The Legislature Today: Recent Episodes
Liz McCormick
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, for our final show, WVPB reporters Curtis Tate, Emily Rice and Jack Walker discuss some of the big bills they've been following this session and what they are keeping an eye on in the final hours.
Join us Saturday, April 12 for our Final Hours program as we follow along with legislative action from 8 p.m. to midnight.In the House Friday, Jack Walker recaps some of the bills lawmakers discussed as the session wraps up.
Also, the Senate and House are working together to get bills across the finish line, but first they have to agree with changes that the other chamber made. Briana Heaney has more.
And our high school reporters Emily Browning and Malia Saar wanted a better understanding of the mechanics of the legislature. A couple weeks ago, they got a chance to speak with Steve Harrison, a former delegate, senator and served the House of Delegates for several years as the House Clerk.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHmhdI1cRFYThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, microgrids are one of Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s top legislative priorities this year, and House Bill 2014 is the vehicle to bring more of them to the state. But county officials came to testify earlier this week against the diversion of local property taxes from those facilities to the state. Curtis Tate talks with Kelly Allen of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy about this issue.
The Senate met Thursday morning to go over the first half of bills in the final stages of consideration. Several bills passed narrowly, and many more were left to be considered after our broadcast deadline. Briana Heaney reports from the morning's bills.
With session winding down, members of the House convened for an hours-long floor session Thursday. Jack Walker has this story.
And concerns over the economy, job futures, DEI changes and more extend beyond the legislature in Charleston. Randy Yohe went out earlier Thursday to gauge student concerns on Marshall University’s campus.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nauo7wCCdcoThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Briana Heaney talks with WVPB Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate who has been following several bills this session. As most politicians say, West Virginia is an energy state. Both of West Virginia's U.S. senators were at an event Tuesday sponsored by President Donald Trump where he signed an executive order with the intention of supporting the coal industry.
In the House, delegates made a procedural move to read each bill up for passage in full and debated several amendments. Emily Rice has more.
Members of the House Judiciary Committee reviewed bills Wednesday pertaining to election protocol, drug offenses and the oil and gas industry. Jack Walker brings us this report.
And the Senate Economic Development Committee approved House Bill 2014 on Tuesday after a three and a half hour meeting with testimony from several witnesses. The bill would expand the number of microgrids in the state to support AI and data centers. Curtis Tate has the story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7GAvbqD3dcThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, lawmakers are moving forward in their efforts to prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives in the state. But the push against DEI was opposed by a vocal minority in the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday morning. Jack Walker reports.
News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, and Rev. Paul Dunn from the First Baptist Church of Charleston to discuss what the DEI bill potentially means.
Also, Briana Heaney has a story on two bills passed by the legislature that combine state agencies, and she also reports from the House Health Committee where lawmakers met Monday to consider a bill that would close a narrow pathway for minors seeking to receive gender-affirming care.
And as the deadline to read a bill for the first time on both chamber floors Thursday looms, committees on both sides are doing their final work of the legislative session. As Chris Schulz reports, that includes a number of education related bills.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC9kxuB-h-4The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we're in the final week of the regular state legislative session. Everything ends Saturday at midnight. Any bill that isn’t finalized and on its way to the governor by then is effectively dead until next year.
In the Senate, the body cleared a bill Monday that would change how often a landowner has to certify managed timberland from once a year to once every five years. That bill is headed to the governor's desk. They also approved some supplemental appropriations bills, like one that would give the birth to three programs an extra nearly $6 million.
In the House, delegates approved more than 20 bills without debate and adjourned until 5:30 p.m. Monday. Emily Rice has more.
Last month, senators overwhelmingly passed a bill that would expand criminal penalties against those who sell illicit drugs. But Senate Bill 196 drew a more mixed reaction among members of the House Judiciary Committee Monday morning. Jack Walker brings us this report.
And electricity prices have been rising in West Virginia at a rate faster than inflation. This summer, Appalachian Power seeks to increase them more, sparking public protest at the Capitol and the Public Service Commission (PSC).Curtis Tate talks with Gary Zuckett and Shawn Phillips of West Virginia Citizen Action Group to discuss this issue.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLfLSJCWIMwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the coal and natural gas industries play a large role in the state’s economy and the West Virginia Legislature pays close attention to what's happening in terms of severance taxes, jobs and economic development. For our weekly reporter roundtable, WVPB reporters Briana Heaney and Curtis Tate are joined by Energy & Environment Reporter Sarah Elbeshbishi with the nonprofit newsroom Mountain State Spotlight.
The Senate met on Friday and passed several bills without discussion. Some of those had previously garnered debate. One such bill was House Bill 2172, adding an athletic trainer to the Board of Physical Therapy.
And each week throughout this legislative session, our high school reporters have filed stories that interest them as teens, but also as members of the community. This week, Emma Browning and Malia Saar wanted to look into legislation affecting the foster care system in the state.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_X53antrjsThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the one thing the West Virginia Legislature is required to do during its 60-day session is pass a balanced budget. Each year, the governor will offer his own budget, and then the chambers take turns preparing the draft budget. This year, it's up to the House of Delegates to put together a budget package. Once it passes the House, it will go onto the Senate for further revision.
News Director Eric Douglas talks with House Finance Chairman Del. Vernon Criss, R-Wood, and Minority Chair of House Finance Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, about the House budget.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_YsG_Kp7JkThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, several cities across West Virginia have implemented camping bans designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping on park benches, in doorways and other public spaces. A bill to ban so-called camping statewide is making its way through the legislature. Assistant News Director Maria Young talks with Margaret O’Neal, president of United Way of Central West Virginia, who is familiar with the state’s unhoused population.
A bill to establish a forest carbon registry was defeated in the Senate. Emily Rice has more.
The House discussed a list of bills Wednesday, including a bill that would exempt the legislature from sharing information that is currently accessible to the public through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Briana Heaney brings us this story.
And following up on Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s executive order, a bill to codify the elimination of certain diversity, equity and inclusion programs (DEI) has passed the Senate and is now in the House Education Committee. As Randy Yohe shows us, while Senate Bill 474 pinpoints the executive branch and schools, some state entities receiving state funding are still wondering where they fit under the new policy.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEbIoPTHNuoThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the House of Delegates passed a bill Tuesday that would allow data centers to establish microgrids — self-contained sites that generate their own power. The bill is one of Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s legislative priorities. It is also of interest to Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association. Our Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate speaks with Hamilton about issues the coal industry is facing at home and abroad.
The Senate passed a bill that would outlaw the use, sale and distribution of abortifacients in the state. Briana Heaney has the story.
And the Senate Education Committee took up two bills Tuesday that aim to improve school security, a legislative focus for years.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBZYE_S7gZ0The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, education related topics from teacher pay, to curriculum and school discipline are all issues before the West Virginia Legislature this session. News Director Eric Douglas talks with Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association, in our studio about some of the proposed legislation this session and how it affects teachers. The WVEA and the American Federation of Teachers plan to merge this summer to become a single teacher’s union in the state.
The House of Delegates approved a bill Monday that would modify the governance structure of the state’s two land-grant universities, West Virginia University (WVU) and West Virginia State University (WVSU).
The Senate convened a couple hours later Monday while they ironed out a plan for the day. There was a lot of debate around bills on health care regulation and banking. The Senate also voted down its first bill since 2020. We will have an updated story on this floor session Tuesday.
And many LGBTQ allies and advocates gathered outside the Senate chamber to speak against legislation that the state legislature is considering, or has already passed. Briana Heaney has that story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idP7s7srKOgThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with Marshall Political Science Prof. Marybeth Beller to discuss the issues around the super majority and getting things accomplished.
Earlier this week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 2354 into law. The law bans certain food dyes from school meals. The governor was joined by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. secretary of health and human services, at a media event in Martinsburg Friday. The two of them discussed additional health priorities for West Virginia and the nation.
In the House Friday, business was delayed for close to two hours due to procedural wrangling. Chris Schulz has more.
As opposed to the House, the Senate had a quiet day, moving through several bills without debate.
And for our weekly feature with our student reporters, Malia Saar and Emma Browning, they take a closer look at the budget process that the West Virginia Legislature is required, by law, to complete by the end of session.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI88Gv4FRioThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, WVPB reporters Curtis Tate and Briana Heaney are joined by Caity Coyne, a reporter for the nonprofit news organization West Virginia Watch.
Also, lawmakers in the House of Delegates took on a novel source of power for West Virginia Thursday morning. Chris Schulz has more.
The Senate approved Senate Bill 505 Thursday. The bill changes how power plants operate in the state.
And a bill that would expand the employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP food benefits has passed the Senate and has been moved to the House Finance Committee. Those backing Senate Bill 249 see possible gains in increasing the state’s dismal workforce participation rate. Opponents say passage could hurt needy families and increase government bureaucracy. Randy Yohe has our story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3WwjC9v6xIThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, and Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, to talk about a bill that would remove the ability of cities and towns across the state to set their own rules. It’s called home rule.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined a meeting of gas and oil industry leaders at the Capitol Wednesday. He spoke to them about House Bill 2014, his plan to bring more microgrids and data centers to the state. Morrisey talked about keeping more of the profits from this resource-rich state here and how the microgrid legislation would do that.
In the Senate, lawmakers passed several bills on topics ranging from food stamps to DEI. Briana Heaney has more.
In the House, delegates got off to an emotional start debating a foster care bill. Chris Schulz has more.
And a bill that would expand the employment and training requirements necessary for SNAP food benefits has passed the Senate and is now under consideration in the House of Delegates. Randy Yohe has our story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W8Rzbtk9-8The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the state budget continues to work its way through the West Virginia Legislature. We recently heard from Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Del. Clay Riley, a Harrison County Republican and vice chairman of the House Finance Committee. This time, News Director Eric Douglas sits down with Sean O’Leary, senior policy analyst at West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, to discuss the state’s budget from an analyst’s perspective.
Also, the Senate advanced several bills Tuesday, including a bill that would allow pharmacists to prescribe medicine. Briana Heaney has more.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Monday signed House Bill 2354. It bans certain additives from schools starting in August. It also bans those same additives from being sold statewide in 2028. Briana Heaney also has this story.
And Monday afternoon, the House Education Committee discussed a bill that would change the structure of the Boards of Governors at the state’s 19 public colleges and universities.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uTlyQvuO6oThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the House of Delegates for more than two hours debated a bill that would require public schools to accept religious vaccine exemptions. But Senate Bill 460 was rejected, 56-42. Briana Heaney has the story.
After the defeat of the vaccine bill in the House, News Director Eric Douglas sat down and discussed the results with Dr. Cathy Slemp, former state health officer for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and now co-chair of the West Virginia Hope in Action Alliance, and House Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell.
Also, parental rights took center stage on the Senate floor, as lawmakers held a lengthy debate over local control. Chris Schulz has more.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAMxNyDBw1EThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, WVPB reporters Jack Walker, Emily Rice and Curtis Tate discuss what legislation their following in this week's reporter roundtable.
Also, over the past year, camping bans have started popping up at both the local and state level. As Chris Schulz reports, a camping ban bill making its way through the West Virginia Legislature has some Morgantown residents feeling frustrated.
The House of Delegates worked through multiple amendments and nearly three hours of debate on a bill that would provide exemptions to the state’s current childhood vaccine laws. Briana Heaney was there and brings us this story.
Some members of the House want to tighten identification laws for voters. Jack Walker brings us this report.
Finally, for our weekly feature with our student reporters, Malia Saar and Emma Browning, they take a closer look at bills making their way through the legislature that lift restrictions.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8_VyY4_LA0The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, a number of bills have moved through the West Virginia Legislature this year that make changes to the practice of medicine in the state. A bill to remove the certificate of need for hospitals failed, but bills allowing optometrists and pharmacists to expand their practice are still moving. Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, has argued against some of these bills so he joined News Director Eric Douglas in our studio to discuss why.
Also, some state lawmakers say the cost of maintaining the state’s sex offender registry should fall on the shoulders of registrants themselves. Jack Walker brings us this report.
And Appalachian Power electricity customers protested a proposed rate increase on the Capitol steps Thursday. Curtis Tate brings us the latest.
Having trouble viewing the episode below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiaybjr13TcThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, vice chairman of the House Finance Committee, to get their take on the budget process so far.
In the Senate, lawmakers passed seven bills Wednesday and sent two other bills to the governor's desk for consideration. Briana Heaney has more.
The House of Delegates passed bills to legalize standing on a moving motorcycle with both feet on its petals; and to allow retired state police officers to assist Child Protective Services in child abuse and neglect cases. Both bills will be sent to the state Senate for further review.
Also, deaf community members of all ages visited Charleston to talk with lawmakers and resource groups. Jack Walker stopped by and brings us this report.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT3KRYWAyIMThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Jack Walker talks with Eastern Panhandle lawmakers Dels. Michael Hite, R-Berkeley, and Mike Hornby, R-Berkeley. They discuss lawmakers’ approach to regional issues like infrastructure constraints and a higher local cost of living.
Also, Tuesday marked the last day for new bills to be introduced in the House of Delegates. The state Senate has until next Monday for the same milestone.
In the Senate, the chamber passed the Safety and Violence Education for Students Act. Senate Bill 548 would provide training for public school students on violence and self-harm.
In the House, helmet requirements for West Virginia motorcyclists were the subject of spirited discussion on the floor. As Jack Walker reports, the debate centers around safety and personal choice.
And from the Eastern Panhandle to the southern mountain counties, West Virginia contains great variety. As Chris Schulz reports, both education committees debated bills intending to address unique regional issues.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGN_KiGabIoThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Curtis Tate speaks with Emmett Pepper of Energy Efficient West Virginia and Lucia Valentine of the West Virginia Environmental Council about energy and environment legislation they’re following, including Senate Bill 592, which would relax safeguards for aboveground storage tanks.
Monday was also Environment Day at the Capitol. Groups held a public hearing outside the House chamber in opposition to Senate Bill 592. An aboveground storage tank leak in 2014 contaminated the drinking water supply for 300,000 residents in the Charleston area.
In the Senate, rules committees don’t meet very often, and bills assigned to them are often considered shelved for the session. As Chris Schulz reports, two bills nearing completion in the Senate were sent to the chamber's Rules Committee.
In the House, the chamber reviewed several bills for their final reading, touching on topics like voter registration and reading education. Jack Walker brings us the rundown.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/17t9ap2fyZgThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, WVPB reporters Briana Heaney and Curtis Tate are joined by Brad McElhinny of MetroNews for our weekly reporter roundtable.
Also, West Virginia is the first state to ban a list of food dyes, including Red 40. The legislation got bipartisan support, with only a few no votes. Briana Heaney has that story.
A bill that would loosen regulations on above ground storage tanks cleared the Senate. A leaking tank prompted the West Virginia water crisis in 2014, where more than 300,000 West Virginians lost access to safe drinking water for a week or more. Heaney also has this story.
And we have our weekly feature with two West Virginia high school students. Our student reporters, Malia Saar and Emma Browning, take a close look at some bills that affect education and career opportunities.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN7V8yJhtWsThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with Del. Cathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam, and Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, about the issue of child care in the state and how it is a personal and economic development issue.
Also, it was the 30th day of the 60-day session. We are at the midpoint, and there will be a series of deadlines lawmakers must meet, beginning next week, to get legislation introduced and moving.
The House of Delegates rejected a bill Thursday that would have allowed corporations to make contributions to political campaigns. As Jack Walker reports, the idea faced bipartisan pushback.
Several bills being considered by the legislature this year have reignited a long-running debate about who has ultimate control over the state’s schools. Chris Schulz has more.
And on Wednesday, the House passed a Department of Environmental Protections rules package. The bill included a change that could allow more pollutants in streams in the state. Briana Heaney has more.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHWvY5ffGT8The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with Jim Brown, the executive director of the West Virginia School Board Association. The group represents the school boards in all 55 counties in West Virginia. They discuss pending legislation that will affect school systems and students.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey held a ceremonial bill signing event today where he signed Senate Bill 456, which defines “men” and “women.” Briana Heaney has that story.
The House of Delegates passed a bill pertaining to the appointment of mental hygiene commissioners, and the placement of residents in institutions due to mental health concerns. Jack Walker has the details.
The Senate Natural Resources Committee approved a bill Wednesday that would charge a $100 fee every time a protected bird, including bald eagles, is killed by wind turbines. A fiscal note attached to the bill said it would raise about $300,000 a year from the 376 wind turbines in the state. Senate Bill 21 now goes to the Senate Finance Committee.
And state and federal orders to repeal diversity, equity and inclusion programs have spurred organizational changes at Marshall University. As Randy Yohe reports, these changes are being met with mixed reviews from students.
Having trouble viewing the episode below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RChaKsmsIBYThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Assistant News Director Maria Young turned to the issue of legislation related to foster care and adoption as multiple bills wind their way through the two chambers. She spoke with Jaycie Bias, executive director with the West Virginia Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Parents Network, and Rachel Kinder with Mission West Virginia, a non-profit that advocates and focuses on those same areas.
In the House, delegates passed several bills, many of which, like the state wide camping ban, garnered debate.
It was a somber day in the Senate as lawmakers passed a bill that would increase penalties for drug-related offenses. The bill is named in honor of a 26-year-old Morgantown native and West Virginia University (WVU) graduate who died after ingesting drugs laced with fentanyl. The bill passed with her parents present in the gallery. Emily Rice brings us that story.
And student conduct and discipline has been a focus of legislative activity for the past several years. As Chris Schulz reports, one subcommittee is looking at bills to help students focus and behave.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcaHu-Yfk4cThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Health Reporter Emily Rice talks with West Virginia’s new secretary of the Department of Human Services, Alex Mayer, to discuss the future of child welfare in a state with more than 6,000 children in its custody.
The Senate approved 10 bills Monday on issues ranging from optometry to carbon sequestration. As Chris Schulz reports, two of those bills deal with the well being of students in the state’s schools.
The House of Delegates sent five bills over to the Senate. One bill that addresses thrift stores garnered some debate. Briana Heaney has that story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFPnSUO8sbQThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, WVPB reporters Curtis Tate and Emily Rice are joined by Lori Kersey from West Virginia Watch for our weekly reporter roundtable.
In the House, delegates passed a bill that would prohibit the use of ranked choice voting in the state. Ranked choice voting is not currently practiced, but Senate Bill 490 clarifies that no state or local elections can use it.
In the Senate, there was a long and contentious debate around laser eye surgery. Briana Heaney has that story.
The Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday afternoon advanced two bills on controversial topics: Senate Bill 264 would reinstate the death penalty in West Virginia, but only for the intentional killing of law enforcement officers and emergency responders. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 474, which would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and offices from the state’s executive branch and every level of education.
A Senate Bill, the Riley Gaines Act, has cleared both chambers and is quickly approaching the legislative finish line. Briana Heaney also has this story.
Finally, we have our weekly feature with two West Virginia high school students, Malia Saar and Emma Browning.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gq5G0Xg6HUThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, legislation to outlaw opioid treatment programs that distribute methadone without offering integrated care in West Virginia, Senate Bill 204, is making its way through the West Virginia Legislature. Emily Rice brings us this story. Also, Assistant News Director Maria Young talks with Sens. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, and Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, about the bill.
In the Senate, the Government Organization Committee debated Senate Bill 20, which would require funding for increased costs to volunteer fire departments and EMS units.
On the floor of the House of Delegates, lawmakers voted to pass a spate of bills. Among them was House Bill 2117, which would require mail-in ballots to be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
And compared to previous years, this year's legislative session is off to a relatively slow start. However, bills relating to LGBTQ rights and issues have been an exception. Chris Schulz has more on the latest bills to move in both chambers.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6K-JVwxfT0The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Curtis Tate talks with Vice Chair of the House Energy and Manufacturing Committee Del. George Street, R-Preston, and Minority Chair of the Energy and Public Works Committee Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, about energy issues in West Virginia. Among other topics, they discuss rising electricity prices, community solar and data centers.
The House of Delegates considered a bill Wednesday that changes the law on illegal drugs that contain fentanyl.
Also, a bill that would ban foods that contain certain ingredients cleared the Senate and is very close to completing legislation. This bill would make West Virginia the first state in the US to have such an expansive ban on these ingredients.
And the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia in 2024 estimated that the state had more than 118,000 stray cats. Many advocates say spaying and neutering pets is key to reducing pet overpopulation. But spay and neuter procedures can be costly, which is why the state has stepped in to help finance them. This session, Jack Walker reports that lawmakers are looking to strengthen spay and neuter access once again.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW5h0wnHuFcThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with Deak Kersey, the chief deputy secretary of state and the chief of staff for Secretary Kris Warner, about a series of bills working their way through the state legislature that pertain to elections. They touch on topics including removing ineligible voters from the rolls, clarifying eligibility requirements and prohibiting ranked choice voting.
Also, it’s not uncommon for lawmakers to reintroduce a bill that failed the previous year, especially when that bill progressed out of at least one chamber. As Chris Schulz reports, the education committees on both sides of the Capitol have focused on such bills to start this year’s session.
In the House, delegates passed two bills pertaining to criminal justice.
And students at Marshall University recently spoke up on the future of the school's many Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI, related programs. As Randy Yohe reports, a campus rally also brought out students concerned that their majors and minors may not lead to the career paths they once expected. (Student journalists from Marshall helped prepare this report.)
Having trouble viewing the episode below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCAbR0VQmQwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Curtis Tate talks with Minority Leaders Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, to further discuss their priorities and how they see the session so far.
Also, the first of a flurry of bills addressing gender and biological sex has passed the upper chamber. Senate Bill 456 defines sex and prohibits transgender people from using certain facilities that align with their gender identity.
And a bill to address disciplinary issues in West Virginia schools passed the House of Delegates this morning. Chris Schulz has more.
Having trouble viewing the episode below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk71IjUVXLUThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Steven Allan Adams, veteran statehouse reporter for Ogden Newspapers, joins our WVPB reporters for our weekly roundtable.
Advocates for survivors of sexual violence hope the state will continue supporting crisis programs. But this year, they’re also backing a bill to address one form of sexual exploitation that’s receiving traction in the legislature. Jack Walker reports.
Thursday afternoon, Senate Judiciary discussed a bill that would restrict public schools from teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation. It would also obligate teachers to out transgender students to their parents or guardians. Briana Heaney has more.
Also, we have a weekly feature with West Virginia high school students. This week, Malia Saar and Emma Browning look at some issues they thought may be of interest to the youth of West Virginia.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys9FhqAEDaUThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Curtis Tate caught up with two committee chairs: Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, the chair of House Human Services, and Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, the chair of Senate Finance. They spoke about the most pressing issues in their committees, including foster care and the state budget.
Also, advocates for survivors of sexual violence hope the state will continue supporting crisis programs. They're also backing a bill to target "sextortion,” and finding traction in the state legislature.
