r/WestVirginiaPolitics

EDIT: Turns out, the three free articles thing might be defunct. Sorry about that, the state of local news in 2026 is dire. But at least, I can give a summary so people get the general gist. But remember, the paywall goes to support local journalism and keep my four cats fed, so support local news!

Hi everyone. Reporter for the Times West Virginian. I wrote a story about Bragg's resignation, which was posted about in this sub last night. I think we still do three free articles to start. Enjoy!

Carl Ayers, who runs the Department of Human Services, sent an email to members of the department announcing Bragg had left the position on Monday. Ayers confirmed the authenticity of the email by phone, and declined to comment on the nature of Bragg's departure. Bragg is the target of a lawsuit filed in Marion County, where a CPS worker named Lori Williams alleged Bragg retaliated against her by suspending her without pay after Williams sent an email saying Bragg had made inaccurate statements during a court hearing February. The suit also alleges additional drama between Bragg and the Marion County CPS office.

Some fun things while reporting this story. I tried getting confirmation from DOHS directly, but the voicemail I was sent to for their communications department belongs to a person who retired from the department two years ago. The person who answered the phone after I called back said that's the right mailbox for their spokesperson, their spokesperson just hasn't bothered to change the voicemail greeting. The employee still took down a message for me. I also tried getting in touch with the governor's office. Their communications director told me around 9 am that they didn't know anything about it. Around noon, I got a copy of the email Ayers sent. I asked the governor's office if it was real and they never responded.

I know word of Bragg's departure got around. Williams' attorney, Bren Pomponio had heard it as well. The wonderful Amelia Knisely at West Virginia Watch was also aware of the departure.

If you want more details they're behind the paywall. There is a 99 cent option to buy the story, but be warned, our website can be annoying. If there's any issues, I believe clearing the browser's cache fixes it.

A lawsuit was filed against her in May, then refiled in June after she retaliated against a CPS supervisor in Marion County.

Based on my personal experience, I can say with absolute certainty that this woman has fostered an environment within the department where workers fear her. In my view, many of the changes she has made to the department have been detrimental to the children of this state. The fact that she is no longer in power is a great day for the families of West Virginia.

And if you don't think the department influences the mainstream media within the state, I believe you're wrong. There was barely any coverage of the lawsuit, and I expect they will quickly sweep her departure under the rug. The department hates to look bad in the media.

The department needs to be cleaned out. This is one of the few times I believe someone from outside the state—with no affiliations or connections to anyone within the department—needs to come in and clean house. In my opinion, the system has become corrupt and deeply dysfunctional, and outside intervention may be the only real solution.

It is difficult to read news like this and not wonder how much of these decisions are politically motivated. I wonder, would the Justice Department reach the same conclusion if Sen. Justice was a vocal opponent of the President's policies, or owned wind farms instead of coal plants?