Valley communities.
   

3. Local businesses see a holiday boost in sales (wsaz.com) — Charleston shop owners say this holiday season brought a welcome jump in sales, with more shoppers choosing local boutiques for sweaters, shoes, and unique gifts. Owners describe seeing many new faces and emphasize how buying local directly supports families. As New Year’s approaches, they suggest calling ahead to confirm store hours at your favorite Charleston spots.
   

4. Sheriff's Office notes around 20% of domestic violence calls occur in holiday season (wchstv.com) — Kanawha County deputies say roughly one in five domestic violence calls still comes between November and New Year’s, even as overall cases have declined in recent years. From their Charleston-based office, they stress that victim services are available year-round, helping residents file paperwork, seek protective orders, and even find safe housing away from an abuser.
   

5. East Coast Hockey League extends 'last, best and final' after being served strike notice (wchstv.com) — Charleston-based WCHS reports that the East Coast Hockey League season is in jeopardy as players consider a strike, prompting the league to issue a “last, best and final” contract offer. With the Wheeling Nailers’ game against Toledo already postponed, West Virginia hockey fans could soon see more disruptions if negotiations over pay, housing, and safety equipment stall.
   

📸 Around Charleston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Charleston

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    Wednesday December 31
  • New Year's Eve
    Capitol Market , 800 Smith St , Charleston
    10:00 am

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I have fostered Dougie through the Charleston/Kanawha Animal Shelter since July.
    He is very loving and sweet, approximately 8 months old & needs a forever home. He is just too big and high energy for me. He needs some training. I… (Nextdoor Bigley)
  • Am I loosing my mind....
    or, does someone have a Rooster on the East End. I love backyard Chickens! The idea promotes self sufficiently. (Nextdoor Charleston's East End)
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Transportation Business Operations Assistant 2 - Kanawha County in Charleston. Apply here.
  • West Virginia Staffing posted a job opening for Reimbursement Coordinator in Charleston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charleston here.

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: I have no idea. I didn’t even know sheep could knit.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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