In the Senate, lawmakers heard from more than 10 speakers from across the country while discussing Senate Bill 545. The bill would ban certain food additives from school nutritional programs, in what lawmakers are calling the West Virginia Feed to Achieve Act.
West Virginia code tends to favor local control of schools via county boards of education. Last year, lawmakers took an initial step to raise the training standards for board members. As Chris Schulz reports, they are revisiting the topic this year.
And West Virginia's legislature has a Republican supermajority. The Senate has the highest percentage of Republicans of any state legislative chamber in the nation. Before the start of this year’s session, Briana Heaney sat down with political science professors and legislators to discuss the impacts of the state’s supermajority.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI0x08WxIcMThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas sat down with two physicians – Sen. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, and Del. Matt Rohrbach, R-Cabell, to discuss the legislation aimed at providing exemptions to childhood immunizations.
Also, it's Disability Advocacy Week at the State Capitol. Groups that advocate for residents with disabilities across the state have visited Charleston to talk about their needs and legislative priorities. Jack Walker stopped by and brings this report.
Nearly everyday each chamber's Finance committees have been holding hearings with testimony from different agencies, organizations and branches of government. The House Finance Committee on Wednesday held a hearing on the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). Briana Heaney has that story.
And the House of Delegates is reviewing a spate of bills that would affect the electoral process in West Virginia. Jack Walker spoke with delegates on both sides of the aisle about some of the bills proposed so far.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nUh2WedBCsThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas talks with the chairs of House and Senate Education, Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, and Del. Joe Ellington, R-Mercer. They discuss a wide range of topics including school discipline and ways the state can improve the ongoing teacher shortage.
In the House Tuesday, lawmakers approved bills related to court-appointed special advocates in the state’s foster care system, destruction of first responder equipment and clarifications for officers, lawyers and judges when distributing child sex abuse materials — described in the bill as “child pornography” — as part of their official duties in the judicial system. All three bills now head to the Senate for consideration.
The House Health Committee held a hearing on a controversial piece of legislation that would allow for religious and philosophical vaccine exemptions for school children.
And school discipline has been a key legislative issue for several years. As part of the new committee hearing process, the House Education Committee spent two days discussing House Bill 2515. Chris Schulz brings us this story.
Also, a bill to remove regulatory requirements for health care providers to expand or offer additional services in West Virginia failed to pass its committee by one vote Monday afternoon. Emily Rice has this story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JwL7V4kD6wThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas sits down with our host this week Curtis Tate to discuss a conversation he had with House Judiciary Chair Del. JB Akers, R-Kanawha, and Minority Chair of House Health Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, about the vaccine exemption bill that passed the Senate and is now before the House Health and Human Resources Committee.
Also, the Democratic caucus of the House of Delegates hosted a press briefing Monday to highlight their current legislative priorities. Jack Walker stopped by and brings us this report.
The House Judiciary Committee met this morning to discuss a bill that restricts the rights of transgender West Virginians. Briana Heaney has that story.
And more than a year after lawmakers said making childcare more accessible was their top priority, so far this session, nothing has been done. Still, some lawmakers, parents and childcare providers say the state needs to do something. Briana Heaney also has this story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o5S1FIHvnEThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, in the Senate Friday, lawmakers approved a bill that would allow for broad vaccine exemptions. Briana Heaney has the story.
In the House, a few bills are working their way through committees that aim to adjust state election laws. Also, in a committee hearing that lasted into the night Thursday, delegates grappled with health care regulation laws and heard differing opinions from more than 10 presenters. Emily Rice has more.
We also have our weekly feature with West Virginia high school students, Malia Saar and Emma Browning, who look at the makeup of the West Virginia Legislature and state government.
Finally, WVPB reporters Jack Walker and Briana Heaney are joined by Duncan Slade, deputy managing editor for the nonprofit newsroom Mountain State Spotlight, for a roundtable to discuss the biggest news of the week.
Having trouble viewing the episode below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbYVsPT1mRoThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. They discuss a number of issues including education, flooding in southern West Virginia and the crisis in foster care in the state.
In the House Thursday, HB 2712 was introduced on the floor and sent to the House Health and Human Resources Committee. The bill would remove rape and incest exceptions to West Virginia’s abortion ban. A similar bill in the Senate, SB 51, was withdrawn by its sponsor.
In the Senate, issues of gender identity have been prominent in the legislative session this year. As Chris Schulz reports, the Senate Education Committee took up the issue in their meeting Thursday.
Finally, this year’s session is already underway, but a partisan tug-of-war over the 91st district House seat hasn’t been resolved. Jack Walker talked to Berkeley County residents, plus state lawmakers, about the drawn-out search for a successor.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPF8lB4F_osThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Health Reporter Emily Rice speaks with Jim Kauffman, president and CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association, and Jessica Dobrinsky, chief of staff and certificate of need policy expert at the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy, about changes lawmakers are proposing to state code this session.
Also, the much-watched vaccine exemption bill was laid over in the Senate Wednesday. Legislators have told WVPB the bill likely won't be voted on until Friday.
Also from the Senate, the West Virginia Legislature in 2023 banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors, with narrow exceptions for hormone therapy. Now, a more conservative Senate is moving to do away with those exemptions. A bill sponsored by Sen. Chris Rose, R-Monongalia, would ban hormone therapy for new and existing patients under 18. Briana Heaney brings us this story.
The House Health and Human Services Committee spent more than three hours Tuesday evening deliberating two bills related to food sales in the state. Two hours of debate centered around HB 2354, which would add seven food dyes to the list of banned food alterations.
Finally, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has said the state is facing a $400 million shortfall. But many in the legislature are not so sure. Caelan Bailey looked into it for us.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/jul48_W1TQcThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with West Virginia Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston. Smith was elected to be the Senate President for the 87th legislature that started this year.
Against the backdrop of legislative action Tuesday, much of the state is reeling from massive flooding over the President's Day weekend. Gov. Patrick Morrisey confirmed the flood-related deaths of two people in McDowell County. He has sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting disaster assistance for 13 West Virginia counties.
In the Senate, a bill that would allow for broader vaccine exemptions for schools hit that second reading stage. Briana Heaney has more.
On the House floor, delegates adopted a resolution rejecting the redesignation of part of a Potomac River tributary.
And some of the first bills discussed in the Senate Education Committee this year are trying to address the ongoing issue of staffing in West Virginia’s schools. Chris Schulz has more.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/cWUN_R0XAL8The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Speaker Pro Tempore and Deputy Speaker of the House Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell. They discuss plans for legislation, the new process of debating bills in the House and legislation implementing religious exemptions from vaccines. Rohrbach is also a doctor.
We also feature a conversation between Health Reporter Emily Rice and Del. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, to discuss his objectives this session as chair of the House Health Committee.
In the Senate Monday, SB 460, or the vaccine bill, was on first reading. The bill will be on second reading Tuesday, or the amendment stage, and is likely to have amendments offered.
Also, we bring you the latest on changes in the House of Delegates. The most notable does away with public hearings in favor of public comment in the committee process. Supporters say the procedural overhaul will give delegates more time to carefully consider bills and their effects on West Virginians, including public input. But opponents argue the new system gives committee chairs discretion to ignore certain members of the public.
And LGBTQ advocacy groups brought a rainbow of color to the Capitol rotunda Monday. They came to discuss their work, plus their priorities and concerns for this year’s legislative session. Jack Walker has the story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-Smq0Sp6XYThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have a roundtable with our Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate, Health Reporter Emily Rice and Statehouse Reporter Briana Heaney. They discuss the first days of the 2025 state legislative session and look ahead to the remaining weeks.
Also, members of the House Education Committee have wasted no time getting to work on big issues. The committee held two informational hearings, first on the Hope Scholarship Thursday and then on the state school funding formula Friday.
And, lawmakers began the process of establishing a religious exemption to childhood vaccines Thursday. There were so many questions from lawmakers that the Senate Health Committee had to come back for an extended meeting.
Last year, we introduced a new segment in our program featuring two West Virginia high school students who learn about the legislative process by following bills that interest them. Those students last year were Ben Valleau and Ameera Mustafa. In December, on their winter break from college, Valleau and Mustafa came back to our studio to pass the torch on to one of our new high school hosts, Emma Browning.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/KhvYn0R-I4M?si=UWPOGODnaHVJ0JGDThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Gov. Patrick Morrisey delivered his first State of the State address to the West Virginia Legislature Wednesday night. Briana Heaney has our recap.
Minority Leaders Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, sat down with News Director Eric Douglas to discuss Morrisey's State of the State address and about being a minority to a supermajority in the legislature.
Also, a new set of rules in the House of Delegates was approved Wednesday with Democrats and advocacy groups both raising concerns. Delegates offered nine amendments to the rules but none of them passed. Briana Heaney has this story.
And child welfare advocates came to the Capitol Wednesday to urge lawmakers to make changes to Child Protective Services. Curtis Tate reports.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/kk5XQ7UzfyMThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Morning, people have always used music to do everything from soothe children to sleep to revving up the crowd for the big game, but it can do so much more. For Inside Appalachia, Folkways Reporter Liz Pahl learned about the healing power of old-time music when she visited a weekly jam session at the home of a couple in Athens, Ohio.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from the Drive-By Truckers. We listen to their performance of “The Ballad of Cecil McCobb,” which appears on the group’s 14th studio album Welcome to Club XIII, which was released in 2022.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the foundation responsible for divvying up West Virginia's opioid settlement money chose its executive director in March. After taking on the position full-time at the beginning of May, Executive Director Jonathan Board sat down with Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice to discuss his qualifications for the job and plans for the future.
Also, in this show, Kyneddi Miller was found dead in her home in April. A police report said the 14-year-old girl was found in a near skeletal state. Her grandparents and mother have been charged with abuse and neglect. There are conflicting reports about the actions of state agencies involved in the case. Now, officials are pointing fingers at what organizations and policies created the crack that Miller fell through. Briana Heaney has the story.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week,hip hop started in New York and took root in places like West Virginia. We explore some of the history of the music and where it is today.
Also, food deserts are places where it’s hard to find nutritious food, but they’re found in more than just rural counties in Appalachia. Food deserts are also in disenfranchised neighborhoods, like in East Knoxville.
And, the Reverend George Mills Dickerson of Tazewell, Virginia, was born in the years after slavery ended. During Juneteenth, he’s remembered especially through his poetry.
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- A Hip Hop History In W.Va.
- Food Apartheid In Appalachia
- Dirt Songs Sing Of Remembrance
- Celebrating A Poet During Juneteenth
A Hip Hop History In W.Va.Eric Jordan has led a West Virginia hip hop movement.
Photo Credit: Vanessa Peña/West Virginia Public BroadcastingLast year, communities celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip hop. Over the past half century, hip hop has gone from a marginalized art form to a mainstream powerhouse. It developed in major metropolitan centers like New York, Los Angeles and the dirty South, but took root in Appalachia, too.
Folkways Reporter Vanessa Peña reports on hip hop in West Virginia.
Food Apartheid In AppalachiaFemeika Elliott uses food to heal her neighborhood.
Photo Credit: Wendy Welch/West Virginia Public BroadcastingAcross the country, poor and largely Black neighborhoods were bulldozed and replaced with new highways and civic centers in the 20th century. That concept is known as urban renewal — and it tore communities apart. Now, one woman in Knoxville, Tennessee, is using food to try to heal generations of damage in a city neighborhood.
Folkways Reporter Wendy Welch has more.
Dirt Songs Sing Of RemembranceOhio Poet Laureate Kari Gunter-Seymour's latest book is Dirt Songs.
Courtesy PhotoOhio poet laureateKari Gunter-Seymour often writes about disenfranchisement, racism, poverty and addiction. In her new collection of poems, Dirt Songs, she recalls her small town upbringing and remembers the original owners of the land she now lives on.
Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Gunter-Seymour about her new book and what she sees as good in Appalachia.
Celebrating A Poet During JuneteenthJeanette Wilson holds a portrait of her grandfather, Rev. George Mills Dickerson, standing to the right of his son George Murray Dickerson.
Photo Credit: Connie Kitts/West Virginia Public BroadcastingPoetry has been an enduring tradition in Jeanette Wilson’s family. They’ve recited the poems of Wilson’s grandfather and her uncle George for nearly 100 years. Now, these poems about African American life in southwestern Virginia are read during the Juneteenth celebration in Tazewell, Virginia — where they reach a wider audience and connect the past to the present.
Folkways Reporter Connie Kitts brought us the story.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Ed Snodderly, Frank Hutchinson, Hazel Dickens, Johnny Statts and Dinosaur Burps.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editors Nicole Musgrave and Jennifer Goren.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Morning, Folkways reporter Vanessa Peña explores the history of hip hop in West Virginia and beyond. Plus, Mountain Stage provides our the Song of the Week: “So Much Love” by Southern Avenue.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, pharmaceutical products are winding up in West Virginia waterways, contaminating local rivers and wildlife. Chris Schulz spoke with two researchers about the issue and its environmental implications.
Plus, with the Mountain Valley Pipeline approved to begin operations, Curtis Tate spoke with residents who live near the pipeline about some ongoing health and safety concerns.
Also in this show, we share part of an episode of Us & Them that won a Best Podcast award from Virginias AP Broadcasters. Host Trey Kay dives into the state's food support resources connected to a federal program called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Forty-two million Americans, or about 12 percent of the the population, need help feeding their families.
That help often comes from a federal program called SNAP — which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps. The Mountain State is one of the top recipients of SNAP benefits. Nearly 45 percent of recipients are older adults or families with someone who’s disabled, while nearly 60 percent are families with children.
The nation’s food support program began six decades ago, as a pilot program in McDowell County. Since then, it has reduced poverty and hunger across the nation.
In an award-winning encore episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay talks with three people — a retiree, a mom and a lawmaker who all say that nutritional support has made a difference in their lives.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the West Virginia Humanities Council and the CRC Foundation.
Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, NPR One, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and beyond.
Reenie Kittle, 75, from Harding, W.Va., is a widow and retired with a physical disability. She does what she can to get by on a meager fixed income.
“How do I live on a fixed income? Very scarcely,” Kittle told Us & Them host Trey Kay as they sat in the living room of her converted double-wide home. “So I have to buy pellets for my wood stoves in the winter months. I have to pay the water bill … all my bills. I don't go out very much ‘cause I can't afford the gas. With my income and my bills of $1,300 a month, I am lucky if I have $200, maybe $250 left over to try to find food. My neighbor sometimes will bring me supper, and that's been a blessing to me. They try to help me food-wise as much as they can. For SNAP, I qualify for $23 a month. It is nothing.They just tell me that they've reviewed my case and that's as much as they can do. They have no extra money to give and that's it.”
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingEach month, Reenie Kittle heads to the grocery store in Elkins, W.Va. with $23 from the federal government’s SNAP program. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — it used to be called “Food Stamps.”
Reenie beelines past the produce section … beyond the tower of packaged strawberries, the cold case full of carrots and greens. She’s not here to buy what she wants to eat. She’s here to stretch the money she is allotted to the very last penny.
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingRoughly 18 percent of West Virginia residents use SNAP benefits. Nationally, that number is more like 12 percent, which means that 42 million people across America need help getting enough to eat.
Seth DiStefano, with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, lobbies to support programs like SNAP — which became a centerpiece of the social reform programs in President Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” initiative. DiStefano says SNAP has its roots in West Virginia. This goes back to when President John F. Kennedy started the original “Food Stamp” program in McDowell County.
“It truly is one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the history of the United States,” DiStefano says.
Photo Credit: West Virginia Center on Budget & PolicyMary Kathryn Molitor, 34, lives in St. Albans, W.Va. with her three daughters and an old dog named Brenda. Mary Kathryn works full-time at a local credit union, making about $13 an hour. When the Us & Them team first spoke with her, she wasn't sure she wanted to talk on the record about her relationship with SNAP saying it was her "dirty little secret."
“I don't tell people that I use SNAP benefits because I know what that person looks like and that person doesn't look like me,” Molitor explains while pulling one of her wriggling twin daughters up onto her hip. “That person doesn't have a college education. That person doesn't have a full-time job. That person isn't who I am. I find it embarrassing. I don't want to admit that I need help.”
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingTo supplement her family's food supply, Mary Kathryn Molitor often goes to the Capital Market in Charleston and checks to see if they have wilted vegetable plants that are about to be discarded. She takes them home to plant in her garden.
“Those are pumpkins right there. Volunteers. All those tomatoes? Volunteers. Sunflowers? Volunteers,” Molitor says while showing Us & Them host Trey Kay the plants around her home. “After Halloween — I threw my pumpkins into a couple of different areas and they rotted, seeded and they are giants now! They grow on their own. They volunteer! If anybody needs a free pumpkin this year, just come to my house!”
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingDel. Jonathan Pinson represents the 17th District of West Virginia's House of Delegates, on the western border of the state including parts of Mason and Jackson counties. Pinson, a Republican and a Baptist pastor was first elected in 2020.
“I cannot say that I have issues with [SNAP] in general,” Pinson told Us & Them host Trey Kay when they met in Point Pleasant, W.Va. “One of the reasons that I can't say that I'm opposed to that is because I think back prior to my adoption … at 15 years old … I go back to Saturday mornings sitting in a line at the armory in Florida, picking up corn flakes and powdered milk and five pound jugs of peanut butter. And I can tell you that there were many, many meals that I wouldn't have had, had my parents not been on food stamps — and at the time, ‘commodities,’ that's what it was called. So I can't say that I'm opposed to the government helping when help is warranted.”
Photo Credit: West Virginia Legislature
On this West Virginia Morning, two companies are working side by side to build a new titanium plant in Jackson County, powered by solar. Curtis Tate went to take a look.
Also, in this show, even in ideal circumstances, the removal of a child from their home by Child Protective Services (CPS) is always traumatic. Emily Rice spoke with community advocates about this process and what resources children need to adapt.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, President of the American Library Association, Emily Dubinsky, is on a three-week road trip from New York to the annual Conference in San Diego. Along the way, she will stop at different rural libraries to talk to them about the work they are doing and what they need to continue that work.
Dubinsky took a pit stop in Charleston, to sit down and talk with Briana Heaney about what she has been hearing from rural libraries during this road trip.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week, we visit with West Virginia trappers to learn about the fur trade in the 21st century.
We also meet a county fair champion who keeps racking up the blue ribbons and has released a cookbook of some of her favorites.
And we hear an update on the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Construction has begun again, but some people wonder if it’s even needed.
These stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- The West Virginia Fur Trade In The 21st Century
- Blue Ribbon-Winning Fair Food
- Cruising With Vintage Vehicles
- The Mountain Valley Pipeline Saga Continues
- Extended Family Pitching In To Care For Dementia Patients
The West Virginia Fur Trade In The 21st CenturyBefore coal or timber, the fur trade was one of Appalachia’s first industries.
Fur trapping flourished for centuries, made fortunes and led to wars and was still lucrative into the last few generations.
Now, most West Virginia fur trappers struggle to earn a living, but some have adapted or found new careers using their particular skills. Folkways Reporter Lauren Griffin brought us the story.
Blue Ribbon-Winning Fair FoodThere’s nothing quite like the county fair, where you can pet a goat or get motion sick on the tilt-a-whirl.
A staple of county and state fairs are the annual craft competitions, where the hopeful vie for the coveted blue ribbon.
Few people have been as successful as Russell County, Virginia resident Linda Skeens, who has won hundreds of ribbons, become a social media sensation and released a cookbook featuring some of her winning recipes.
Producer Bill Lynch spoke with her about winning contests and collecting recipes.
Cruising With Vintage Vehicles For over 50 years, in Roanoke, Virginia, on any given Friday night, you can see modified cars and trucks with neon lights, spinning rims and streamlined spoilers strutting from north to south and back again. And often — you’ll see old-timey antique cars out there among them.
Host Mason Adams reported this story in 2020, about a family of mechanics who have spent years developing the skills to get those vintage cars just right.
The Mountain Valley Pipeline Saga ContinuesWe’ve reported on the Mountain Valley Pipeline for years. Completion of the pipeline has been held up because a federal court keeps throwing out its permits. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled to allow work to resume again. But some energy analysts question whether the pipeline is even needed.
WVPB's Curtis Tate spoke with Suzanne Mattei of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
Extended Family Pitching In To Care For Dementia PatientsSpouses or adult children typically care for people with dementia, but more and more extended family members are taking on that role. CareEx is a project at the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech that studies extended family caregivers in central Appalachia.
WVPB’s Eric Douglas spoke with project coordinator Brandy McCann about their work.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Sturgill Simpson, Ron Mullennex, Mary Hott and Noam Pikelny.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, we’ll look at Black LGBTQ Pride in West Virginia. We’ll also hear how a federal agency regulates the nation’s pipelines and we’ll talk to a national park ranger about summer activities at the New River Gorge.
We’ll also discuss new rules to prevent black lung disease, a new role for the state’s solicitor general and how the state’s opioid settlement money will be spent.
Curtis Tate is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, Pride Month is underway, and the West Virginia Black Pride Foundation is carving out a space specifically for Black LGBTQ community members. Jack Walker spoke with founder and Executive Director Kasha Snyder-McDonald to discuss her organization’s vision for a better West Virginia for Black LGBTQ residents.
Also, in this show, 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller was found dead in her Boone County home in April. A police report said she was found in a near skeletal state, her grandparents and mother have been charged with abuse and neglect. Recently, there have been conflicting reports about the actions of state agencies involved in the case and calls for accountability. Briana Heaney has an update on the story.
And, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from Stephane Wrembel. We listen to her performance of "Bistro Fada.” He’s joined by Josh Kaye, Ari Folman-Cohen and Nick Anderson. This Django-influenced tune is heard on his fifth album Origins, which became the theme song for Woody Allen’s 2011 Oscar-winning film, Midnight in Paris.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, reporter Chris Schulz spoke with a master gardener from Monongalia County about difficulties with his crops — and two plant scientists who say it's likely the result of herbicide contamination.
Also in this show, Pittsburgh-based public radio program The Allegheny Front dives into challenges with oil well wastewater being dumped onto local roads.
Plus, Briana Heaney reports that a new study found calls to poison control centers now more often lead to hospitalizations and deaths.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, is meant to help students access funds to pursue higher education. But as Chris Schulz reports, recent changes to the federal form have left students and schools scrambling for answers.
Also, in this show, a new federal silica dust rule is about to take effect. Monday, a panel of Black Lung experts expressed hope for the future of young miners — if they’re educated about their rights. Emily Rice has more.
A U.S. Senate committee approved West Virginia’s solicitor general Tuesday to serve as a federal energy regulator. Curtis Tate has the story.
And, new funding for Preston County aims to improve and expand local water access. Jack Walker reports.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, summer has nearly arrived here in West Virginia. The mountains have filled in and rounded out with lush green trees. The air is getting warmer and the days are longer. Briana Heaney sat down with National Park Ranger Eve West to talk about ways to enjoy the nation’s newest National Park at the New River Gorge.
