The Scoop Squad
The Scoop Squad Truth Squad is a weekly podcast presented by Charleston WV area commentators and pundits who investigate malfeasance, incompetence, and entrenched corruption, as well as other intriguing topics of interest to West Virginia. Your hosts are Ashley Switzer and executive producer Ron Hughes. Occasional panelists and contributors include Shari Johnson, JB Akers, Cathy Nutter, and Tristan Leavitt. Follow and message us on Facebook for updates between shows and to communicate with the hosts. Email us at scoopsquadwv@gmail.com. Please subscribe and share the podcast and our Facebook posts. *Production service from 580 WCHS Studios. Not affiliated with WVRC Media*
Episodes
March 22, 2024 • 69 mins
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 Cha...
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March 14, 2024 • 69 mins
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.
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March 7, 2024 • 66 mins
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
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
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February 29, 2024 • 67 mins
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 ...
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 ...
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February 23, 2024 • 68 mins
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 lea...
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 lea...
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February 15, 2024 • 69 mins
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...
This is the only place to hear about the bill in such detail...
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February 8, 2024 • 66 mins
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 underst...
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February 1, 2024 • 65 mins
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.
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January 25, 2024 • 70 mins
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.
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.
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January 18, 2024 • 68 mins
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...
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...
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January 16, 2024 • 68 mins
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 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!!
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January 11, 2024 • 69 mins
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.
They express feelings of betrayal by the administration after previously giving their unwavering support to the mayor.
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January 3, 2024 • 68 mins
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?
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?
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December 21, 2023 • 78 mins
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.
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December 14, 2023 • 79 mins
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 t...
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December 7, 2023 • 70 mins
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. #theonl...
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November 30, 2023 • 67 mins
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.
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November 17, 2023 • 79 mins
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.
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.
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November 9, 2023 • 78 mins
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.
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November 2, 2023 • 75 mins
Why is the infant mortality rate so high in West Virginia? It's even higher for African American babies
We spoke with Crystal Good from Black by God, The West Virginia about how we are failing our babies and their mothers
Also, a look at Charleston City Council and the real reason that those in power want to reduce the number of council members.
We spoke with Crystal Good from Black by God, The West Virginia about how we are failing our babies and their mothers
Also, a look at Charleston City Council and the real reason that those in power want to reduce the number of council members.
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