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n upcoming competition brings teams of locals together for puzzles, pizza and pie, and a community forum in the UKV will discuss the impact of federal cuts to the Medicaid and ACA programs. Here’s the 411 from communities around the region, including Charleston, South Charleston and Smithers.
HISTORY PRESENTATIONS: The Main Branch of the Kanawha County Public Library is hosting several history-related presentations this week. On Thursday, March 19, the story of United States Army Nurse Corps officer and World War II prisoner of war Col. Ruby Bradley comes to life in a History Alive! presentation. The event begins at 6 p.m. in Room 311A at the library’s location at 123 Capitol St., Charleston. Then, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, Marshall University journalism professor Burnis R. Morris will lead a conversation on historian, author, journalist and father of Black History, Carter G. Woodson. Morris has been recognized for his research on Woodson, receiving several fellowship awards for his work. Both the March 19 and March 21 events are held in conjunction with America’s 250th anniversary celebration, and the presentation on Col. Ruby Bradley takes place during Women’s History Month.
PUZZLES & PIES: Calling all puzzle enthusiasts. The Alum Creek Alliance is holding a Puzzles and Pies team competition at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 20. Teams of up to six members can try their hand at completing a 500-piece puzzle while enjoying pizza and pie. Each team will be provided the same puzzle. The top three teams to finish will receive prizes. The event is open to all ages. Entrance costs $15 per team, regardless of the number of participants. Registration is available online. The event will be held at the Washington District Community Center, 1313 Sandplant Road, South Charleston. More information on Puzzles and Pies is available online.
HEALTHCARE CUTS: The 2025 federal reconciliation law, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is expected to cut federal Medicaid and ACA spending by roughly $900 billion to $1 trillion over the next 10 years. West Virginians for Affordable Health Care (WVAHC) is hosting a community forum, titled “Cuts and Consequences,” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, at the Gateway Center, 2 Greyhound Lane, Smithers. WVAHC Executive Director Ellen Allen will be on hand to discuss how the cuts will impact West Virginia citizens, hospitals and communities. The event is free and open to the public. More information on the March 26 forum is available online.