Also, in this show, we have a special report from graduate students Meaghan Downey and Anastasia Mason of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism based in Washington, DC. Voter turnout in West Virginia, and across the country, is low. It’s even worse among young voters who say they are disconnected and not interested.
Just before the May 14 Primary Election, Downey and Mason came to West Virginia to report on the state’s low voter turnout and the impact it has on young voters. They spoke with students at West Virginia University and BridgeValley Community and Technical College.
This story is part of a larger project they are working on about how young peoples’ disillusionment with political institutions is a threat to democracy.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week, we meet a West Virginia artist who designs stickers, t-shirts, patches and pins. She draws on classic Appalachian phrases her family has used for years. They’re not all radio-friendly.
Also, people who live near Indian Creek in southern West Virginia say something is wrong with the water. Tests show contamination from a nearby mine. Now people and animals are getting sick.
And, lots of schools are seeing teacher shortages. But what happens when the band director quits?
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- The Hippie’s Daughter Makes Stickers
- Jayne Anne Phillips Talks Night Watch
- Trouble At Indian Creek
- Leader Of The Band
The Hippie’s Daughter Makes StickersElizabeth Elswick has turned a love of design and Appalachian pop culture into a popular line of clothes and stickers.
Photo Credit: Maddie Miller/West Virginia Public BroadcastingStickers have been a regular part of American pop culture for generations. Over the last several years, they’d become more local.
Folkways Reporter Maddy Miller visited with a West Virginia favorite, the Hippie’s Daughter, to talk about some of her best designs and most memorable phrases.
Jayne Anne Phillips Talks Night WatchWest Virginia author Jayne Anne Phillips is this year's winner of the Pulitzer Prize for literature.
Courtesy PhotoThis year’s Pulitzer Prize for literature went to West Virginia writer Jayne Anne Phillips, for her novel Night Watch.
Set years after the end of the American Civil War, the book takes readers to the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, a mental hospital in the town of Weston, West Virginia.
Last fall, Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Phillips about Night Watch and growing up near the asylum.
Trouble At Indian CreekWest Virginia Department of Environmental Protection workers collect water samples from Indian Creek, which dirty mine water flows into in Wyoming County.
Photo Credit: Erin BeckResidents of Wyoming County, West Virginia, say there’s something wrong with the water in a local creek. Residents says it’s making them sick and killing fish.
Reporter Erin Beck has been following the story. Mason Adams spoke with Beck about what she’s learned.
Leader Of The BandJust before the start of the fall semester the band director for Midland Trail High School left for another job. With no one else to take over, a high school senior stepped up.
Kelsie Carte, a student at the Fayette Institute of Technology reported.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Sierra Ferrell, Amethyst Kiah, John Blissard, John Inghram, Sean Watkins and Little Sparrow.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our Executive Producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our Audio Mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, longtime Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin has officially changed political affiliations, registering as an independent on Friday.
We’ll look into his decision, plus the sudden departure of the watchdog for West Virginia’s foster care system and a lawsuit filed against a state hospital over allegations of physical abuse.
We’ll also discuss efforts to preserve historic Black churches from Harpers Ferry to Charleston, and the rise of solar energy across the Mountain State.
Jack Walker is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker and Liz McCormick.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, Elizabeth Elswick couldn't find a lot of merchandise to represent her home state of West Virginia while she was growing up. But today, she represents Appalachian culture and sayings through her sticker shop. Folkways Reporter Maddie Miller brings us this story.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets. We listen to their 2019 performance of “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" - a song from their EP, Love Starvation/Trombone.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker and Liz McCormick.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Tersea Wills is our host. Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, more than 25 million children across the United States ride the school bus each day, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. But these vehicles emit greenhouse gases that can harm both the environment and public health. To address this, federal officials are encouraging schools to switch to electric buses. As Jack Walker reports, new funds aim to help four West Virginia school districts do just that.
Also, in this show, the appointed watchdog of the West Virginia Foster Care System has resigned, effective June 6. Emily Rice has more.
And, we have the latest story from The Allegheny Front, a public radio program based in Pittsburgh that reports on environmental issues in the region. Their latest story features an interview on the Mountain Valley Pipeline with our very own Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, solar is expanding in West Virginia, thanks to shifts in federal and state policies. Curtis Tate spoke recently with Dan Conant, founder and CEO of Solar Holler, about solar growth in the Mountain State.
Also, in this show, a patient at Sharpe Hospital has filed a lawsuit against the facility, its CEO and state health officials. Emily Rice has more.
And, freshwater mussels are like nature’s Brita filters — treating up to 300 gallons of water each month. But their populations are in jeopardy in places like the Ohio River because of poor water quality, and man-made dams. Six years ago, the City of Philadelphia and partners began propagating mussels in a lab to bring them back to the Delaware River Estuary.
WHYY’s Zoe Read reports the hatchery is producing more mussels, thanks to new scientific discoveries.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, we dive into the preservation of historic Black churches across the Mountain State and the nation.
Plus, in the latest installment of our series “Now What? A Series on Parenting,” we’ll hear about efforts to train new child care professionals.
West Virginia is facing a shortage of child care providers, but reporter Chris Schulz spoke with Kerri Carte, assistant director for West Virginia University’s Extension's Family and Community Development, about an apprenticeship program looking to change that.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week, the woman behind the popular TikTok account “Appalachian Forager” makes jam from wild pawpaws … and jewelry from coyote teeth.
We also talk with the hosts of a new podcast that looks at coal dust exposure beyond the mines, affecting people far downstream from Appalachia.
And, in some places, slavery continued in different forms well after the end of the Civil War. A new marker in Western North Carolina acknowledges that history and commemorates a disaster that killed 19 Black prisoners.
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- Appalachian Forager Found In TikTok
- Let’s Talking About Taxidermy
- Downstream Dangers Of Coal Dust
- Remembering The Continuation Of Slavery
- The Last Of The Ramps
Appalachian Forager Found In TikTokThe Appalachian Forager brings native know-how to TikTok with a side of silly.
Photo Credit: Amanda Page/West Virginia Public BroadcastingGathering wild foods has long been a way to put food on the table in the Appalachian mountains. In recent years, the practice has gone digital, with online communities devoted to foraging in the wild, springing up like wild mushrooms after a spring rain.
One woman in eastern Kentucky is sharing what she knows (and some humor) with the TikTok generation through an account called “Appalachian Forager.”
Folkways Reporter Amanda Page has the story.
Let’s Talking About TaxidermyTaxidermist Amy Ritchie is sharing the love of her craft with other enthusiasts.
Photo Credit: Margaret McLeod Leef/West Virginia Public BroadcastingA lot of folks are fascinated by the results of taxidermy. The preservation and mounting of dead animals has been around since at least the middle ages.
In 2023, Folkways Reporter Margaret McLeod Leef visited a modern practitioner in Yadkin County, North Carolina.
Downstream Dangers Of Coal DustThe Dominion terminal and coal storage facility in Newport News, Virginia, where residents in nearby neighborhoods have complained of blowing coal dust.
Photo Credit: Adrian WoodAppalachia plays an important part in the world economy. The region produces less coal than it used to — but it’s still a hot commodity for steel makers. That demand creates problems for people living near the terminals where coal is moved from train to ship, to then be carried overseas. Residents of Norfolk and Newport News, Virginia, say airborne coal dust from export terminals is coating their cars and houses — and getting into their lungs.
A new podcast called Crosswinds links that fight on the coast to communities in West Virginia.
Host Mason Adams spoke with spoke with Crosswinds producer Adrian Wood, and Lethaniel Kirts, a pastor and activist in one of the affected communities.
Remembering The Continuation Of SlaveryNo known photographs remain of the convict labor crew that the Cowee 19 worked on, but historians say this crew working on the Western North Carolina Railroad in the late 1800s was similar.
Photo Credit: Hunter Library Special Collections, Western Carolina UniversityNorth Carolina is unveiling a roadside historical marker that officially acknowledges the 1882 Cowee Tunnel disaster. Nineteen prisoners were drowned when their boat capsized in a river west of Asheville.
The marker also acknowledges a form of de facto slavery, used for decades following the Civil War. We heard from Jay Price at WUNC.
The Last Of The RampsToward the end of the season, ramp leaves begin to shrivel and die off.
Photo Credit: Bill Lynch/West Virginia Public BroadcastingRamp season is winding down in central Appalachia, but before the last ramp was picked, Producer Bill Lynch followed a friend out for a late harvest at her secret ramp patch.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, Bob Thompson, Dinosaur Burps and Tim Bing.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Jennifer Goren.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, lawmakers returned to the capitol for interim committee meetings and a special session of the West Virginia Legislature. We’ll talk about some of the policy decisions lawmakers made.
Plus, we’ll look at updates on the Mountain Valley Pipeline, the latest news for a Charleston postal facility and a case of neglect that led to the death of a Boone County teenager. Finally, we’ll dive into a West Virginia bike race, and we'll learn how funding changes are affecting housing shelters across the Mountain State.
Jack Walker is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker and Liz McCormick.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, we learn about an incident at a state-run psychiatric facility, we meet a TikTok sensation who forages in Appalachia and we listen to our Mountain Stage Song of the Week.
The commission that oversees West Virginia’s state-run hospitals questioned state officials but received few answers following the January death of a man held at a state-run psychiatric facility. Emily Rice has more.
Also, in this show, gathering wild foods in Appalachia has been a way to put food on the table for decades, but one woman in eastern Kentucky is introducing foraging to the TikTok generation through an account called “Appalachian Forager.” She shares her knowledge, along with some humor, and her videos have gone viral. Folkways Reporter Amanda Page has the story.
And, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from three-time Grammy winner and Austin, Texas-based vocal powerhouse, Ruthie Foster. We listen to her performance of “Healing Time,” the upbeat title song from her ninth studio album of the same name.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker and Liz McCormick.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, Memorial Day weekend brings the return of the Vandalia Gathering at the state capitol. Bill Lynch has more.
Also, in this show, nearly half the children in America under 18 have experienced serious trauma. Those early events can affect our physical and psychological health. In the next episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay learns how neglect, abuse and violence lead to poor health outcomes. Kay talks with a West Virginia woman and her granddaughter about the traumas they’ve survived.
Hear the rest of the episode on WVPB May 23 at 8 p.m., on Saturday, May 25 at 3 p.m. or on demand here on wvpublic.org.
And, we have the latest story from The Allegheny Front, a public radio program based in Pittsburgh that reports on environmental issues in the region. Their latest story explores planting native plants in our own backyards.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced last week it would postpone delivery network changes that would downsize the Charleston Processing and Distribution Center. But this news hasn’t remedied months-long tensions between local workers and USPS officials. As Jack Walker reports, union representatives are now filing grievance claims for some workers.
Also, in this show, throughout the year, Kentucky sees a transient workforce that calls the Commonwealth home. The seasonal migrant workers participate in a variety of jobs. Stu Johnson of WEKU looks at some of the picture in Fayette County.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the Mountain Valley Pipeline failed a water pressure test in Virginia earlier this month and the Pipeline Safety Trust is urging federal regulators to take a close look at the failure.
Also, in this show, we hear about radioactive waste in the Marcellus Shale fields, one of the country's largest natural gas producing formations.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
For nearly a century, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival has staged a formal dance. We visit the festival and learn about a manual that’s been passed down for generations.
Also, abortion is illegal in most cases in Tennessee. A photographer spent a year following one mother who was denied an abortion.
And we talk to Marshall University professor and poet Sarah Henning about her latest book, Burn.
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- The Tradition Of The Grand March
- Indian Creek Water Worries Residents
- Stacy Kranitz And “A Year After A Denied Abortion”
- Memories Of Family And Loss With Burn Poet Sarah Henning
The Tradition Of The Grand MarchThe Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival is the oldest festival in the state of Kentucky, and it happens Memorial Day weekend.
It’s a four-day celebration culminating in “The Grand March,” a traditional dance that has been passed down since the first festival in 1931.
Folkways Reporter Will Warren, a Pineville native, went to the festival over Memorial Day weekend last year and brought us the story.
Indian Creek Water Worries Residents One of the three places along the creek where water started sprouting out, and with it a white stringy slime.
Courtesy of David StoverResidents of Wyoming County, West Virginia, say their drinking water is making people sick. But it’s unclear exactly why — and who’s responsible for fixing the problem.
State regulators say water from a nearby mining complex is flowing into the creek, but who owns the mine and who is responsible for cleaning up the toxic water?
WVPB’s Briana Heaney reported.
Stacy Kranitz And “A Year After A Denied Abortion”Photographer Stacy Kranitz documented a family's difficult year, following a denied abortion.
Photo Credit: Stacy KranitzTennessee photographer Stacy Kranitz acknowledges the complicated history of people taking pictures of poor Appalachians, often focusing on the harsher, ugly elements that reinforce stereotypes. She actively wrestles with it in her work.
Host Mason Adams spoke with Kranitz about her work documenting the lives of a young family last year called “The Year After a Denied Abortion.”
Memories Of Family And Loss With Burn Poet Sarah HenningSara Henning's latest book of poetry is Burn.
Courtesy PhotoIn her new book Burn, Marshall University professor and poet Sara Henning draws on her complicated family history and rough upbringing to explore young love, loss and the weight of grief.
Producer Bill Lynch spoke with her.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Sierra Ferrell, Ed Snodderly, Ron Mullenex and Gerry Milnes, Jeff Ellis, Eric Vincent Huey and John Blissard.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our Executive Producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our Audio Mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, West Virginians went to the polls for primaries to decide some national and local issues. We’ll talk about the results of some of Tuesday’s elections and hear from some voters.
We’ll dive into the soon-to-be legal raw milk trade. West Virginians will be able to purchase raw milk, as long as it is properly labeled. But that might come with a risk.
We’ll also learn about a demonstration at West Virginia University (WVU) calling for the university to disclose investments in and ultimately divest from Israel over the war in Gaza, as well as child nutrition.
Finally, we hear about Gov. Jim Justice's call for a much-anticipated special session of the state legislature this coming Sunday.
Chris Schulz is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Randy Yohe.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival in Pineville, Kentucky has staged a formal dance for nearly a century that has remained the same for generations. Folkways Reporter Will Warren takes us for a visit.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from Ohio University alum and Nashville singer-songwriter Kim Richey. We listen to her performance of “A Place Called Home,” which was originally released on her 2002 album Rise.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker and Liz McCormick.
Eric Douglas is our news director and produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the stage is now set for a two man, two party political race for governor of West Virginia. Randy Yohe gives us an initial look at what we can expect from the Republican and the Democratic nominees.
Also, in this show, African Americans played a pivotal role in the development of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. In honor of those contributions, the park recently offered special programs dedicated to telling the stories of the enslaved African Americans that helped introduce the largest cave system in the world to visitors.
KPRN’s Alana Watson went on one of those tours and learned more about the park’s history of Black guides — a tour that included a member of a celebrated legacy.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the results from Tuesday’s primary election came in mostly as expected. Government Reporter Randy Yohe has covered the intense campaigning leading up to the primary and he joins us live in the studio with results and reactions.
Also, in this show, we have the latest installment of our series "Now What? A Series on Parenting." Parents are often left with many questions about how to raise a child. Two of the areas that are most concerning and confusing are feeding and nutrition. Government programs can offer many kinds of support, as Chris Schulz learned when he sat down to speak with WIC Outreach Liaison Sarah Moore.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, Tuesday’s primary election may be the most important the state has seen in a while. Voters have endured a gubernatorial media campaign blitz with unprecedented mudslinging – coupled with a dominant charge to see a new but familiar face representing West Virginia in the U.S. Senate. Randy Yohe has our story.
Also, in this show, starting in early June, West Virginians will be able to purchase raw milk, as long as it is properly labeled. As Emily Rice reports, that may come with a risk.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, a pipeline safety watchdog said federal regulators “should be on notice” about a pressure test failure on the Mountain Valley Pipeline earlier this month.
Plus, students at West Virginia University’s Morgantown campus demonstrated in support of Palestine for the second time in as many weeks. Reporter Chris Schulz covered the protest from downtown Morgantown.
With the May 14 primary election fast approaching, nonprofit newsroom Mountain State Spotlight has created a statewide voter's guide. West Virginia Public Broadcasting's News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Editor-in-Chief Ken Ward about the guide and how to access it.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week, rock climbers with disabilities have found a home in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, which offers some pumpy crags.
Climbers have also been working to make West Virginia's New River Gorge more inclusive.
And a master craftsman, who makes one of a kind whitewater paddles remembers some advice.
You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- Adaptive And Inclusive Climbing
- Removing Racist Language From Rock Climbing
- Crafting A Classic Paddle
Adaptive And Inclusive ClimbingThe mountains of Appalachia are home to some killer rock climbing, but they’re also accessible for some groups who’ve felt excluded in the past.
Adaptive Sports Reporter Emily Chen-Newton covers athletes with disabilities. She brings us this story, exploring why climbing festivals are making a home in Appalachia.
Removing Racist Language From Rock ClimbingIn West Virginia, one of the most popular climbing destinations is the New River Gorge. Advanced rock climbers continue to pioneer new climbing routes there. The first people to climb these new routes are called “first ascensionists.” And they get the privilege of naming the routes. But what happens when dozens of those route names are plainly and clearly offensive?
In 2020 and 2021, Zack Harold followed the story of a climber at the New River Gorge who wanted to make the sport he loved more inclusive for his son.
Crafting A Classic PaddleJon Rugh with his wooden paddle at the New River near Blacksburg, VA.
Photo Credit: Clara Haizlett/West Virginia Public BroadcastingAppalachia has several huge rivers — the New River, the Youghigheny, the Pigeon — so, it’s no surprise whitewater paddling is popular across the region, but it wasn’t all that long ago that modern paddlers first started exploring these rivers, designing their own gear and even building their own paddles. Some of those DIY paddle makers became master crafters.
Folkways Reporter Clara Haizlett followed one.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Sturgeon Creek, Anthony Vega, Oakfield, the Delorian, Biba Dupont, Marissa Anderson, Tyler Childers, Jerry Douglas and John Blissard.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting
On this West Virginia Morning, the League of Women Voters of West Virginia has released their 2024 Legislative Scorecard. It compiles the votes from all delegates and state senators on 26 bills that became law to give an idea where they stand on issues.
Judy Ball, chair of the League’s Legislative Action Workgroup, spoke with Government Reporter Randy Yohe on the scorecard results.
Also, in this show, many communities see people turning away from homeless shelters to temporary encampments. Nonprofit agencies and government programs struggle to support a vulnerable population with complicated needs.
At a recent AP award’s event, the Virginias AP Broadcasters acknowledged an Us & Them episode focused on homelessness with a second place for Best Podcast. In that episode, host Trey Kay talks with Barbara DiPietro, the director of policy for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. We listen to an excerpt.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, while Republican candidates dominate the media leading up to next week's primary election, there are also Democrats up and down the ballot running for state offices. Their campaign strategy, however, takes a different path.
Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, chair of the West Virginia Democratic Party, spoke with Randy Yohe on the efforts to rebuild the party and restore Democrats to state offices.
Also, in this show, Harpers Ferry is a hot spot for Black history in West Virginia. The town was home to a major abolitionist uprising, a Black civil rights conference and the historically Black Storer College.
But preserving the city’s historic sites requires upkeep. When the town’s residents saw a historic Black Baptist church falling into disrepair, the idea for a new preservation project was born.
Now, the project has received a $100,000 rehabilitation grant. Jack Walker spoke with Lynn Pechuekonis, incoming chair of the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation, about what’s in store for First Zion Baptist Church.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, a West Virginia circuit court removed two members of the Jefferson County Commission from office. But as Jack Walker reports, a last-minute party change has cast confusion over which party will name her successor.
Also, the construction of a pipeline in western Pennsylvania and a rupture in the Mountain Valley Pipeline has left environmentalists asking questions.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, as chief legal officer for West Virginia’s citizens, state office holders, agencies and boards, the attorney general’s (AG) responsibilities cover the litigation gamut. The four candidates in the upcoming primary races for AG have diverse views on how those responsibilities should be handled – and prioritized. Randy Yohe has our second story on this race.
Also, in this show, ramp season in West Virginia may be winding down, but before the last ramp has been picked, Bill Lynch went out to see what was left.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week, a chef has created a hidden culinary hot spot in Asheville, North Carolina that’s attracting national attention for its eclectic menu and Filipino hospitality.
Also, every thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail begins with a first step. Famed hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis shares hers.
And the holy month of Ramadan ends with a feast. But war and famine in Gaza muted some of this year’s celebrations.
We'll have these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- Filipino Hospitality With A North Carolina Flair
- Tackling The Appalachian Trail With Jennifer Pharr Davis
- Ramadan In The Mountains
Filipino Hospitality With A North Carolina FlairChef Silver Iocovozzi brings elevated fare and Filipino hospitality to Neng Jr.'s in Asheville.
Photo Credit: Will CrooksAsheville, North Carolina has an eclectic dining scene and one of its “hidden” gems is Neng Jr.’s. It serves elevated Filipino cuisine in a little restaurant that’s tucked away in an alley on Asheville’s artsy West Side.
Folkways Reporter Margaret McLeod Leef visited and brings us this story.
Tackling The Appalachian Trail With Jennifer Pharr DavisJennifer Pharr Davis shares the story of her first steps into the world of trail hiking.
Photo Credit: Keith WrightFew people know the Appalachian Trail (AT) better than Jennifer Pharr Davis — a North Carolina native who’s thru-hiked the AT three times.
In 2008, on her second thru-hike, she set the record for the fastest Appalachian Trail hike by a woman. Three years later, she thru-hiked it again — and set the record for the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail by anyone up to that point.
Last year, Mason Adams spoke to her about some of her hikes — and how they shaped her identity as an Appalachian.
Ramadan In The MountainsMen serve themselves their iftar meal at the Islamic Center of Morgantown, March 24, 2024. One of the sponsors of the night's iftar, Mohamed Hefeida, can be seen wearing a mask.
Photo Credit: Chris Schulz/West Virginia Public BroadcastingThis year, April 9, marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic faith. During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from sunup to sundown. Their fast is traditionally broken with a feast called an iftar. In Morgantown, West Virginia, the meal was overshadowed this year by the war in Gaza.
WVPB’s Chris Schulz reports.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Hotdog, Sean Watkins, John Blissard, Jeff Ellis, Brew Davis and Dinosaur Burps.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our Executive Producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from Folkways Editor Nicole Musgrave.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for the state’s educational system. We’ll also learn more about a group of organizations asking the state Supreme Court to side with Cabell County and Huntington in their lawsuit against opioid distributors. And we’ll hear about a South Charleston landfill listed as a Superfund site.
We’ll also talk about new investments in energy communities spurred by tax credits and federal programs. We’ll dive into the attorney general’s role in the state and what each candidate brings to the upcoming election. And we’ll learn about a group that works to give prisoners access to books.
Emily Rice is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Randy Yohe.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, Asheville, North Carolina is home to an eclectic dining scene with hidden gems like Neng Jr.’s, which serves up elevated Filipino cuisine. Tucked away in an alley, it’s a slice of home no matter where you’re from. Folkways Reporter Margaret McLeod Leef has more.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from Los Angeles-area musician Joachim Cooder. Cooder plays an electric mbira and sings accompanied by Gabe Noel on bass and Sam Gendel on saxophone. We listen to their performance of “Fuchsia Machu Picchu.”
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Emily Rice produced this episode. Teresa Wills is our host.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, being a parent is a 24-hour role, and a lifetime commitment that has historically fallen to women. As men have started to take on more domestic work, what it means to be a father has started to shift.
Chris Schulz looks at these changes in our latest installment of “Now What? A Series on Parenting.”
Also, in this show, across the country, people who are incarcerated have reduced access to libraries, books and educational resources, according to the Appalachian Prison Book Project. For the past 20 years, the West Virginia-based nonprofit has worked to change that. They say that accessing books is a fundamental human right.
Jack Walker reports on the group’s history, and what it takes to get a book into an Appalachian prison.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, according to state code, the attorney general’s job is to enforce West Virginia’s laws as they relate to – listed in order – consumer protection, unfair trade practices, civil rights and other important areas. As Randy Yohe shows us, the four primary candidates running for attorney general, two Republicans and two Democrats, have diverse views on the overall mission of the office.
Also, in this show, Marshall University professor Sara Henning draws on personal history, taking some of the rough edges and smoothing them into art. Her latest book of poetry, Burn, was released earlier this month. Bill Lynch spoke with Henning about some of her background and what drew her to poetry.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia is seeing a boom in low and no-carbon manufacturing, thanks to tax credits and other federal programs designed to spur investment in energy communities. Curtis Tate spoke recently with Brian Anderson, a senior adviser on energy communities at the U.S. Department of Energy. They spoke at the University of Charleston.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the Jewish holiday of Passover is coming to an end. It is a time for celebration and reflection. This year, it has been a bit more difficult, according to Rabbi Victor Urecki from Charleston. He spoke with News Director Eric Douglas to discuss the holiday and the struggle with the war in Gaza.
Also, in this show, student protests in support of Palestine have emerged on college campuses across the country in the past few weeks. As Chris Schulz reports, students at West Virginia University (WVU) joined their voices to the movement Sunday.
And we listen to the latest story from The Allegheny Front, a public radio program based in Pittsburgh that reports on environmental issues in the region. Their latest story is about a planned advanced plastics recycling plant along the Susquehanna River.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
In March, broadcast journalists from Virginia and West Virginia were recognized when the Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters met to present awards for notable stories produced in 2023.
This week, we listen back to some of our award-winning stories.
In This Episode:
- How Angelo’s Old World Italian Sausage Gets Made
- Make Way For The Mushroom Hunters
- Winter Wassailing In Asheville
- Season Of The Witch
How Angelo’s Old World Italian Sausage Gets MadeAngelo’s Old World Sausage is available in stores in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.
Photo Credit: Zack Harold/West Virginia Public BroadcastingZack Harold is the unofficial foodie for Folkways. Last summer, he took us to see how the sausage gets made with Angelo’s Old World Italian Sausage. The recipe originated in the Calabria region of Italy, but it’s made in West Virginia.
Make Way For The Mushroom HuntersThese chanterelles are about to be turned into a tasty treat. They were harvested the day before an unsuccessful mushroom hunt, and turned into a topper for vanilla ice cream.
Photo Credit: Wendy Welch/West Virginia Public BroadcastingGathering foods like ramps, sassafras or blackberries from the forest has always been a part of Appalachian culture. In recent years, mushroom hunting has been having a moment.
Folkways Reporter Wendy Welch spent time with mushroom hunters in Virginia and West Virginia and brought us the story.
Winter Wassailing In AshevilleWassailers sing outside a home in Asheville, North Carolina. Traditionally, wassailers not only sang for their neighbors, but also sang in apple orchards to ensure a good harvest for the coming year.
Photo Credit: Rebecca Williams/West Virginia Public BroadcastingNot many folks are thinking about winter holiday traditions this time of year. But back before Christmas, Folkways Reporter Rebecca Williams explored the old English tradition of wassailing in Asheville, North Carolina. A group of friends there got into this old singing tradition as a way to connect to their roots. Williams reported.
Season Of The WitchH. Byron Ballard at home.
Photo Credit: Llewellyn WorldwideIn Appalachia, witchcraft goes way back. Wise women still practice herbology or trace the patterns of the moon. H. Byron Ballard is a practicing witch in Asheville, North Carolina. She’s also the author of several books, including Small Magics: Practical Secrets from an Appalachian Village Witch. Last fall, she spoke with producer Bill Lynch about her way of life – and quizzed Bill on cryptids.
We also want to congratulate WVPB reporters and Inside Appalachia contributors Emily Rice and Breana Heaney, news director Eric Douglas and Us & Them host Trey Kay. Each of them won awards from the Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting brought home 12 awards Saturday, March 23, 2024 from the Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters Awards Luncheon at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Pictured (left to right) is Inside Appalachia Producer Bill Lynch, Inside Appalachia Folkways Reporter Wendy Welch, Us & Them Host and Producer Trey Kay, Southern West Virginia Reporter Briana Heaney and WVPB News Director Eric Douglas.
Photo Credit: Eric Douglas/West Virginia Public Broadcasting------
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Christian Lopez, Dave and Tim Bing, John Inghram, Marissa Anderson, Frank George and Hank Williams Jr.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from Folkways editors Chris Julin and Nicole Musgrave.
You can send us an email at InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, Earth Day was Monday. We’ll hear from a hydrologist about the state’s rivers. We’ll learn more about why two leading candidates for governor are trading accusations in ads over transgender youth. And we’ll visit a community in southern West Virginia affected by contaminated water.
We’ll also talk about what’s next for opponents of new federal power plant rules. We’ll find out who Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has endorsed to be his successor in the Senate. And we’ll learn when a long-delayed controversial natural gas pipeline proposes to begin operating.
Curtis Tate is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Randy Yohe.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, an experimental apple orchard in the state is helping to fight pollution, improve food scarcity and some hope even heal veterans. Briana Heaney has the story.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from co-founder, artistic director and former host of Mountain Stage, Larry Groce. Groce is joined by the Mountain Stage House Band in this 1991 performance of “Turn! Turn! Turn!”
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, health care services for nearly 30 percent of West Virginia’s population may be difficult to access if lawmakers don’t fully fund the Medicaid program in an expected special session. Emily Rice has more.
Also, in this show, America has a foster care crisis. More than 390,000 children are in foster care nationally. On the next episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay looks into the shortage of licensed foster homes. Last year, more than half of all states saw a drop in licensed foster homes, partly because new foster parents don’t stay in the system for long.
A wide range of agencies and nonprofit organizations offer help navigating what can be a complicated system. We listen to an excerpt from the new Us & Them episode called “Our Foster Care Crisis.” Listen to the rest of this episode Thursday, April 25 at 8 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting, an encore broadcast on Saturday, April 27 at 3 p.m. or you can listen on your own time here on wvpublic.org.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, drinking water in Wyoming County is making people sick. But it’s unclear who is responsible for the creek’s pollution, or when residents will have clean water.
Also, with West Virginia primary elections in about three weeks, government reporter Randy Yohe gauges voter concerns and readiness before they head to the polls.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
There’s a foster care crisis in America. Nationally, more than 390,000 children are in foster care. In West Virginia, that’s just over 6,000 children who need a safe place to call home. Last year, more than half of all states saw their number of licensed homes drop, some as high as 60 percent. That challenge comes because new foster parents don’t stay in the system for long.
On this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay hears about the shortage of licensed foster homes. Foster care is most often needed because of parental substance use, mental health challenges, poverty and neglect.
While official foster care cases are tracked and overseen by state agencies and nonprofit organizations, there are many informal kinds of so-called kinship care that are not official or included in state data. Some experts say the number of those kinship cases drives the stakes of the challenge much higher.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the West Virginia Humanities Council, CRC Foundation and Daywood Foundation. Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, NPR One, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and beyond.
Dominic Snuffer was 5 when he and his four younger siblings went into the first of their foster care homes.
“I was in several foster care situations… I think three or four. It always seemed short and seemed as if we were getting bounced around. The hard part was probably just the beginning, how much I just always try to keep my siblings in check. I felt as if, if they behaved in a way, just like the other situations we might get taken away. It feels like yesterday that I got adopted. It went by fast. The things that make me smile was definitely adoption day. ‘Cause I knew, I finally found a family and I could try and live out the rest of my childhood.”
— Dominic Snuffer
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingLarry Cooper is executive vice president of Innovation at The Children's Home Network (CHN) of Tampa Bay, Florida. The agency works with kids in the foster care system and also provides services to prevent and support families from ever entering into the foster care system. Cooper has worked at CHN for more than 20 years, and he’s spent 8 years licensing foster homes while recruiting and training new foster parents. Cooper says some of the challenges bringing in new foster parents comes from an approval process that’s strict for a reason - but can take more than 12 months. A lot of people drop out along the way.
“You might fall off because of just life experiences that you may be going through. You might have a change in jobs. You might have an illness in your family. You might have a death in the family. And so I used to see for every 100 parents that I recruited, I might get only four to six families actually get a kid into their home for every hundred that would call me and be interested in becoming a foster parent.”
— Larry Cooper
Photo Credit: The Children's Home NetworkMarc and Brandi Wilson live in St. Clairsville, Ohio — just across the river from Wheeling, West Virginia. Brandi was a Child Protective Services worker in West Virginia for 20 years. One day back in 2014, her work at the Department of Health and Human Resources and her personal life collided when they became foster parents to a baby related to Marc.
“They both took the stand and said that they give up the rights to their child, I just started breaking down. [Brandi] was sitting beside me like this and she looked over at me. She said, ‘What's wrong?’ I said, ‘I can never imagine saying that about my own child.' She was kind of numb to it because she's worked in the field. It was hard to hear somebody say that.” — Marc Wilson
“It wasn't until he was sitting next to me in the courtroom that I realized not everybody hears relinquishment. Not everybody hears abuse, neglect. Not everybody hears that - as CPS workers [this is] just everyday language. So once I was with him and realized, OK, this isn't everybody's life. They may have drug issues, domestic violence, gangs coming in and out of their home, but these words are not everyday life for a lot of people.” — Brandi Wilson
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingRachel Kinder supervises The Kinship Navigator Program with Mission West Virginia, a nonprofit that’s been around since 1997. Kinder has been working with the foster care system for more than two decades, and has seen lots of trends. In 2019, there was a record high of 7,200 children in West Virginia’s foster care system. She says, while it's one thing to count the legal cases overseen by the Department of Human Services, there are many informal kinds of kinship care that are not official or included in state data.
“I can tell you the number of kids in formal care, so if there are 6,078 kids in foster care in West Virginia, right now 58 percent of those are in kinship relative placements. For kids in informal care, where grandma or an aunt or some type of relative or even what we call fictive* kin has stepped in, it's almost impossible to get numbers on that.”
— Rachel Kinder
*Fictive care refers to placements where a foster parent knows the child but is not related to them. This could be a teacher, family friend or a neighbor.
Photo Credit: Mission West VirginiaThere’s a clear need for foster families across the nation and in West Virginia. Nikki and Louisa Snuffer knew they would consider becoming foster parents when it came time for them to start a family. There’s a lot going on at their Sissonville home. The couple currently has 12 children, ranging from ages 10 months to 20 years old. Plus, they breed French Bulldogs.
“It actually was a pretty easy decision, because we were both on the same page almost always with helping people. I've known since probably my early high school years that I did want to do foster care. However, we really wanted no more than maybe three. And the way life and things happen, we got five at one time. I have two brothers who were put in foster care that I never knew and I still don't know. So we made a commitment that when we got into it, that we would never split up families.” — Louisa Snuffer
“If they call us for a sibling group, we're not going to say no to them because that was our number one belief. Like, ‘We need to do whatever we can to keep siblings together.’ When we were initially approved, we were approved for four children. So, DHHR told us we could have four children in the house, given the space. And that was kind of our cap. I said, ‘Maybe we'll do three tops,’ you know, that seems like a manageable number. And the very first call we got for placement was a sibling group of five. Of course we said yes. We had to do a few things to get approved for a fifth child. They moved in with us. Things went great.” — Nikki Snuffer
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingNikki Snuffer is holding her granddaughter. Many of the children the Snuffers have cared for, they know through Nikki’s job at Winfield High School. She’s an instructor for the Future Leaders Program, which is the National Guard’s high school curriculum that’s taught by veterans. In the program, students learn leadership and life skills, science, career prep and other subjects.
“[For] my kids that have gone to Winfield, I make them go through the [Future Leaders] program. Not because I'm teaching it, but because even if it wasn't me, I'd want them to get these skills. It's the kind of things that are forgotten these days.”
— Nikki Snuffer
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
On this West Virginia Morning, domestic violence prevention advocates lined the State Capitol rotunda in February, seeking a budget increase. They said lawmakers were receptive to the idea. But no increase was passed before this year’s regular legislative session ended. Jack Walker checked in with domestic violence prevention advocates on funding needs as a potential special session approaches.
Also, in this show, Central Appalachia is home to 16 state and federal prisons. Now, federal officials are considering adding a medium security prison in Letcher County. But as the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting’s Jared Bennett tells — the project is also drawing opposition from activists from across the country.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, as the primary race for governor enters the home stretch, some candidate’s negative attack ads running endlessly on broadcast and social media target a minority group – transgender children. But what is the fallout from these ads for this vulnerable group, and West Virginia children and families in general? Randy Yohe has the story.
Also, in this show, West Virginia has many rivers and creeks all over the state and they are all a bit different. Some are wide and slow moving, some narrow and turbulent. Some flow north and some flow south. On this Earth Day, Briana Heaney sat down with Nicolas Zegre from West Virginia University’s (WVU) Mountain Hydrology Center to talk about one of West Virginia's most abundant resources – water.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week, a pair of former miners found love shoveling coal and shaped a life making wooden spoons. We learn about treenware.
Also, NASCAR Hall of Famer Leonard Wood shares stories, and a bit of advice.
And, group bike rides are a way to socialize and get outside. But here in Appalachia, newcomers are met with steep hills.
In This Episode:
- Two For Treenware
- Hanging Out With NASCAR Legend Leonard Wood
- Exploring Morgantown On The Back Of A Bicycle
- Sovereignty At The Museum Of The Cherokee People
Two For TreenwareStan and Sue Jennings turned a conversation about a passion into a business.
Photo Credit: Zack Gray/Allegheny TreenwareFor 30 years, Sue and Stan Jennings have run Allegheny Treenware, a West Virginia company that makes wooden kitchen utensils. But they started off as a couple of coal miners. And when they weren’t underground, they talked about what else they could be doing.
Folkways Reporter Capri Cafaro visited the Jennings.
Hanging Out With NASCAR Legend Leonard WoodStraight from the source at The Wood Brothers Racing Museum.
Photo Credit: Mason Adams/West Virginia Public BroadcastingStock car racing’s roots run deep in Appalachia. Some of NASCAR's early stars came straight from the lawless moonshine runners of the 1920s and 1930s, but NASCAR’s oldest continuous racing team had nothing to do with moonshine.
Mason Adams visited with Leonard Wood at The Wood Brothers Racing Museum in Virginia for stories and wisdom.
Exploring Morgantown On The Back Of A BicycleThe ad-hoc Morgantown Social Rides aim to get cyclists onto the streets to explore the city in a new way.
Photo Credit: Chris Schulz/West Virginia Public BroadcastingWith spring, lots of folks are heading out to the woods or the rivers, but one group in Morgantown, West Virginia is taking to the streets – on their bicycles.
WVPB’s Chris Schulz grabbed his helmet and tagged along to explore his city in a new way.
Sovereignty At The Museum Of The Cherokee PeopleBPR's Lilly Knoepp (left) spoke with Museum of the Cherokee People Director of Education Dakota Brown and Director of Collections Evan Mathis at the Appalachian Studies Conference on Friday March 8, 2024 at Western Carolina University.
Photo Credit: BPRIn western North Carolina, a new exhibit called “Sovereignty” recently opened at the Museum of the Cherokee People. The exhibit focuses on the autonomy of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Director of Education Dakota Brown is co-curator of the exhibit.
BPR Senior Regional Reporter Lilly Knoepp spoke with Brown as part of a panel at the Appalachian Studies Association conference in March and sent us an excerpt.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by The Dirty River Boys, Charlie McCoy, John Blissard, Sierra Ferrell, and John Inghram.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editors Nicole Musgrave and Mallory Noe Payne.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, legislators started off the week back in Charleston for the first time since the end of the regular session for interim meetings. We learned more about the state’s finances, government auditing and a new approach to maintaining the state’s roads.
Meanwhile, we heard about the state’s rising natural gas production, the new challenges of digital devices for parents, and ahead of Earth Day, we took a look at a major composting operation.
We’ll dive into these topics, plus a national award for a local breakfast favorite and upgrades to regional rail-trails.
Chris Schulz is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Randy Yohe.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, Sue and Stan Jennings for 30 years have run Allegheny Treenware, a company that makes wooden kitchen utensils. But they started off as a couple of coal miners. Folkways Reporter Capri Cafaro has more.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from Sam Weber. Known for his distinctive style that blends elements of folk, rock and Americana, Weber performed a handful of new works during his second appearance on Mountain Stage. We listen to his performance of “Hey, Hey.”
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Emily Rice and Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, uncertainty about the future amidst a changing climate has given rise in recent years to a phenomenon known as "climate anxiety." Ahead of Earth Day Monday, Chris Schulz spoke with Amy Parsons-White, sustainability manager for Marshall University, to discuss this mental health issue and potential solutions.
Also, in this show, lawmakers had the opportunity to ask questions of state health leaders about the state’s IDD Waiver program. Emily Rice has more.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, digital devices and social media command more and more of our attention these days. Balancing this and creating healthy boundaries for increasingly younger children is becoming a bigger part of being a parent. Chris Schulz takes a look at this issue in the latest installment of, “Now What? A Series On Parenting.”
Also, in this show, Monday is Earth Day, an annual reminder of the growing importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. Recycling is a major component of sustainability – and composting highlights recycling at the organic level. As Randy Yohe discovered, West Virginia’s first commercial composting facility is spinning its wheels.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, harm reduction advocates celebrated the first anniversary of the installation of a Narcan vending machine in Charleston on Monday.
Also, Curtis Tate speaks with Charlie Burd, president of the West Virginia Gas and Oil Association, about the state’s role in supplying the global market of natural gas after a record year of production.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, you don’t see caned chairs as much as you used to. Cane breaks down with age and there aren’t many people who know how to repair these old chairs. But in Wheeling, there’s a workshop called Seeing Hand, where skilled workers repair old chairs and so much more. For Inside Appalachia, Folkways Reporter Clara Haizlett brings us this story.
Also, in this show, when your power goes out, water bill comes in or your nearby fire hydrant looks ancient, there’s a state organization keeping tabs on all of that and more. Randy Yohe talks with Charlotte Lane, chair of the West Virginia Public Service Commission, on how this regulating entity balances public protection with keeping utilities viable.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Spring wildflowers are in bloom, and some of the most common species play an important role in herbal medicine. This week, we learn about some of the ways people use violets.
What’s your favorite style of egg roll? An acclaimed, out-of-the-way restaurant in Pounding Mill, Virginia bends culinary genres and uses an unexpected ingredient.
And, more and more school boards are pulling books from library shelves. We’ll speak with a reporter in a Virginia county where 57 titles were yanked.
In This Episode:
- Violet Tendencies
- Taking A Bite Out Of Cuz’s Uptown Barbeque
- A Book Ban In Rockingham, Virginia
Violet TendenciesViolets will grow almost anywhere. They are one of the first flowers to grow in Appalachia come spring.
Photo Credit: Brandon TesterEvery April, violets bloom across Appalachia, adding purple, white and yellow to the deepening green of the hills. But violets do a lot more than add natural flair. These flowers have long been a key ingredient in herbal remedies.
People use them to fight cancer and the common cold. And they make a pretty tasty snack.
Folkways Reporter Wendy Welch brings us the story.
Taking A Bite Out Of Cuz’s Uptown BarbequeYvonne Thompson owns Cuz's Uptown Barbecue in Pounding Mill, Virginia. A place that mixes cultures, flavors and fun.
Photo Credit: Connie Bailey Kitts/West Virginia Public BroadcastingIn the South, people love to argue over which barbecue sauce is most authentic — vinegar, tomato or mustard. But Cuz’s Uptown Barbeque in Tazewell County, Virginia, is distinguished by something entirely different. For starters, its food is inspired by Asian cuisine and local mountain specialities.
You can find dishes on its menu like Morel mushrooms, cheesy egg rolls, and country ham caprese.
Back in 2022, Folkways Reporter Connie Bailey Kitts and her family stopped in at Cuz’s for supper.
A Book Ban In Rockingham, VirginiaMembers of the Rockingham County School Board, which recently voted to remove 57 books from school libraries.
Photo Credit: Ashlyn CampbellBook bans are nothing new. But we’re seeing a new spike in book removals across Appalachia, including in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Sometimes, debates that lead to book bans happen in state legislatures. But they’re just as likely to play out on the local level, in public schools.
In January, the school board in Rockingham County, Virginia voted to remove 57 books from school libraries, prompting an outcry.
Ashlyn Campbell has been covering the story for the Daily News-Record. Mason Adams spoke with Cambell to learn more.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Sean Watkins, John Inghram, John Blissard, Amythyst Kiah, Dinosaur Burps, Doc Watson and Frank Hutchinson.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from Folkways editors Nicole Musgrave and Mallory Noe-Payne.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, West Virginia residents were united by Monday’s solar eclipse, spreading out across college campuses and community parks to observe the astronomical event.
Meanwhile, decision-making over last week’s storms has proven more divisive among state officials.
We’ll dive into these topics, plus changes to a pair of West Virginia sawmills, how Muslim residents celebrated the end of Ramadan, and the much-anticipated return of the American chestnut to Appalachia.
Jack Walker is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Randy Yohe.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, violets bloom across Appalachia throughout spring, but the flowers are more than just some extra color in the yard. They’ve long been a key ingredient in herbal remedies. For Inside Appalachia, Folkways Reporter Wendy Welch brings us this story.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us Ed Snodderly, whose songs have been recorded by some of roots music’s most well-known names. We listen to his performance of “Gone with Gone and Long Time,” accompanied by the Mountain Stage Band and Lisa Pattison on fiddle and vocals.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
More than 4.5 million Americans cannot vote because of a felony conviction but only about a quarter are currently in prison.
On the newest episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay talks with people who support expanded voting rights for felons, and those who say people who’ve committed crimes should forfeit their rights until they serve their entire sentence, including any probation or parole.
Felon disenfranchisement laws differ significantly from state to state and even legal experts say it can be difficult for someone to know their rights. In a few states, a person can vote from prison, while in others, voting rights are restored upon release or completion of parole or probation. Despite recent trends to expand voting rights, some states are moving in the opposite direction. In Florida, voters passed an amendment to restore voting rights to most people with felonies, but lawmakers passed a new law requiring that people pay all of their court fees first. And in Virginia, only the governor can restore the right to vote for someone convicted of a felony.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the West Virginia Humanities Council and the CRC Foundation.
Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, NPR One, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and beyond.
Anthony Cole, 32, is from Huntington, West Virginia. He was released from prison in May 2023 after serving 12 and a half years for second-degree murder.
“I started life over, I'm living as a productive citizen. I work for the food bank. I'm trying to give back to the community at the same time, as well as feed myself. Like, I'm back into society, I should be able to be a part of society … That's what our politics and our whole system is off of. [It’s] supposed to be equality … But it feels even less than now because my voice is completely silenced in that matter.”
— Anthony Cole
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingSara Carter is a legal fellow with the Brennan Center, a nonprofit dedicated to civil liberties and voting rights. She tracks nationwide trends and variations in voting laws for felons from state to state. She says in some states, felons can vote no matter what crimes they’ve been convicted of — even from prison. On the other end of the spectrum, in Virginia, for example, those convicted of a felony can only restore their voting rights with an appeal to the governor.
“Everyone should be able to have a say in who governs them, and everyone should be able to be represented, no matter how they choose to exercise that right when it comes to an election.”
— Sara Carter
Photo Credit: Brennan Center for JusticeNatalie Delia Deckard is an associate professor of criminology at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada.
“There is absolutely no way to talk about voting rights in the United States without talking about the fact that the United States has the highest incarceration rate in not only the world but in world history. We know that incarceration is not sprinkled randomly through the society, it's not just that men are overwhelmingly more likely to have criminal records. It's that racialized men are more likely to have criminal records, because of the ways in which we understand crime … It's also about poverty and class. It's poor men that go to jail, they go to prison. We absolutely know that class divisions very much predict voting divisions.”
— Natalie Delia Deckard
Photo Credit: University of WindsorMac Warner is West Virginia’s Secretary of State. He’s running for governor this year as a Republican.
“They have violated the state code, they have committed a criminal offense. And they have shown that they are not worthy at that time, they've done something to go against the people of the state of West Virginia. And so we wouldn't want people who are committing crimes to then be a part of a system that would allow them to vote for someone who may then decide to change and say, ‘These criminal offenses are OK.’ It serves as a deterrent value. So people know that they lose those rights when they commit an offense. And, again, this is just part of the criminal justice system. We all want them to be a part of society, again, with voting rights, but we want them to serve their time for the crime that they committed. There is no effort to suppress votes or to keep somebody from voting.”
— Mac Warner, West Virginia’s Secretary of State
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingMike Stuart was the former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. He currently serves in the West Virginia State Senate and is running for state attorney general.
“I know that we live in a period of time, where there's a heavy emphasis on criminal rights. I support that, too. We've got to make sure we treat folks humanely, that we try to be in the business of rehab and rehabilitation and treatment, especially when it comes to the drug scourge. But I'm focused on victims. …I fully support the idea of the restoration of rights, but after you've served your entire penance, to society … and that means … not only your time behind bars, but your period of supervised release, if there's a period of probation, it's at the end of that entirety, that you ought to get the restoration of rights. West Virginia already does this today. I just think I'm one of those folks that truly believe that there's a purpose to punishment, we don't do it to hurt people. We do it for the rehabilitation part … they're not part-time, or lesser citizens because they don't have the right to vote. And we didn't take that right from them. They took it from themselves when they committed the heinous crime, whatever crime it happened to be.”
— Mike Stuart, WV State Senator
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingAutumn McCraw was born and raised in West Virginia. She says she used drugs for several years and spent more than two and a half years in prison for felony convictions. After she was released from her most recent incarceration, she went to a recovery residence. She says she hasn’t used drugs in over six years. After she was released from parole, she registered to vote and decided to laminate her voter registration card.
“I opened the card … and I held it in my hand, and I just looked at it and I'm like, ‘I have arrived.’ It was a really emotional moment for me. I cried because I felt like I belonged again. Like I can contribute again. Like this is my ticket back into the forefront of society and not just necessarily in the shadows or in the underbelly.”
— Autumn McCraw
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
On this West Virginia Morning, WVPB last spring covered efforts at Shepherd University to regrow American chestnut forests in Appalachia. One year later, that project has incorporated new technology and a familiar tree variant. Jack Walker caught up with a pair of self-proclaimed “chestnutters” to discuss the project at large, and the future of the American chestnut.
Also, in this show, more than 4.5 million Americans cannot vote because they’ve been convicted of a felony. On the newest episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay looks at the patchwork of state laws that restore voting rights to people after those convictions. The laws differ significantly from state to state. A few allow a person to vote from prison, while others require release and completion of probation or parole. Kay meets Anthony Cole who’s been out of prison for nearly a year after serving 12 and a half years. We listen to an excerpt from the next Us & Them: “Locked Out of Voting?"
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, Tuesday marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic faith. Like millions across the world, Muslims in West Virginia fasted from sunup to sundown each day of the month. Their fast is traditionally broken with a meal called iftar. Chris Schulz takes us to an iftar in Morgantown.
Also, in this show, during the recent regular state legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill aimed at improving foster care communication and accountability. Emily Rice has more.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, across the country Monday, people took a moment out of their day to watch the solar eclipse. West Virginia was no exception, and at West Virginia University’s (WVU) Morgantown campus, a large crowd gathered to experience the celestial event. Chris Schulz has the story.
Also, in this show, the state Senate unanimously approved a resolution in February to place a statue of Hershel “Woody” Williams in the U.S. Capitol. Williams, who died in 2022 at age 98, was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. The measure, though, did not get a vote in the House of Delegates before the regular session ended. Curtis Tate spoke with Chad Graham, Williams’ grandson, about what happens next.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, we learn from graduate students about how to view Monday's eclipse safely and why the celestial event is scientifically important.
Also, in this show, Randy Yohe looks at changes made in the latest legislative session - on how and when political parties can fill vacancies after the candidate filing deadline in state elections.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week on Inside Appalachia, we’re talking about traditional ballads - how they tell stories and connect us to the past.
These old tunes can mean so much. They can tap into difficult emotions and give feelings space to be heard. Some songs may even be too uncomfortable to sing.
In this special episode with guest co-host, ballad singer Saro Lynch-Thomason, we explore songs about lawbreaking folk heroes, runaway trains and murder ballads.
All the stories in this episode are produced as part of our Folkways Reporting Project, a partnership with West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Inside Appalachia and the Folklife Program of the West Virginia Humanities Council.
We’ve recorded more than 150 stories for this project, and you can find them all here.
In This Episode:
- The Ballad Of ‘John Henry’ Elicits Varied Feelings For Some Black Appalachian Residents
- Ballads About Train Wrecks Hold Lessons For Modern Life
- Traditional Murder Ballads Reveal A Dark Truth About “True Crime” Media
- Real-Life Outlaw Otto Wood Went Viral In The Thirties
The Ballad Of ‘John Henry’ Elicits Varied Feelings For Some Black Appalachian ResidentsThe ballad of “John Henry” tells the story of a railroad worker who competes against a steam drill to see who can drill a hole through a mountain fastest and farthest. With his immense strength and skill, John Henry wins, but dies from his efforts. There is great debate about the historical facts, but most accounts describe Henry as an African American man from West Virginia or Virginia, working for the C&O Railroad. For some who grew up in Black communities in Appalachia, the song elicits a variety of feelings. Folkways Reporter Nicole Musgrave has more.
If learning about John Henry piqued your interest, be sure to check out the recent Black in Appalachia podcast episode about John Henry. They dive into some important topics, including a current-day link between health and working conditions, especially for Black workers.
Ballads About Train Wrecks Holds Lessons For Modern LifeStarting in the late 19th century, trains were everywhere in southern Appalachia, and so were songs about them. Scott Huffard, an associate professor of History at Lees-McCrae College, says these ballads weren’t just about trains, they were emulating trains using special techniques with common instruments. Reporter Laura Harbert Allen has that story and tells us what we can learn from ballads about trains.
Traditional Murder Ballads Reveal A Dark Truth About “True Crime” MediaThere are many murder ballads from Appalachia - and most of them are about men killing women. Folkways Reporter Zack Harold is a musician himself. In fact, you can hear him playing guitar and banjo on a song called “Little Sadie” that appears in this week’s episode.
“Little Sadie” is a ballad about a man killing his sweetheart - exactly the kind of song Zack sought to understand in his reporting about murder ballads. What can they tell us about history? And what is “true crime” the modern-day equivalent?
Real-Life Outlaw Otto Wood Went Viral In The Thirties As Zack explored in his story, people in the past and the present love viral “true crime” stories. In the early 1930s, the way for a story to go “viral” was by being sung about in a ballad. That’s what happened to Otto Wood, a real-life outlaw who grew up around Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He spent time with the Hatfields of southern West Virginia, became a famous moonshiner, and died in a shootout with police in 1930. Less than one year later, his story was told in the ballad “Otto Wood The Bandit,” recorded by Walker Kid and the Carolina Buddies.
Our host Mason Adams reported on that song.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Wes Swing, Dinosaur Burps, and The Chamber Brothers. Roxy Todd produced this episode. Bill Lynch is our producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Alex Runyon was our associate producer. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. Zander Aloi also helped produce this episode.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, severe weather pounded the state, from destructive tornadoes in the south, to historic floods in the north.
Jobs in the state saw some losses, and some possible wins, while a program for people with disabilities was cut from the recent Budget. Chris Schulz takes listeners on a bike ride through the hills of Morgantown.
Also, Friday marked the 14th anniversary of the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster. Briana Heaney sat down with former WVPB reporter Ashton Marra to discuss her reporting on the trial that followed the disaster.
Brina Heaney is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week’s biggest news in the Mountain State. It’s produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Randy Yohe.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster, which caused the deaths of 29 miners, happened 14 years ago. Ashton Marra worked for WVPB at the time and covered the trial of Don Blankenship, CEO of the company that owned the mine. Briana Heaney sat down with Marra to talk about what it was like being a reporter covering the trial.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from four-time GRAMMY winner Sarah Jarosz. We listen to her performance of “Good at What I Do,” which recently reached #1 on the Americana Radio charts.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, as temperatures start to rise, people are taking the opportunity to get outside. One group in Morgantown is taking to the streets on their bicycles. Chris Schulz takes us with him as he tags along to explore the city in a new way.
Also, in this show, with March Madness underway, some Kentuckians will legally bet on games, thanks to a law passed last year. Proponents of legalizing sports betting said the move would add oversight – and keep tax revenue in the Commonwealth.
But some worry easier gambling could come with harmful behaviors. As LPM’s Jacob Munoz reports, some experts say at-risk gamblers in Kentucky and nationwide need more help.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, from grandfamilies to kin networks and everything in between, families come in all shapes and sizes in West Virginia, and there is a growing need for one particular type.
In the latest installment of our occasional series “Now What? A Series On Parenting,” Chris Schulz speaks with Terri Lynn Durnal of the National Youth Advocate Program about the unique experience of fostering children – and the need for foster parents in the state.
Also, in this show, in the final hours of the 2024 regular state legislative session, lawmakers passed a budget that cut funding for IDD waivers. Emily Rice has more.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, Berkeley County in 2022 celebrated its 250th anniversary. Now, the county is looking back at its history through a public art lens. By early June, a mural will be on display in the heart of Martinsburg tracing the history and culture of Berkeley County over the years.
Jack Walker spoke with Lea Craigie, the artist behind the new mural, about her public art piece so far.
Also, in this show, we listen to the latest story from The Allegheny Front – a public radio program based in Pittsburgh that reports on environmental issues in the region. Their latest piece looks at proposals to place chemical plastic recycling centers in our region.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the closure of the Port of Baltimore to most shipping has a ripple effect for coal producers in northern West Virginia. Curtis Tate takes a deeper look.
Also, in this show, one solution to slow climate change is for industrial facilities to capture carbon dioxide emissions before they reach the atmosphere. The Allegheny Front’s Julie Grant looked into a new project that would transport CO2 to underground storage wells, including in Pennsylvania.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week, we visit the Seeing Hand Association. They bring together people who are visually impaired to learn the craft of chair caning.
Corporate greed has been gobbling up newspapers for years. Now, some of those same companies are taking a bite out of mobile home parks. They’re raising rents and letting repairs slide.
And, as the Mountain Valley Pipeline nears completion, people who live near it say government officials are ignoring their concerns about pollution.
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- Seeing Hand Fixes More Than Chairs
- Quilting In The New, Traditional Way
- David Vs. Goliath At A Mobile Home Park
- West Virginia Flood Concerns
Seeing Hand Fixes More Than ChairsEmployees restore caned chairs at the Seeing Hand workshop in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Photo Credit: Clara Haizlett/West Virginia Public BroadcastingA lot of folks in Appalachia grew up with caned chairs in the house. Maybe your parents or grandparents had a set in the kitchen, but you don’t see the old caned chairs as much as you used to. Cane breaks down and needs to be replaced. Few people know where to go to fix their chairs. So, a lot of them are discarded or thrown away. But they don’t have to be.
At a workshop in Wheeling, WV, a community of skilled workers repair old chairs and show that not everything that looks broken has to be thrown out. Folkways reporter Clara Haizlett brought us the story.
Quilting In The New, Traditional WayShane Foster pictured with a quilt made by his great-grandmother.
Photo Credit: Liz Pahl/West Virginia Public BroadcastingPassing on traditional knowledge happens in different ways. Shane Foster is an optometrist in Ohio and an avid quilter. Quilting had been in his family for generations, but to learn this traditional craft, Foster chose a way that’s a little less traditional.
From 2022, Folkways Reporter Liz Pahl has this story.
David Vs. Goliath At A Mobile Home ParkAfter a new owner took control of a mobile home park in Mercer County, West Virginia, the rents went up, and it seemed like less was done to take care of problems. One resident started looking into exactly who this new owner was.
Mason Adams brought us the story.
West Virginia Flood ConcernsThe floods of 2016 devastated several counties and it has taken seven years for them to be mostly returned to normal.
Photo Credit: Kara Lofton/West Virginia Public BroadcastingFlooding has always been a threat in Appalachia, but over the past few decades, severe floods have become more frequent.
Curtis Tate spoke with Nicolas Zegre, an associate professor of forest hydrology at West Virginia University, about why West Virginia is so prone to flooding.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by John Blissard, John Inghram, Tim Bing, Gerry Milnes, Mary Hott, and Tyler Childers.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, the deadline for the governor to sign or veto bills from the state legislature’s regular session before they automatically become law was this week, and WVPB looked at what did and didn’t get the governor’s signature.
We continue our series looking back at the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on retail and outdoor recreation four years after its start.
We also take a look at the Republican primary race for a U.S. Senate seat, as well as updates from the state police on investigations into sexual misconduct.
Chris Schulz is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Randy Yohe.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, after a new owner took over a Mercer County mobile home park, rents quickly went up while repairs slowed. One resident did some digging and found a reporter in California who had some unexpected answers about who this new owner was. Inside Appalachia Host Mason Adams spoke with reporter Julie Reynolds.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from GRAMMY-winning Australian rock star Colin Hay. We listen to an acoustic rendition of his international hit, “Down Under.”
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, tourists from around the world visit Harpers Ferry each year to immerse themselves in U.S. history. But the number of visitors fell in 2020, as public health restrictions ramped up nationwide. Jack Walker visited the town to learn how things have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Also, in this show, some of the divides in our nation are defined by where we get our information. As social media sites gain a larger audience, some traditional news organizations find themselves losing out and going out of business.
In a new episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay finds the media landscape has changed, and fewer newspapers and radio and television stations are doing daily reporting. A study from Northwestern University shows 200 counties in the U.S. now have no source of local news.
Kay talks with Steve Waldman, a longtime journalist who is now trying to save local journalism. Co-founder of Report for America, Waldman says the industry has imploded after watching its business model turned inside out. We listen to an excerpt from the latest Us & Them episode, “Another Small Town Paper Down.”
And to hear the rest of the episode, tune in Thursday, March 28 at 8 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting or on Sunday, March 30 at 3 p.m. for an encore. You can also listen on your own time, right here.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Our country’s divides often reveal themselves in our choices and habits, including how and where we get our information. As the economics of the media landscape have imploded, the economics of the industry have forced changes. In the past two decades, online sites have taken over much of the income stream from classified ads and general advertising. That has led newspapers and broadcasters to slash thousands of jobs. Many local news outlets have gone out of business and there are now more than 200 counties across the country with no source of local news.
One of those is McDowell County in West Virginia. Last year, publisher Missy Nester was forced to shut down the Welch Daily News after a valiant effort to keep the paper running. Join host Trey Kay and reporter Todd Melby on this episode of Us & Them to see what happens when local news organizations stop telling the stories of a community.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the Pulitzer Center, the West Virginia Humanities Council and the CRC Foundation.
Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, NPR One, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and beyond.
Derek Tyson and Missy Nester on the back steps of the now shuttered building that housed The Welch News.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyDowntown Welch, West Virginia.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyBefore the Welch Daily News shut down operations, publisher Missy Nester bought another regional paper, the Pineville Independent-Herald for $1.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyMissy Nester, taking a break in the printing press room of The Welch News.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyMissy Nester kept a collection of coal-related books and pamphlets in her office, including some from the last century showing several dozen coal companies operating in McDowell County.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyThe Welch News closed down operations in March 2023.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyA discarded iMac rests on top of bound copies of The Welch News.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyThe Welch News printing press dates to 1966, says publisher Missy Nester.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyThe Welch News hired drivers three days a week to deliver the paper to homes in nearly every holler, road and neighborhood in McDowell County.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyDerek Tyson and Missy Nester on a smoke break in the front office of The Welch News before the paper shut down in 2023.
Photo Credit: Todd MelbyUs & Them Host Trey Kay with Steve Waldman, co-founder of Report for America, which is modeled on Teach for America. Instead of bringing teachers to schools, Waldman’s focus is on bringing reporters to newsrooms around the nation. He’s currently the president of Rebuild Local News, a nonprofit dedicated to finding new ways to fund local journalism.
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
On this West Virginia Morning, it has been a year since allegations of illicit recordings of cadets and other women at the West Virginia State Police barracks launched federal and state investigations into the law enforcement department.
In the aftermath, Col. J.C. Chambers was named superintendent of the state police. He spoke with Chris Schulz to provide some updates on the investigations, as well as to discuss reforms he has implemented during his tenure.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, political analysts say the two Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming May primary election give voters some particular, and troubling, food for thought. The candidates themselves say voters need to focus on the positives, not the negatives. Randy Yohe has our story.
Four years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic changed daily life for everyone, but the adjustments were perhaps most acute for schools and students. Then a deputy superintendent, now State Superintendent Michele Blatt spoke with Chris Schulz about adapting learning for the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued effects on the state's schools.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Emily Rice produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, shortly after the first COVID-19 case hit West Virginia four years ago, our way of simple day-to-day living drastically changed. Many of those alterations dealt with how we went shopping. Randy Yohe spoke with West Virginia Retailers Association President Bridget Lambert on COVID-19’s effect on retail – and how our shopping lives have forever been changed.
Also, in this show, we have the latest story from the The Allegheny Front – a public radio program based in Pittsburgh that reports on environmental issues in the region. We listen to their story about the updated growing plant hardiness zone map from the USDA.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Red Terry’s property in Bent Mountain, Virginia, is in the path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. She says the place was beautiful, but she's worried about the dangers of the pipeline not far from her home.
Plus, almost everybody has a favorite cup or coffee mug, but how far would you go to replace it? One woman would go pretty far.
And… we explore an effort in western Virginia to make old-time music more available to Black musicians.
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- Back On Bent Mountain With Red And Coles Terry
- The Last Unicorn (Mug)
- Earl White’s Old-Time Music
Back On Bent Mountain With Red And Coles TerryColes and Red Terry at their home in Virginia in 2024.
Photo Credit: Mason Adams/West Virginia Public BroadcastingPeople have been fighting the Mountain Valley Pipeline since it was first announced. The project runs through West Virginia and Virginia, connecting natural gas terminals with a 303-mile pipeline stretching across some of Appalachia’s most rugged terrain. Almost immediately after construction began, protestors tried to block it by setting up platforms in trees along the route and living in them.
In 2018, host Mason Adams interviewed activist and tree sitter Theresa “Red” Terry, as she protested against the pipeline on her own property.
Six years later, with the pipeline nearly finished, Adams went back to Bent Mountain to talk with Red Terry and her husband Coles to hear what’s happened since Red came down from her tree sit.
The Last Unicorn (Mug)The magic is in the mug.
Photo Credit: Wendy Welch/West Virginia Public BroadcastingFolkways stories come in all shapes and sizes. And sometimes, they bring a little magic – like a story about how losing a very special mug can lead to finding something greater.
Folkways Reporter Wendy Welch brings us this tale of a potter who lost her mojo and a woman who helped her get it back.
Earl White’s Old-Time Music Earl White (right) with wife and bandmate, Adrienne Davis, in their home in Floyd County, Virginia. White and Davis are both old-time musicians, and they host a music camp on their farm called Big Indian Music Camp.
Photo Credit: Nicole Musgrave/West Virginia Public BroadcastingAppalachian old-time music brings together traditions from man cultures: African and African American, Native American and Scots-Irish. And yet, the contributions of Black and Indigenous musicians have often been erased or overlooked. In Floyd County, Virginia, one man has spent years working to make old-time music more available to Black musicians.
Folkways Reporter Nicole Musgrave has this story.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Jeff Ellis, June Carter Cash, Joe Dobbs and the 1937 Flood, Earl White, Amethyst Kiah, Tyler Childers and Dinosaur Burps.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this West Virginia Week, spring has sprung! We’ll look at patching potholes, how babies learn to sleep and what’s changed in health care four years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plus, we’ll discuss the largest single renewable power project in the state, a lawsuit filed by environmental groups against the U.S. EPA, new developments in an opioid court case and a dispute between creditors of Gov. Jim Justice.
Finally, we’ll hear what two experts have to say about President Joe Biden’s pause on new permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals.
Curtis Tate is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Randy Yohe.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, our program Inside Appalachia features stories about all things Appalachia, including an epic quest to find a lost coffee mug. Folkways Reporter Wendy Welch has this story.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle. We listen to their performance of “Jim Devlin.”
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Emily Rice produced this show.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, March 17, 2020 marked the day West Virginia became the last state in the U.S. to test positive for COVID-19. Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice spoke with two state health leaders about the fourth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic arriving in West Virginia.
Also, in this show, distilling a piece of Appalachian heritage bubbled up debate in the West Virginia Legislature during the 2024 regular session. Randy Yohe reports on the spirited exchange of views prompted by the “Moonshine Bill.”
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas is our news director and producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, sleep is a key part of both mental and physical health for everyone. But for many parents, ensuring their baby is getting good sleep can be frustrating and elusive. In our latest installment of our new series “Now What? A Series On Parenting,” reporter Chris Schulz speaks with Dr. Paul Knowles, a Marshall Health neurologist and assistant professor at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, about infant sleep.
Also, in this show, a tradition at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind allowed kids from across the state to show off their braille and cane usage skills. It was placed on hiatus during the pandemic. This year, the tradition made a grand return. Jack Walker visited the school’s campus in Romney to learn more.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas is our news director and producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the state has long been a standards bearer for vaccination rates across the country, but the legislature this year passed a bill to loosen restrictions for certain students in the state. But it has one final hurdle to clear before it’s implemented. Emily Rice has more.
Also, in this show, a bill Gov. Jim Justice vetoed last week would have helped fund research to treat Alzheimer’s disease, substance use disorder and more. Randy Yohe has the story.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas is our news director and producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, a recent decision by the Biden administration to suspend permitting for new export terminals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) has drawn criticism from West Virginia lawmakers. To hear what impact the decision has on United States LNG exports, Curtis Tate spoke with Sam Reynolds and Ana Maria Jaller-Markarewicz of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
Also, in this show, the U.S. has seen a huge buildout in plants using fossil fuels to make plastics over the last decade. A new report finds those plants routinely break environmental laws, even though they receive major subsidies from taxpayers. The Allegheny Front’s Reid Frazier reports Shell’s ethane cracker in Beaver County, Pennsylvania was given over $1 billion in tax breaks yet violated its air pollution permit even before opening.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas is our news director and producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
This week, we’re revisiting our episode “What Is Appalachia?” from December 2021. Appalachia connects mountainous parts of the South, the Midwest, the Rust belt and even the Northeast. The Appalachian Regional Commission defined the boundaries for Appalachia in 1965 with the creation of the Appalachian Regional Commission, a part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. It was legislation that sought to expand social welfare, and some localities were eager for the money, while others resisted the designation. The boundaries and definition of Appalachia can now only be changed by an act of Congress.
Politically, Appalachia encompasses 423 counties across 13 states — and West Virginia’s the only state entirely inside the region.
That leaves so much room for geographic and cultural variation, as well as many different views on what Appalachia really is.
For Inside Appalachia, we turned our entire episode over to the question, “What is Appalachia?” With stories from Mississippi to Pittsburgh, we asked people across our region whether they consider themselves to be Appalachian.
A 1996 map that shows the southern part of Appalachia, as defined by John Alexander Williams. MississippiBob Owens — locally known as ‘Pop Owens,' stands in front of his watermelon stand outside New Houlka, Mississippi. Pop says he was aware that Mississippi is part of Appalachia, but that no one in the state would consider themselves Appalachian.
Credit: Caitlin Tan/West Virginia Public BroadcastingBob Owens is a watermelon farmer outside New Houlka, in the northeastern part of Mississippi. Owens said he was aware that Mississippi is part of Appalachia, but that no one in the state would consider themselves Appalachian. “I consider myself the worst redneck you’ve ever seen,” Owens said. “I live in the area of the Appalachian mountain range — not part of it, but close to it. So I guess you call me a redneck Appalachian.” This is the general consensus among the people in Mississippi we spoke to.
Geographically, the foothills of the Appalachian mountain range are located in northern Mississippi. The state’s tallest point is Woodall Mountain, 806 feet in elevation. For reference, the highest point in North Carolina, Mount Mitchell, is more than 6,600 feet in elevation, eight times higher than Woodall Mountain.
Co-host Caitlin Tan spoke with Texas State University History professor Justin Randolph, who wrote an essay for “Southern Cultures” called “The Making of Appalachian Mississippi.” Randolph argues in his essay that Mississippi became part of Appalachia for political and racial reasons, as well as economic advantages the designation brought to the 24 counties in Mississippi that were included in the ARC’s boundaries.
Shenandoah Valley In the 1960s, while some localities were clamoring to get into Appalachia, on the eastern edge of the region, some lawmakers fought to keep their counties outside the boundaries, including politicians in Roanoke, Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Appalachian Studies associate professor Emily Satterwhite said explaining to her students why some counties in Virginia are included in Appalachia, but others aren’t, is confusing. “
The students in front of me are wondering why they're not included,” White said.
Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania skyline.
CourtesyAppalachia’s largest city is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When we asked people from that city to tell us if they consider it a part of Appalachia, about half said no. “I definitely do not feel that I am Appalachian culturally,” said Mark Jovanovich, who grew up just outside Pittsburgh’s city limits in the Woodland Hills area. “Personally, I would consider the city of Pittsburgh is sort of like a mini New York City. I guess we'd probably be lumped in as like a Rust Belt city, which makes enough sense, but definitely not Appalachian culturally.”
Writer Brian O’Neill disagrees. He wrote a book called The Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh in the Twenty-First Century. “My original title for the book was ‘I love Pittsburgh like a brother and my brother drives me nuts.’”
An editor advised him to change the title of his book to a phrase that he said is sometimes used to refer to Pittsburgh derisively. “I couldn't figure out why that should be a putdown, because Paris is nice. And Appalachia is a beautiful part of the world. And if we were called the Paris of the Rockies, we wouldn't run from that. So why would we run from this? Why don't we embrace it? So that became the title of my book.”
He said that geographically, Pittsburgh is clearly in the Appalachian Mountains. “I mean, this is one mountain range that stretches from Georgia to Maine. And the idea that it belongs only to the southern part of the mountain range defies logic to me,” O’Neill said.
What Do You Think?How about you? Do you call yourself an Appalachian? Why or why not? Send us an email to InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by John Wyatt, John R Miller, Alan Cathead Johnston, and Dinosaur Burps. Roxy Todd originally produced this episode. Bill Lynch is our current producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Alex Runyon was our associate producer on this original episode. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. Zander Aloi also helped produce this episode.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Another year's legislative session is now behind us, but news of a special session this spring means the West Virginia Legislature won’t be gone for long.
In the meantime, we’ll dive into stories on education, including stories on a new study on special education and a group of West Virginia principals visiting the United States Capitol.
Plus, we’ll discuss potential expansions to passenger train services, protections for residents with Long COVID and the return of the beaver to Appalachia.
Finally, we’ll listen to the first installment of a new series on parenting that will explore the most up-to-date advice for infant care.
Jack Walker is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Randy Yohe.
Learn more about West Virginia Week.
On this West Virginia Morning, few wild animals live as close to us as white tail deer. Graceful and majestic, they’re prized by hunters and hated by backyard gardeners. Deer are everywhere and misunderstood.
Erika Howsare is the author of The Age of Deer: Trouble and Kinship with Our Wild Neighbors, a book that takes some of the mystery out of these animals that have lived on the edge of humanity for a very long time.
Bill Lynch spoke with Howsare for Inside Appalachia.
Also, in this show, our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes to us from James McMurtry and our 40th anniversary celebration. We listen to McMurtry’s performance of “Painting by Numbers,” which appears on his 1989 album Too Long In The Wasteland.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director and producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, it was a shock when author, musician and West Virginia University professor Travis Stimeling died abruptly in November. They were 43. Folkways Reporter Zack Harold collected remembrances from colleagues, former students and friends. He shared them recently on Inside Appalachia.
Also, in this show, farmers in America’s heartland are watching the effects of a recent federal court ruling about a popular weed killer called dicamba. The decision stops the use of dicamba, saying the herbicide can drift to injure and kill desirable plants, bushes and trees. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now says despite the ruling, farmers may use existing supplies on their fields this year.
On the latest episode of Us & Them, we bring back a story from our archives about this ugly battle in farm country. Host Trey Kay and his colleague Loretta Williams head deep into farm country to hear from Bo Sloan. He’s the manager of a national wildlife refuge surrounded by farm fields where dicamba is sprayed. Here’s an excerpt from Us & Them’s “Dicamba Woes.”
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas is our news director and producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, we begin a new series called “Now What? A Series On Parenting.” WVPB reporter Chris Schulz recently welcomed his first child and is grappling with how much there is to learn. In this ongoing, occasional series, we ask experts what they think parents – both old and new – need to know to best raise their children.
In this first installment, we talk with Dr. Adriana Diakiw, an assistant professor of pediatrics at West Virginia University (WVU), to explore how discussions between grandparents and new parents reveal just how much advice around what’s “best for baby” has changed in just one generation.
Also, in this show, a familiar species is coming back to West Virginia. Jack Walker spoke to conservationists about how they’re preparing for new arrivals.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas is our news director and producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
There's a nationwide rift among farmers over the use of dicamba, a popular herbicide. A 2024 federal court ruling has halted dicamba's use, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the green light for farmers to use existing supplies this year.
In this episode of Us & Them, we revisit a story from our archives that delves into the intense battle unfolding in farm country. Originally designed to help soybean farmers combat 'pigweed,' dicamba has proven controversial because it drifts from where it’s sprayed, causing harm to desirable plants. The legal fallout has reached a point where farmers and gardeners hesitate to speak out about crop or plant damage due to fear.
On the flip side, those advocating for dicamba have taken the matter to court, challenging the authority over pesticide use rules in some states. In a departure from the typical tight-knit atmosphere of rural farm communities, where issues are often resolved locally, Arkansas is experiencing an un-neighborly atmosphere, with tensions escalating.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the Fund for Investigative Journalism, the West Virginia Humanities Council and the CRC Foundation.
Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, NPR One, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and beyond.
Terry Fuller, former member of the Arkansas Plant Board, shows Us & Them host Trey Kay the place where several of his hay bales were set ablaze not long after he made public statements calling for limitation on the use of a special formulation of dicamba during the growing season. Fuller also says that two of his tractors were vandalized which caused more than $60,000 worth of damage.
Photo Credit: Loretta WilliamsTerry Fuller, former member of the Arkansas Plant Board, displays a couple of signs that have repeatedly been posted alongside the roads near his house. One sign could be seen from his daughter’s bedroom window on Christmas Day.
Photo Credit: Loretta WilliamsRichard Coy’s family has been in the honey producing business since the 1960s. Over the years, Coy’s Honey Farm became the largest commercial bee business in Arkansas. Coy claims dicamba has had an adverse effect on the plant life necessary for honey bees to thrive and produce honey. He says the conditions got so bad that he and his family had to move their business from Arkansas to Mississippi.
Photo Credit: Loretta WilliamsFranklin Fogelman, a soybean farmer in Arkansas, speaking at a special session of the Arkansas Plant Board in 2019. He believes farmers like him need to be able to use dicamba during the growing season to control weeds in their fields.
Photo Credit: Loretta WilliamsReed Storey, a soybean and cotton farmer, opposes the use of the newer formulations of dicamba during the growing season because he believes the herbicide can harm the crops of neighboring farmers. He sees this as “big agriculture against smaller growers.”
Photo Credit: Loretta WilliamsCharles “Bo” Sloan is the manager of the Dale Bumpers White River Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas. He says dicamba has a tendency to volatilize when the weather gets above 85 degrees. When the chemical transforms into a gas, it can drift away from its intended targets. Sloan has heard the complaints that dicamba might adversely impact agriculture, and is also worried that it might be harming the environment in some of the nation’s protected lands.
Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public BroadcastingCheck out the original Farm Wars episode the Us & Them team produced for Reveal in 2019.
On this West Virginia Morning, a new analysis of special education data hopes to advance understanding and solutions for students with the greatest need. Chris Schulz has more.
Also, in this show, flood events are becoming more frequent and severe in West Virginia, causing millions of dollars in damage to property, disrupting communities and displacing lives. Curtis Tate spoke with Nicolas Zegre, an associate professor of forest hydrology at West Virginia University (WVU), about what’s behind this trend.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas is our news director and producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
On this West Virginia Morning, the West Virginia Legislature wrapped up its 60-day regular session Saturday night with a flurry of activity in the House of Delegates. The Senate, on the other hand, spent the last hour recognizing staff and shutting down 15 minutes early. Eric Douglas has this lookback.
Also, in this show, the Brasstown Carvers have been a part of the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina since the 1920s. The group’s woodwork has been celebrated, sought after and collected. Today, only a handful of Brasstown Carvers remain, but they’re still attracting new students and trying to shape a new future. Folkways Reporter Stefani Priskos has this story.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Eric Douglas is our news director and producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Inside Appalachia remembers Travis Stimeling. The author, musician and educator left a deep mark on Appalachian culture, and the people who practice and document it.
And, grab your dancing shoes and learn about a movement to make square dance calling more inclusive.
Plus, it’s not just you. There are more deer than ever these days. A writer explores the long, complicated entwinement of people and our wild kin.
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In This Episode:
- Remembering Travis Stimeling, A Musician, Scholar And Mentor
- Traditional Dance Callers Updating For Inclusivity
- The Age Of Deer
Remembering Travis Stimeling, A Musician, Scholar And MentorTravis Stimeling, a WVU professor and noted scholar of traditional Appalachian music, died in their home on Nov. 14, 2023.
Photo Credit: Ellen LinscheidTravis Stimeling carried the torch for bluegrass and traditional music in Appalachia.
It was a shock when the author, musician and West Virginia University (WVU) professor died abruptly in November at the age of 43. News of their passing prompted an outpouring of remembrances from colleagues, former students and friends.
Some shared their stories with Folkways Reporter Zack Harold, who brought us this remembrance.
Traditional Dance Callers Updating For InclusivityA multi-generational group of dancers follows Becky Hill’s calling at the Augusta Heritage Center in July 2023.
Photo Credit: Lydia Warren/West Virginia Public BroadcastingThe use of they/them pronouns signals more than a change in language; it’s also a cultural change that allows for people to be identified as they see themselves. And, it’s happening even in the region’s dance halls.
Folkways Reporter Lydia Warren brought us the story.
The Age Of DeerErika Howsare explores our relationship to deer, which has been long and complicated.
Courtesy PhotoFew animals are as polarizing as the white tail deer. They’re graceful and majestic — and kind of cool to see up close. But they can also ravage gardens, and drivers hit countless deer every year.
Yet, there seem to be more deer than ever.
Erika Howsare is the author of The Age of Deer: Trouble and Kinship with Our Wild Neighbors.
Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Howsare.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Amythyst Kiah, Watchhouse, John Blissard, Yonder Mountain String Band and Larry Rader.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can find us on Instagram, Threads and Twitter @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.
Sign-up for the Inside Appalachia Newsletter!
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our final reporter roundtable of the 2024 state legislative session. WVPB statehouse reporters Randy Yohe and Briana Heaney talk with Leah Willingham from the Associated Press about the past 60 days and the upcoming final hours of the session on Saturday.
In the House Friday, the chamber started the day with more than 60 bills on third reading. Bills passed and sent to the governor included posting the national motto in schools, lowering prescription costs, fixing substandard recovery residences and the development of Corridor H. Randy Yohe has the story.
In the Senate, the chamber has so far approved 361 bills from both the House and Senate this year, but there are several left to discuss and a lot of those bills are controversial. Briana Heaney looks at what the Senate worked on Thursday night, on Friday, as well as some of the legislation slated for Friday evening.
Finally, for their last story, our high school reporters Ben Valleau and Ameera Mustafa look at bills in the legislature that involve mental health issues.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezii7F1lo7IThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Join WVPB Saturday, March 9 at 8 p.m. for our special Final Hours program on The Legislature Today. Please note, this program will only be available on WVPB TV and not live streamed on YouTube.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, our Senate reporter Briana Heaney talks with Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, to discuss where things stand and how that compares to what they planned to do at the beginning of the session.
Also, earlier in the day Thursday, Gov. Jim Justice issued a proclamation to extend the legislative session by one day to allow the legislature to finalize the state budget bill. There has been discussion about a special session in May to finalize questions regarding a potential federal claw back of COVID-19 relief funds.
In the House, there was a long debate over minorities purchasing car dealerships and another contested debate over control of the Legislative Auditor’s office. Other proposals included smoking in the car with a child and taking action over a massive federal deficit.
In the Senate, the chamber passed several House bills, some of which head to the governor and others back to the House to concur on changes. Some notable bills in the Senate Thursday were on topics such as renewable energy, pornography and cyber security. Briana Heaney has more.
Finally, a state Senate committee heard new details Wednesday about how the Pleasants Power Station will be converted from coal to hydrogen. Curtis Tate has the story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcjOSfLshVAThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, when the session began in January, our government reporter Randy Yohe was assigned to cover the House of Delegates and our southern West Virginia reporter Briana Heaney was assigned the Senate. With a budget bill still to be finalized, Yohe and Heaney offer some of their insights into bill proposals, passed and failed, that affect the lives, wallets and communities of West Virginia.
In the House Wednesday, several Senate bills on third reading were sent to the governor’s desk for his signature. Bills were completed on adult education, safeguarding health care worker’s personal information, and leadership and structural changes to the Educational Broadcasting Authority – which governs West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Randy Yohe has more.
Also, a bill with bipartisan support to criminalize artificial intelligence (AI) child pornography now has an unexpected insert – resurrecting a bill regarding libraries and obscene materials. Randy Yohe has more.
In the Senate Wednesday, the chamber processed many House bills with zero debate and unanimous or near unanimous votes. It was also Suicide Prevention Day at the Capitol. Briana Heaney has more.
Finally, the Senate Health Committee met in front of a room full of white coat-wearing physicians to discuss House Bill 5105 – a bill to eliminate vaccine requirements for public virtual schools. The committee approve the bill after amending it to remove religious exemptions for public school students, but not for private and parochial school students. The bill will now be considered by the full Senate.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVcnojxp9ugThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we are in the final days of the 2024 session, and there is a rush to get bills across the finish line – including the budget bill.
In the House, much of the debate Tuesday morning focused on satisfying a $465 million federal claw back regarding the state’s spending on education. When it came to the budget debate – some promised program funding not education related - fell by the wayside. Randy Yohe reports.
Also, two bills debated in the House Judiciary Committee dealt with two lightning rod issues: crimes regarding married couples and sexual abuse, and setting parameters on teaching scientific theories when it comes to the creation of the universe – and of life. Randy Yohe has more.
School discipline was identified as a key issue coming into this year’s legislative session. But with the session’s end just days away, a key school discipline bill is in question after a contentious committee meeting Monday afternoon. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, community air monitoring has been a topic of debate this session. House Bill 5018 would restrict how data from the monitors could be used in the regulatory process or in court. But a Senate hearing on the bill Tuesday was canceled, so the fate of HB 5018 is unknown. Also, the West Virginia Office of Energy released a priority action plan last week. Curtis Tate spoke with Morgan King, the West Virginia regional organizer for the Climate Reality Project, and Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, to get an update on that and other issues.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBCVgfV2WoIThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we’ve begun the final week of the 60-day West Virginia Legislative session, and everything wraps up Saturday at midnight. Randy Yohe talks with Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, to see how his caucus feels about the session and whether they met their priorities for this year. WVPB invited House Majority Whip Del. Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer, to join the conversation, but he was unable to participate.
In the House Monday, bills that were delayed, tabled or banished stood out more than what the chamber passed. The underlying concern was passing a budget with a possible $465 million deficit looking over the legislature’s shoulder. Randy Yohe reports.
House Democrats held a press conference before the floor session Monday. Their single topic was the budget, now under debate.
In the Senate, the chamber approved several House bills. Some head to the governor's for a signature. Others head back to the House for consideration of any Senate changes. Briana Heaney has more.
Also, advocates gathered under the Capitol dome Monday to educate lawmakers about the prevention of addictions and mental health struggles. Emily Rice has this story.
Finally, euthanasia, or medically assisted suicide, is already illegal in the state. Now, a legislative resolution aims to reaffirm that stance. Jack Walker reports on what lawmakers think about the policy from both sides of the aisle.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X84EfWRG0IwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, there is just one more week of the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session. These last days of the regular session are usually when state budget issues are debated and resolved. But a surprise notification from the federal government that the state return nearly half a billion dollars in COVID-19 funds has several major legislative funding issues on hold. Randy Yohe has more.
In the Senate Friday, the chamber advanced several pieces of legislation including bills on suspended school personnel, artificial intelligence (AI) and running for office. Briana Heaney has that story.
In the House, the chamber approved bills on gun shops, county funds and they memorialized a former delegate who recently passed away. Randy Yohe has more.
Also, hundreds of high school students filled the Capitol Rotunda on Friday to show off their career and technical skills. Emily Rice has more.
Finally, this session, our student reporters have been covering issues of interest to them while they have learned about the legislative process. News Director Eric Douglas sat down with Ameera Mustafa and Ben Valleau to hear what they had to say about their experience.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEDHYaJO6b8The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we sit down a day early for our weekly reporter roundtable. Randy Yohe, Emily Rice and our newest reporter Jack Walker discuss some of the legislation that has moved so far this week.
Also, the Senate Wednesday night passed a bill that would reduce overall unemployment benefits but increase initial benefits, and they approved a bill that would affect transgender people in the state. Briana Heaney has the story.
In the House Thursday, global partnerships and international politics took center stage, along with a continuing legislative effort to address the mental health crisis among the state’s first responders. Randy Yohe has the story.
And, a bill allowing suspended school employees to attend public functions at schools has now passed both education committees. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, it was Arts Day at the Capitol, a day when artists and organizations gather in the rotunda to spread the word on the variety of arts in West Virginia. Landon Mitchell has the story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq_9HBOoRGIThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, it was Crossover Day, meaning all bills must be passed out of their chamber of origin if they are to be considered this session.
Briana Heaney and Randy Yohe have stories from the Senate and House as both chambers worked to get through a flurry of legislation.
Also, a new information portal would be available to foster parents and kinship caregivers if a House bill becomes law. Emily Rice has this story.
Finally, it took 66 years to go from the Wright Brothers to the moon. Experts say it won't take that long for artificial intelligence to turn everything on its head. AI is top of mind for the state’s legislative leadership as well. Randy Yohe talked with Joshua Spence, chief information officer for Alpha Technologies, and Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, on what AI means for now and the future.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHcxky27y6oThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, there has been a lot of discussion this year about vaccines and whether they should be required in private schools, and there has been spirited debate on the topic in the last few days. Health Reporter Emily Rice spoke with Del. Chris Pritt, R-Kanawha, and Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, about this issue.
Also, nearly 2,600 bills have been introduced this session, but fewer than 50 have completed legislative action so far. Wednesday is Crossover Day, meaning it will be the final day for bills to be passed out of their chamber of origin.
In the House, the chamber considered more than 30 bills on third reading, including proposals highlighting water service cut offs, banning mugshots, helping veterans and outlawing deep fake election material.
In the Senate, the chamber passed a bill that would require public schools to show a video on the early stages of human development – and include language that life begins at conception. They also considered bills on competitive sports teams, tobacco and exams.
And, as this year’s window for proposing new legislation draws to a close, nonprofits that support victims of domestic violence are calling for more state funding. Jack Walker has the story.
Finally, with the deadline of Crossover Day looming, committees in both chambers are working through bill after bill. Education committees in both the House and Senate moved quickly at the start of the week to advance or decline more than a dozen bills. Chris Schulz has more.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHHCzk-7Tg4The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, West Virginia, like most of the country, is enjoying record setting low unemployment numbers after the coronavirus pandemic. Briana Heaney sat down with Josh Sword, president of West Virginia's AFL-CIO, and Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, to discuss two bills that would reduce unemployment benefits in the state.
Also, we’re in the final two weeks of the 2024 state legislative session. All bills, except for the budget bill, must be out of their chamber of origin by the end of the day Wednesday to give time to consider the bill. This is called Crossover Day.
In the House Monday, lawmakers passed bills on third reading altering the state’s definition of human trafficking and a separate bill increasing leniency over youth vaccination. Jack Walker has the story.
In the Senate, the chamber passed and advanced bills concerning marital sexual assault and unemployment benefits. Briana Heaney has the story.
Finally, it was Nursing Day at the Capitol. Bob Brunner spoke with nurses about the challenges they face, and he spoke with a leader who runs a retreat for nurses who are burned out.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiVu0kYHrdwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we are in the final stages of the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session, and the pace is picking up with just two more weeks to go. Next Wednesday, Feb. 28, marks what is known as Crossover Day. That is the day all bills must be out of their chamber of origin if they are to be considered for passage this year.
In the House Friday, bills on third reading ranged from improving schools and learning, to providing guidance on social media and political campaign ads, along with harsher penalties for the sexual assault of a minor. Randy Yohe has more.
In the Senate, the chamber considered bills on welfare, natural hair, oil and gas taxes, as well as one that would affect West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Briana Heaney has more.
Also, marriage would no longer be a defense in cases of sexual assault if a Senate bill becomes law. Emily Rice has more.
And, our high school reporters were interested in interviewing some of the people behind the scenes that make the legislative session run. Ameera Mustafa interviews Senate Doorkeeper Jeff Branham.
Unfortunately, there was a problem with the audio recording of high school reporter Ben Valleau’s interview with Donnie Linkenhoger, so we are unable to bring you that part of the program. Our apologies to Mr. Linkenhoger and Mr. Valleau.
Finally, for our reporter roundtable this week, Chris Schulz joins our two primary legislative reporters, Randy Yohe and Briana Heaney, to discuss some of the things they’ve been reporting on this week.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2dCQ_p0RnwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, from staffing to security, West Virginia's schools are facing a variety of issues. Bills introduced this year have ranged from associate degrees for vocational students to reducing barriers to teacher certification. Chris Schulz spoke with Senate Education Chair Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, about legislative action to address the state's educational problems.
In the House, lawmakers considered bills on third reading that included cutting the Social Security tax, getting broadband fiber optic cable on poles, and making it easier to visit certain gravesites. Randy Yohe has the story.
In the Senate, the chamber looked at bills on missing children, SNAP benefits, and Oil and Gas property taxes. Briana Heaney has more.
Also, the House Education Committee moved to address a critical shortage of special education staff, while the Senate Education Committee took a rarely seen action in their meeting. Chris Schulz has the story.
Finally, war hero Hershel “Woody” Williams was honored at the U.S. Capitol following his death. Now, a statue of him could be on permanent display there. Curtis Tate has more.
And, scientific and social research has to start somewhere. On Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol you can learn how theory and hypothesis develop into pragmatic information meant to help people.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjmjtTkOCCAThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Updated on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 at 10:14 a.m.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, there was contentious third reading debate in the House of Delegates over the much talked about bill to arm teachers as concealed carry protection officers. Randy Yohe has the latest on House Bill 4299.
In the Senate, the chamber had one of its busier days as official deadlines draw closer. Next Wednesday is Crossover Day, meaning that all bills have to be out of their chamber of origin to have a chance of becoming law. Briana Heaney has more.
Also, the Senate Government Organization Committee advanced a bill that would promote Randall Reid-Smith, the curator of the Department of Arts, Culture and History, to a cabinet secretary. The committee approved Senate Bill 865, which now goes to the full chamber. West Virginia Public Broadcasting is part of the Department of Arts, Culture and History.
A health facility would not need to obtain a certificate of need to operate in West Virginia if a certain House bill becomes law. Emily Rice has more.
Special education educators, students and their families gathered at the Capitol to advocate for more support in their classrooms. Chris Schulz has the story.
And, on History Day at the Capitol, the rotunda is sent back in time. It becomes a place of living history, where the lives and lessons from our state’s past become touchstones for the present and future. Randy Yohe has the story.
Finally, women's health has been a popular topic in the Senate this year. Many bills and amendments have been introduced that focus on women's health policy. Briana Heaney speaks with Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, and Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, about women's health in the state and legislation that affects women.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj8kMrv8PT4The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, in the midst of school shootings like Park View, Sandy Hook and Uvalde, school safety continues to be a pressing issue across the country.
In West Virginia, small and rural schools find it difficult to staff school resource officers and other security personnel, but a bill now making its way through the House of Delegates would allow teachers and other school staff to carry a firearm or other weapon on school grounds. Chris Schulz spoke with Del. Elliot Pritt, R-Fayette, and Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, for their perspective.
In the House, along with 13 bills on third reading, several resolutions were passed, and tributes were read honoring fallen West Virginia combat veterans.
In the Senate, the chamber addressed keeping West Virginia safer online. The chamber approved bills addressing ways that AI (artificial intelligence) could be used to sexually exploit children on the internet and protect the personal information of people online. Briana Heaney has more.
Also, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Monday afternoon considered an idea as old as the nation’s founding: Creating a currency backed by gold and silver. Curtis Tate has that story.
The House and Senate Education committees started the week off by considering changes to homeschooling requirements, as well as sports outside the school. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, West Virginia’s senior citizens took center stage this Tuesday for AARP Day at the Capitol. There is a core group of statewide AARP leaders who lobby for certain legislation just about every day of every regular session – and 2024 is no different.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7pLCi1UuNwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the Legislative Auditor is a department under the West Virginia Legislature tasked with auditing offices under the executive branch. There is a bill making its way through the legislature that some say will “defang” the work done by the department while others say the bill strengthens it.
Randy Yohe spoke with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and Democratic Party Chairman Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, for perspective on the issue.
In the House, a wide range of bills on third reading included a change in oil and gas property taxes, the sale of raw milk and changing the title of the curator of the Department of Arts, Culture and History. Randy Yohe has more.
In the Senate, the chamber approved 10 bills on third reading covering topics ranging from creating a state Alzheimer's task force to the James A. Manchin Environmental Action Plan. Briana Heaney has more.
Finally, a group that spends a lot of time at the legislature campaigning for Second Amendment issues was back. Bob Brunner spoke to a representative to find out what they were working on now.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVvIJMaxAc8The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our weekly reporter roundtable. Brad McElhinny from West Virginia MetroNews joins Randy Yohe and Curtis Tate in the studio to discuss what’s going on in the West Virginia Legislature and what they expect to see in the final weeks.
Also, there are just three weeks left in the 2024 state legislative session. The pace is picking up, and the respective Finance committees in the House and Senate have been working on a state budget.
In the House, a contentious bill regarding schools, libraries and obscene material went to third reading – meaning the voting stage. Randy Yohe has the story.
In the Senate, the chamber passed quieter bills. The chamber approved 11 bills and sent them to the House for consideration. The Senate also advanced more than 20 other bills, seven of which are House bills, and there was emotional debate around a resolution.
Also, surrogacy is legal in West Virginia, and a Senate bill aims to add legal structure to the process. Emily Rice has more.
Finally, our student reporters this week took a look at several environmental bills moving through the legislature. We check in with them.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t33YYDzYKKcThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 571, creating an Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority for Corridor H. Curtis Tate spoke with Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael about the importance of Corridor H to the state. Before that discussion, though, they talked about some breaking news about a steel plant in the Northern Panhandle.
In the House, there was a lengthy, emotional, life and death debate over the pros and cons of euthanasia and medically assisted suicide.
In the Senate, the chamber focused on voting, with three out of five bills relating to voting or voter ID. Briana Heaney has the story.
Also, whether or not to teach middle schoolers about fentanyl and overdose-reversing medicine sparked discussion in the House Education Committee, while Senate Education modified a House bill on special education. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, West Virginia State University is one of the state’s two HBCU’s, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It was WVSU Day at the Capitol, where school leadership worked the shoe leather, as they say, to see big dollar budget legislation passed.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYhReqZ8G_IThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, leaders from both sides of the aisle have declared that childcare for the working men and women of West Virginia is a priority regarding economic and workforce development. So far, there has been plenty of talk but little legislative action. Randy Yohe spoke with Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, and Del. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, to explore the issue.
In the House, the controversial Women’s Bill of Rights, House Bill 5243, was put back on the active calendar for third reading. And, yet another call for a legislative oversight committee to monitor yet another state government agency. Randy Yohe has more.
There was also a public hearing held in the House on a bill that would remove a sunset clause from the current oil and gas personal property tax. Briana Heaney has more.
In the Senate, the chamber is building momentum now that it is well into the second half of the legislative session. Ten bills were passed and sent to the House, two bills were passed and sent to the governor's desk. Briana Heaney has more.
Finally, it was Childcare Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Childcare is one of the hot topics in the 2024 regular session, directly related to the state's economic development. Randy Yohe has more.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtobo8u6EIUThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the “Women’s Bill of Rights,” or House Bill 5243, would put certain definitions of “man” and “woman” into code and determine who can use single-sex spaces like restrooms and locker rooms. Democrats call it an “anti-trans” bill. Randy Yohe spoke with the bill’s lead sponsor, Del. Kathie Hess-Crouse, R-Putnam, asking if her bill was fair to all.
Also, a public hearing was held on the “Women’s Bill of Rights,” where 20 speakers spoke in opposition to the bill and seven in support. As the bill advanced through the House, it gained an amendment to remove an exception in criminal code for marital rape. Briana Heaney sat down with Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, and Molly Kennedy, a community outreach director at the American Civil Liberties Union, to discuss the bill. West Virginia Public Broadcasting tried several times to get one of the Republican sponsors of the bill to come on the show and discuss it, but they all declined.
In the House, one resolution and two bills on third reading dealt with helping preserve West Virginia history, increasing help for the coalfields economy and alcohol at community festivals.
In the Senate, the chamber approve seven bills. Six of those head to the House for consideration and one heads to the governor's desk. The bills dealt with issues on landowner liability, retirement plans and burglary. The bill headed to the governor would streamline West Virginia's science, technology, engineering and mathematics scholarship programs. The Senate advanced more than 10 other bills.
In committees, the Education committees of both chambers started the week off by advancing bills to improve management of local school districts. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, it was E-Day at the Capitol, where environmental organizations gathered to speak to lawmakers. Solar power and community air monitoring were the main topics of discussion. Curtis Tate has this story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQNoPXU26LcThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, bills about crime and punishment come before the West Virginia Legislature every year. Often, they adjust punishment or even establish a new section of the state’s criminal code. Randy Yohe spoke with Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, and Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, and a former U.S. attorney.
Also, in the Senate, the chamber approved seven bills and sent them to the House. The body also advanced more than 20 other bills.
In the House, seven bills on third reading were sent to the Senate. The controversial House Bill 5243, so-called the “Women’s Bill of Rights,” was removed from the active calendar without announcement. It could be brought back at any time.
And, lawmakers heard from cancer patients, survivors and advocates during Cancer Action Day. Emily Rice has the story.
Finally, Bob Brunner spoke with representatives from the corrections department at the capitol, asking how things are going after legislative changes last year increased salaries and recruiting efforts for more officers.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LzPpyHWdyYThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Updated on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 at 11:20 a.m.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we wrap up another week of the West Virginia Legislative session, and the pace is starting to pick up in both chambers. We also have a story from our student reporters and a history lookback as well.
In the House, 10 bills passed through third reading, all with either unanimous or near unanimous votes. Some follow a trend this session of creating more legislative oversight. Others increase consumer protection on gift card fraud and phone spam. Randy Yohe has more.
In the Senate, the chamber approved five bills on things like new energy technology and left lane driving. Seventeen bills advanced. Briana Heaney has more.
Debate broke out on the House floor after amendments were proposed to the Women’s Bill of Rights. Emily Rice has more.
Our high school reporters this week bring us a look at three bills they’ve been following.
Also, the House earlier this week introduced House Bill 5006. The bill is related to the administration of the A. James Manchin Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan. Who was he? We asked Bob Brunner to give us a little more background.
Finally, we regularly invite reporters from outside news organizations into our studio to discuss what they are seeing during the legislative session. Our own Briana Heaney and Emily Rice spoke with Lori Kersey, a reporter from the independent news organization West Virginia Watch.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkFqORHcRBkThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, higher demand for coal and natural gas, as well as higher prices, produced a severance tax windfall for the state over the past few years. But prices have fallen, and with it, tax revenues.
To get a better idea of where things stand, Curtis Tate spoke with Kelly Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.
In the House, among the bills on third reading Thursday included a proposal to allow schools to hire trained security guards. The bill led to a social debate over the issue of training in systemic racism. Randy Yohe has more.
In the Senate, the chamber advanced 13 bills. They sent Senate Bill 596 to committee. That bill is the same as House Bill 5045, which would give the EPA assurances that carbon capture and storage will not pollute groundwater. The House version was amended to be fused with the Senate bill.
Also, House Democrats held a press conference to highlight their priorities going forward. Randy Yohe has that report.
Finally, the House of Delegates held a public hearing on a bill that would restrict transgender West Virginians access to bathrooms, changing rooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECZK-7sckZ8The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the House of Delegates passed a bill this week that would restrict how data from community air monitors can be used. The state’s industry and mining trade groups support House Bill 5018, while community and environmental groups oppose it.
Curtis Tate spoke with Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, and Lucia Valentine from the West Virginia Environmental Council about the legislation.
In this House Wednesday, the chamber advanced eight bills to the Senate, including legislation that would help provide for pregnant and parenting teen mothers and fathers, getting dentures while on Medicaid, and patriotic societies recruiting in West Virginia schools. Randy Yohe has more.
In the Senate, the chamber passed seven bills including a bill designed to make certain drugs affordable to low income and uninsured people. Briana Heaney has more.
Finally, it was Black Policy Day at the Capitol, and advocates gathered to talk about legislation affecting people of color in the Mountain State. Briana Heaney also has this story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcrRaXSdcKYThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, about 20,000 West Virginia children are homeschooled, with that numbers growing every day. Some officials in state education and the West Virginia Legislature help champion school choice. Others worry about the quality of the education and the safety of homeschooled children.
Randy Yohe sat down with public school teacher Del. Jeff Stevens, R-Marshall, and Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, chair of the Senate School Choice Committee, to discuss all things homeschooling.
In the House, spirited debate echoed through the chamber. Bills on third reading included a bill on what air monitoring systems can be used in court, and another bill toughening laws on copper theft. Randy Yohe has more.
In the Senate, the chamber passed four bills and sent them to the House for consideration.
Also, student discipline continues to be an issue in West Virginia schools, and lawmakers continue to try and address the issue through legislation. A bill in the Senate is trying to expand on a law that was passed last year. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, it was Food and Farm Day at the Capitol, and the emphasis was on West Virginia farmers getting legislative help to better market their produce and products. Randy Yohe has more.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaD_Jh-kpF0The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, 90 bills to-date have been introduced this year between the Senate and the House about election laws.
We’ve heard a lot since the 2020 general election about potential voter fraud, although numerous courts have ruled there was no election fraud that would have changed the outcome of that election. Secretary of State Mac Warner has also said there was also no major election fraud in West Virginia. He has prosecuted a handful of people for election violations in the last few years.
Briana Heaney spoke with Del. Josh Holstein, R-Boone, and Sen. Jack Woodrum, R-Summers, to get their perspective.
In the House, eight bills advanced from third reading to the Senate. Two of the proposals help further protect the environment and one takes telehealth a step further with a proactive technological approach to medical care. Randy Yohe has the story.
In the Senate, the chamber approved five bills, sending them to the House for consideration. The Senate advanced 12 other bills. Briana Heaney has more.
Finally, advocates and recovery experts filled the Capitol rotunda on Monday to educate lawmakers about substance use disorder. Emily Rice has the story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZBSsz2f3XwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our weekly reporter roundtable. Randy Yohe is joined by WVPB reporter Briana Heaney and Ogden Newspapers’ State Government Reporter Steven Allen Adams to recap the week’s action.
In the House, there was a lengthy, heated and partisan debate over border security in a resolution to support the state of Texas. On the flipside, there was full bipartisan support for the House Speaker’s bill to help with groundbreaking, disease curing medical efforts at West Virginia University (WVU).
In the Senate, the chamber passed two rules bills – one is headed to the House for consideration, and the other is off to the governor's desk. Another bill was held over for a day that deals with air quality. Briana Heaney has more.
Also, community and environmental groups testified Friday morning in a public hearing against House Bill 5018. The bill would limit how community air monitoring data could be used in court cases or to affect regulations. West Virginia’s industrial and mining trade groups support the bill, but most people spoke in opposition.
It was also Homeschool Day at the Capitol. With Hope Scholarship funding and a legislature and administration advocating more school choice, homeschooling is a growing endeavor – but not without some basic education and safety concerns.
Finally, for our weekly report from our high school journalists, they look at a couple bills that were of particular interest to them and to other high school and college-aged students around the state.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqYgDyKO2BYThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, and other members of the upper chamber held a press conference to discuss the recent pause on new permits for liquefied natural gas exports. Briana Heaney has the story.
In the House, the House Committee on Energy and Manufacturing discussed a bill that would prevent publicly sourced air pollution data from being used in lawsuits and regulatory proceedings.
Also, in the House, a resolution regarding a constitutional amendment over a woman’s reproductive rights is under consideration.
In the Senate, the Senate Education Committee quickly moved along five bills, many of which updated existing educational programs. One bill would add another university to the list of eligible institutions for the Promise Scholarship. Chris Schulz has more.
And, the full Senate approved and sent one bill to the House. It would permit wineries to serve wine without serving food, and it would also permit wine to be served at festivals. The Senate advanced eight other bills. Two of these bills, if passed without amendments, will head to the governor's desk. Briana Heaney has more.
Advocates from across the state gathered at the state capitol Thursday to bring attention to sexual violence. Emily Rice has the story.
Finally, in meeting the plan to have broadband connectivity for all of West Virginia within five years, there are progress and time markers that must be met to get all the $1.2 billion federal dollars to complete the work. Randy Yohe sits down with Del. Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, and Broadband Consultant Charlie Dennie to talk about meeting those markers.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diKFy21XIFUThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, legislation for the last several years has been introduced that would make it illegal to discriminate against someone based on the texture and style of their hair. This legislation is typically referred to as The Crown Act.
Every year, that legislation fails.
Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, has introduced two of the same bill on the issue already this session, and Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, has a version ready to introduce into the House of Delegates. Briana Heaney spoke with both of them to get their perspective.
Also, several health and education bills were on third reading in the House of Delegates. The proposals included one of the most talked about issues this session – getting a handle on a statewide wave of school discipline challenges.
Finally, the state’s two flagship academic institutions, West Virginia and Marshall universities, enjoyed separate featured days at the Capitol. For one school, the growing public, private and academic partnership in workforce development was the leading theme on display.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGUATjXcsPwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, lawmakers have introduced bills this session that they say protect single-sex spaces. Advocates with LGBTQ rights organizations, though, say the legislation follows a pattern of singling out transgender people for discrimination.
Curtis Tate spoke with Eli Baumwell, interim executive director of the ACLU-WV, and Isabella Cortez, Gender Policy Manager for Fairness West Virginia, about those efforts.
In the House, five bills on third reading were approved, including two that fostered some debate over election laws, voting laws and candidate filing periods.
In the Senate, the chamber passed and sent two bills over to the House and introduced a separate bill that would change rules for wineries in the state. Briana Heaney has more.
Also, to start the week, education committees in both chambers have focused on supporting students in difficult situations. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, it was WVU Day at the Capitol, and the growing public, private and academic partnership in workforce development was the leading theme on display.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjD7CpZKJhUThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we’re now a third of the way through the 60-day state legislative session. In the coming weeks, deadlines on what bills can be introduced and how they will be considered are coming quickly.
In the House, a bill passed that deals with the physician shortage in West Virginia and discusses ways to expand medical services rendered to the public.
In the Senate, the chamber approved five bills unanimously and sent them to the House. One of the bills could open more recreational trails in West Virginia. Briana Heaney has more.
Also, a piece of legislation introduced last Friday, aims to define sex-based terms used in state law. Emily Rice has the story.
And, West Virginia is not really known as an agriculture state, but you might be surprised at the variety and diversity of farming that goes on here. Bob Brunner brings us a look at Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol.
Finally, an ongoing discussion in the legislature is how to staff and fund fire and EMS services around the state. Randy Yohe has been following this issue and sat down with Chris Hall, the executive director of the West Virginia EMS Coalition, and Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, the vice chair of the House Fire and EMS Committee.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEERGQ1r-rAThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, lawmakers are mulling over countless tax proposals that would directly affect West Virginians and their wallets. Randy Yohe sat down with Kelly Allen, the executive director at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, to discuss budgets and taxes.
Also, in a Friday morning session, the Senate advanced legislation on the postal service, parental rights and pro-life education. Jack Walker has the story.
With controversy still bubbling over a proposed bill that could impose felony charges on a librarian or museum curator for exposing obscene material to a minor, it was Library Legislation Day at the Capitol.
This week, our high school correspondents look at the role of the lobbyist in the legislative process. Hollywood often portrays them as throwing large sums of money around, but even the smallest nonprofit organization can have a lobbyist.
Finally, former state senator John Pat Fanning died recently. Fanning was elected to the West Virginia Senate on three different occasions. His first term began in June 1968 and lasted until 1980. He came back to the Senate in 1984 for a single term that ended in 1988. His longest time in the Senate was from 1996 to 2012. He left his position in 2012. Bob Brunner brings us this profile.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jDjfvNe9oAThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, lawmakers in the House considered increasing oversight of three new health agencies that were formerly one. They also debated whether the first amendment protects your DNA. Randy Yohe has this story.
In the Senate, lawmakers passed a bill that would allow dental hygienists to provide tobacco cessation education. Lawmakers said this marks an initial step in boosting awareness on the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes. Senate Bill 357 now awaits a vote from the House of Delegates.
Also, the House Committee on Education spent the better part of a two-hour meeting Wednesday discussing two bills. One would restrict bathroom use in schools based on sex, and another would help arm teachers. Chris Schulz has more.
The I-73 highway corridor is currently under construction in southern West Virginia. Meanwhile, state legislators are looking to translate the project into an economic opportunity. Jack Walker has more.
And, it was Veterans Visibility Day at the Capitol as lawmakers are considering several bills focused on veterans, active military and their families. Randy Yohe has more.
Finally, Emily Rice sat down with Rusty Williams, a patient advocate on the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, and Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, to discuss the future of marijuana in West Virginia.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDUa8_YiCDkThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the first public hearing of the 2024 session was held, and it focused on a bill that criminally penalizes public facilities for presenting obscene material to minors. Randy Yohe reports on an emotionally charged event.
Also, the Senate passed and sent eight bills over to the House, including one to protect police dogs. Briana Heaney has the story.
Bills dealing with human trafficking, a school counselor’s duties and moonshine moved to third reading in the House. Randy Yohe has more.
Geospatial professionals from across West Virginia gathered at the Capitol to teach the public about their field. Jack Walker reports.
And, discipline has always been a part of a school education. But in recent years, concerns over student and teacher safety have elevated discipline to be the school issue of the day. Chris Schulz takes a look at the legislature’s attempts to address the matter.
Finally, new companies and new jobs are coming to West Virginia. And with those jobs comes the need for workforce development and new sources of energy. Curtis Tate spoke with Bill Bissett, the president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, and Dan Conant, founder and CEO of Solar Holler, about these issues.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z23qSxy2rYcThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, a bill to rename the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) is on its way to the governor for a signature.
In the Senate, lawmakers passed and sent eight bills over to the House, including one controversial bill that permits teachers to teach intelligent design in public school classrooms. Briana Heaney has the story.
In this House, two bills on third reading dealt with aspects of medical and social care.
The legislature's first public hearing of 2024 will be Wednesday morning on House Bill 4654, regarding public facilities, minors and obscene material. Randy Yohe has more.
Hundreds of students gathered at the Capitol to spread their tobacco-free message. Emily Rice has this story.
And, the legislature’s education committees started off the week discussing who is responsible for maintaining records for special education and teaching about human development. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, today was Facing Hunger Day at the Capitol. Both major food banks in the state were joined by local food pantries to promote legislative priorities. According to the USDA, more than 1 in 4 children experience food insecurity in the United States. In West Virginia and Kentucky, at least 78,800 seniors are living in poverty.
To continue this discussion, Briana Heaney invited Cindi Kirkhart, the chief executive officer of the Facing Hunger Food Bank, and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, to help us better understand the scope of the problem.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ApD4iUFcJ4The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, dozens, if not hundreds, of bills have been introduced in the West Virginia Legislature this year that involve education. Randy Yohe spoke with Senate Education Chair Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, and teacher Del. Jeff Stephens, R-Marshall, about what some of those bills mean for public education in West Virginia.
Also, in the House, the bill to officially rename the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) has now passed both the House and Senate. Bills increasing penalties for child abuse and candidate residence passed on third reading. Randy Yohe has the story.
The Senate completed action on a bill that makes it a felony to give someone drugs that cause them to die. The chamber introduced other bills today and sent the Controlled Substances Act, Senate Bill 219, over to the House of Delegates. Briana Heaney has the story.
And, tourism industry partners and organizations from across the state gathered at the Capitol to recognize Tourism Day. Briana Heaney has the story, and she found a potentially underserved market.
Finally, the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia held its winter meeting in Charleston last week. Curtis Tate stopped by and has this story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiSB0hozrwMThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have a retrospective show as we end the week. We started our coverage with Gov. Jim Justice’s State of the State address, and we spoke with Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, and Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, for the minority response.
On Monday, we spoke with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, on some of his expectations for the 2024 general session.
On Tuesday, WVPB News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, about his vision and goals for the 2024 session.
And, during the summer and fall, the House of Delegates chamber was completely renovated for only the second time since the Capitol was dedicated in 1932. The chamber was aesthetically and technically refurbished while maintaining its historic luster.
Finally, one of our new features on The Legislature Today this year is the addition of two high school journalists to help our younger audience better understand how government works. This week, they examine how the West Virginia Legislature is comprised and the initial process of a bill becoming a law.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gKn4DeyxwI&t=5sThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, host Randy Yohe talks with forensic psychologist Dr. David Clayman and Senate Jails and Prison Committee Co-Chair Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, to talk about the diversion of certain persons from the criminal justice system.
Also, in the House, a bill to help those with dementia and their families heads to the Senate, and a bill on whether authorities should release mugshots has sparked some controversy.
And, we’re now more than a week into the session, and bills have started to move through their respective committees. The Education committees in both chambers are addressing financial issues in the state’s schools. Chris Schulz has the story.
Finally, it was Rural Health Care Day at the Capitol. Many health care providers and health advocacy organizations were at the capitol to discuss challenges and advocate for possible solutions in rural health care. Briana Heaney has more.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOXgeO6kVcMThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Emily Rice sits down with Del. Amy Summers, R-Taylor, and Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, to discuss why the Department of Health and Human Resources was broken up into three separate agencies and how it is going.
Also, West Virginia has been widely touted as an energy state. But it isn’t just coal and natural gas anymore. The largest solar facility in the state came online this month in Monongalia County. Curtis Tate brings us this look.
It was Fair Shake Network Day at the Capitol. This statewide grassroots organization is dedicated to getting a “fair shake” for people with disabilities and clings to the belief that diversity makes communities stronger.
And, the House Judiciary Committee debated House Bill 4595 relating to LOCHRA - the legislative oversight commission on health and human resources accountability.
Finally, the Senate School Choice Committee received an update on the state’s charter schools.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Sy9wv2XdmY&t=2sThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas sits down with Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, to discuss his goals for the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session.
Also, teachers may be able to teach intelligent design in public schools if a Senate education bill becomes law. Emily Rice has the story.
Finally, two resolutions were once again introduced in the House. The first would directly affect our state-elected constitutional officers; the other gives powers usually reserved for the legislature to the people.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVfR-48kmY0The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
**Editor's Note: A previous version of this post stated there was a story in this episode from Curtis Tate on a solar facility. That was an error. This story had to be cut last minute for time. It instead aired in the Jan. 17, 2024 episode of The Legislature Today.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Randy Yohe talks with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, about his hopes for this session.
Also, Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, spoke from his seat on the Senate floor Monday to introduce a resolution calling on the state’s congressional delegation to reform the federal permitting process.
In the House, the body advanced a bill that would help those with dementia and their families in case of an emergency often called a walk away. Yohe reports.
And, Monday was also Child Advocacy Day at the Capitol, bringing together child welfare advocates to provide resources and educate the public. Emily Rice has the story.
Finally, it was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there were speeches and other activities such as ringing the state bell after a quick march from the Culture Center to the Capitol. This is an annual event. Bob Brunner brings us the story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA7YNFvijPoThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, it was the second annual Fairness For All Day in the Capitol rotunda. This is an opportunity for the LGTBQ+ community from around the state to rally together and lobby for legislation.
Also, the Senate closed out its first week after passing 36 bills and introducing 143 more. Briana Heaney has more.
We also introduce a new segment this year featuring two high school students who are helping us out by presenting a weekly story about the inner workings of the legislature.
And, before lawmakers gaveled in this week, they got a rundown on the state of West Virginia’s economy. Curtis Tate has that story.
Finally, we have a roundtable with WVPB reporters who recap the first days of the 2024 session and discuss what's to come over the next eight weeks.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUNZGpNg-IIThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session has kicked off. Chris Schulz brings us an overview of Gov. Jim Justice’s State of the State address, and Randy Yohe brings us the minority response. Yohe speaks with Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, and Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion.
Also, we recap the action from the first two days. Between the two chambers, there were nearly 1,000 bills introduced. Briana Heaney gives us an overview of Senate action.
We also hear about nine delegates who left the House since last session along with honors for a long-time staff member who passed away recently, and the legislature recognized the longest serving woman and Republican in the Senate.
And, Curtis Tate tells us about a report presented to both chambers on the economic outlook for the state.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQogl1jyj_wThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we conclude our daily coverage for the 2023 legislative session with one last reporter roundtable. Randy Yohe, Chris Schulz, Emily Rice and Curtis Tate are all on the set together to discuss bills that have passed and the bills that are left.
Both chambers traditionally work until midnight Saturday night as they work out differences on bills and try to get last minute pieces of legislation passed.
Things grew contentious in the Senate Friday morning as Sen. Robert Karnes, R-Randolph, demanded to be recognized on the chamber floor as the first bill of the day was introduced. Chris Schulz has more.
A bill to set the minimum age for marriage in West Virginia at 18 appeared dead in the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday but it got new energy when committee chairman Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, moved Thursday to have the bill removed from his committee and brought before the full body. The bill is on third reading in the Senate, but as of our deadline, the bill has not been taken up.
The Senate is also poised to pass House Bill 2007. That legislation would restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. On Thursday, LGBTQ rights groups and their allies came to the Capitol to protest the bill. Curtis Tate has that story.
Meanwhile in the House, a bill to help charter schools garnered plenty of debate and a bill focused on a recovery house pilot program was called life a life-or-death measure. Randy Yohe has the story.
The House also passed the state budget Friday morning after the Senate took up and amended its budget bill the previous evening. It’s now on its way to the governor’s desk.
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https://youtu.be/-M-lJQo3uU0On Saturday, March 11, West Virginia Public Broadcasting will be broadcasting floor sessions throughout the day on the West Virginia Channel and on our YouTube channel.
At 8 p.m., join us for live coverage as we air our special “Final Hours” program of the 2023 legislative session.
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, there was a united reaction from lawmakers to a bill passed yesterday that limits the number of treatment beds a county can have. Government reporter Randy Yohe has more.
Yohe also gives us a story from the House of Delegates, which discussed extending a state of emergency for the state’s corrections system and changes to medical facilities relating to pregnant women.
Meanwhile, the Senate passed more than 20 bills Thursday, many of which were related to issues of education that legislators have made a priority all session. Education reporter Chris Schulz gives us a rundown.
Beyond education, the Senate also passed House Bill 2814, which would create a hydrogen power task force to study hydrogen energy in the state’s economy.
Also passed was House Bill 3189, the PFAS Protection Act, which would identify and address sources of the “forever chemicals” to reduce toxic chemicals in drinking water supplies.
We also hear from Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice as she discusses the health-related bills she has been following in the final days of the session with host Bob Brunner.
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https://youtu.be/YzoOvOSZGswThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Education Reporter Chris Schulz sits down with House Education Committee Chairman Joe Ellington, R-Mercer. Just before the start of the session, the state had to come to grips with several reports showing concerning declines in math and reading scores. They discuss what has been done so far to improve student outcomes.
House Bill 3337, which limits the number of substance use treatment beds in each county, also passed the House Wednesday after returning from the Senate amended. It’s on its way to the governor’s desk for signature.
Wednesday was also Red Cross Day at the Capitol - a chance to showcase the organization's mission of saving lives through blood donations and the efforts of generous volunteers. Assistant News Director Caroline MacGregor has the story.
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https://youtu.be/srHIuI5XQKQThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Gov. Jim Justice signed House Bill 2526 into law Tuesday. The bill includes a 21.25 percent tax cut across all six income brackets, with the governor’s office calling it the largest tax cut in state history. Government reporter Randy Yohe has the story.
With the signing of the bill, lawmakers have taken a significant step towards finalizing a budget. However, there are still some coronavirus relief monies yet to be appropriated, and significant debate on how to use them. Reporter Chris Schulz has more.
Yohe also sits down with Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell, and House Minority Leader Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, to discuss changes to the Public Employees Insurance Agency as Senate Bill 268 has passed through both chambers and is on the way to the governor’s desk.
It was also deaf awareness day at the Capitol, an event of understanding and education for all West Virginians.
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https://youtu.be/OcIwlBCj4jMThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have officially begun the final week of the 2023 West Virginia Legislative session. WVPB’s News Director Eric Douglas talks with reporter Curtis Tate about bills he’s been following this legislative session, including the latest on a bill that would limit gender-affirming health care in West Virginia.
Also, on Saturday, the House of Delegates met in an extended session and took up several major bills, including an effort to shore up the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA).
Justice signed a bill into law Monday that separates the Department of Health and Human Resources into three separate agencies — one for health, one for human resources, like Child Protective Services, and a third for health facilities.
A bill to recognize an unborn child as a victim in a DUI causing death passed the Senate Monday with amendments. The bill now returns to the House for their agreement.
And lawmakers considered a bill that would provide public charter schools access to funding from the Safe School Safety Fund.
Finally, West Virginia’s working men and women took center stage in the Capitol rotunda. On Trades Apprenticeship Day at the West Virginia Legislature, the old is new again when it comes to learning an occupation.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLKd79zVb7MThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our weekly reporter roundtable to recap the week and explore what’s still to come. WVPB’s Chris Schulz and Emily Rice sit down with Brad McElhinny of WV MetroNews.
Also, the Senate’s PEIA bill is now in the hands of the House of Delegates. The proposed health insurance premium increases and coverage reductions to shore up the financially challenged program has many up in arms. The bill defenders say proposed pay raises and tax cuts will even things out.
The Senate completed legislative action on some 20 bills, including six supplementary appropriations.
In the House, a bill to reduce how much West Virginians pay for insulin passed and was sent back to the Senate for their consideration. Emily Rice has more.
The Senate Health and Human Resources Committee had a lengthy debate Thursday on House Bill 2007. The bill would restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender minors. As Curtis Tate reports, the committee approved the bill but not entirely along party lines.
Finally, innovation met education on Career Technical Education Day at the West Virginia Legislature. From offering baked goods to analyzing biometrics, West Virginia students put on a 2023 vocational show.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFSCrXxBgwwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, with West Virginia’s abortion ban clarified and solidified in state code by recent legislation, Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice speaks with Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, and Del. Ric Griffith, D-Wayne, on women’s and maternal health in West Virginia.
Also, late Wednesday afternoon, the House Finance Committee advanced a $4.6 billion general revenue budget. In a surprise move, Gov. Jim Justice increased the state revenue estimate by $850 million.
A bill to require police training for contact with persons with autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer’s or related dementias passed the House of Delegates on Thursday morning. As Emily Rice reports, the bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
The Senate Education Committee took up a bill Thursday aimed at addressing the state’s bus driver shortage. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, musicians, theater folks, painters and sculptors filled the Capitol rotunda on Arts Day at the 2023 West Virginia Legislature. Randy Yohe reports he found themes of longevity among the muses, along with an amiable artistic forecast for the future.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3QzdzpM1KsThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, it was Crossover Day at the West Virginia Legislature, meaning it was the last day for a bill to be read a third time in its chamber of origin. Chris Schulz talks with Dels. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, and Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, about the day’s action.
Also, Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 10 – the Campus Self-Defense Act – into law. The new law authorizes the carrying of concealed pistols or revolvers under certain circumstances and in certain areas on the grounds of an institution of higher education.
A bill purporting to forbid “government limitations on the exercise of religion” now only needs the governor’s signature to become law following Senate action late Tuesday.
And a bill that lawmakers are calling the Women’s Right to Know Act passed the Senate. Emily Rice has this story.
Finally, in the House, delegates considered a flurry of bills, including one that would essentially block the state board of investments from investing in companies that refuse to support fossil fuels. Another approved bill would establish stricter statewide marriage consent laws.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL0m70rVMxwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the Senate passed a bill over the weekend making changes to the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). Like health insurance everywhere, expenses keep increasing, but the state program hasn’t kept up, causing some state hospitals to declare that they would no longer accept the program.
The bill that has headed to the House of Delegates includes premium increases, which Gov. Jim Justice has previously said he would not accept. Reporter Chris Schulz speaks with Fred Albert, president of AFT-WV, and Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell, the deputy speaker of the House, to understand the bill.
Also, a public hearing in the House chamber Tuesday morning focused on a bill that would enhance oversight of the West Virginia Fusion Center.
A bill that changes how candidates for office across the state announce their intent drew close to an hour of discussion on the Senate floor. Chris Schulz has more.
The House of Delegates approved House Bill 3270, which would amend the deliberate intent statute to limit non-economic damages to $500,000 in these kinds of cases.
There was also spirited debate in the House chamber on House Bill 2953, a locality pay study bill meant to retain in-state employees now crossing the borders – but it failed by vote of 42 to 56.
Finally, Tuesday was E Day, or Environmental Day, at the state legislature. Various statewide and local organizations came to lobby lawmakers on a variety of issues. Some came as individuals representing concerns specific to communities. A few lawmakers stood with them. Energy and Environment Reporter Curtis Tate brings us this story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx8euCnxubwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, with West Virginia tourism growing as a four season, nationwide destination, there's an abundance of legislation to enhance hiking and biking, with rail trails and rest stops along the way.
Assistant News Director Caroline MacGregor has more on this outdoor recreation push with House Minority Leader Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, who sits on the House Committee of Economic Development and Tourism, and Sen. Mark Maynard, R-Wayne, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Outdoor Recreation.
Also, over the weekend, the House and Senate both met for regular floor sessions. The Senate passed four key bills including a tax cut proposal, a bill on employee pay raises for certain employees, a bill to shore up PEIA and a budget bill. Those have all headed to the House.
The Senate and Gov. Jim Justice now agree over the estimated $750 million Senate plan that includes an initial personal income tax cut of around 20 percent, a personal property tax credit for vehicles and a 50 percent personal property tax break on equipment and inventory aimed at small businesses.
The Senate also passed 20 bills Monday on a variety of issues ranging from alcohol consumption to high school sports. Chris Schulz has more.
And the House passed a bill that would create a military funeral honor guard in remembrance of Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams. The chamber also approved the contentious Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Finally, representing nearly a quarter million West Virginia senior citizens, AARP maintains a strong lobbying force at the state capitol. On AARP Day, at least two bills top the list to help the elderly, and often, the rest of us as well.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzRfl73KX1kThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have another Friday reporter roundtable. WVPB reporters Chris Schulz and Randy Yohe are joined this week by Mountain State Spotlight’s Ian Karbal to discuss bills proposed to give more money to charter schools and study alternative school schedules to help districts without enough teachers.
Also, the Senate once again turned its focus on the state’s health systems today by passing two bills, including one to expand their own oversight capabilities.
We also take a look at a public hearing in the House where speakers came to express their feelings on House Bill 3042. Officially, the purpose of this bill is to forbid excessive government limitations on exercise of religion and creates the Equal Protection for Religion Act. Members of the LGBTQ community are concerned the bill may be used to undo fairness protections.
Finally, it was Motorsports Day at the legislature. Enthusiasts from around the state, who race on four wheels or two came to promote their racetracks and ask lawmakers to enhance their speed driven industry. Randy Yohe has our story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PnITuC6UIoThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, heavy rainfall late last week prompted Gov. Jim Justice to declare a state of emergency for all 55 counties in West Virginia. Flooding is common in West Virginia and Assistant News Director Caroline MacGregor brings us this perspective on the problem.
And to discuss what the state legislature can do about it, MacGregor sits down with the Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources Del. Clay Riley, R-Harrison, and the Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Flooding Sen. Chandler Swope, R-Mercer.
Also, a public hearing is set for Friday on a bill relating to forbidding government limitations on the exercise of religion. The contentious proposal failed in 2016. Randy Yohe reports on the debate.
Finally, the Senate passed five bills Thursday related to elections in the state, as well as issues around diabetes. Chris Schulz has this story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlaR18QB0K4The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, there’s a House bill pending that would divert the lion’s share of $500 million federal COVID-19 relief dollars from general economic development to specific and local poverty fighting projects. Government Reporter Randy Yohe has the story.
Large budget surpluses, in recent years, have encouraged what to do with that money. One thought is to use a large portion of it for economic development projects — enticing companies to set up shop in West Virginia. Another school of thought is to invest that money in poverty programs and to bring the poorest West Virginians up.
Reporter Chris Schulz spoke with Mitch Carmichael, the Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, and Rev. Matthew Watts from the Tuesday Morning Group, about possibilities.
Also, the Senate passed several bills Wednesday morning to address issues surrounding child protective and social services in the state. Chris Schulz has more.
The first of two bills aimed at restructuring the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources completed legislative activity.
Finally, thoughts that Senate, House and executive branch leadership were working toward a tax reform compromise got a shake up on the House floor.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNyMIX_FPfEThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, emotions ran high and the rhetoric ran long as the House of Delegates debated the contentious campus carry firearms bill. As Government Reporter Randy Yohe reports, the bill was approved in the chamber and is now on its way to the governor.
Also, between the Roads to Prosperity and the federal infrastructure law, there is a lot going on when it comes to roads and bridges. Curtis Tate speaks with Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston and Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, the chairman of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to discuss the state’s progress.
Tuesday was Recovery Advocacy Day at the West Virginia Legislature, the capitol rotunda filled with smiling faces, clear heads and hopeful hearts. The goal was to identify areas related to treatment, prevention and recovery efforts and lobby for important legislation. Randy Yohe has this story.
A bill meant to staff each West Virginia hospital with a qualified sexual assault nurse examiner passed the Senate unanimously and is headed to the governor’s desk. Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice has more.
Finally, the Senate took up a bill that would change how and how much counties pay for inmates they send to the state's correctional system. Chris Schulz has more.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuKcl6k-UrUThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Senate Bill 10 is expected to pass the House of Delegates on Tuesday and head to Gov. Jim Justice for a signature. The bill would allow people with concealed carry permits to carry guns on college and university campuses. West Virginia University and Marshall, among others in the state, have spoken out against it. At a public hearing last week, 38 of the 40 speakers spoke against the bill.
Government Reporter Randy Yohe sat down with Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, and Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, to get a better understanding on the bill.
Also, it was the 41st day of the 60-day West Virginia Legislative session, and it was also the last day to introduce bills in the Senate. The House passed that milestone last week.
The House of Delegates held a public hearing Monday morning. It was focused on a bill that would change the state’s workers compensation law limiting the penalties companies pay when a worker gets injured on the job. Randy Yohe has our report.
With the number of public high school students that decide to pursue college education seeing a noticeable decline over the past few years, legislators are trying to bolster post-secondary education numbers. Shepherd Snyder has more.
Finally, at the start of the session, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw said improving the state’s post-secondary attainment rate was a priority. Chris Schulz has more on where those proposals stand.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRdK3RBtWHoThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have our Friday reporter roundtable where we discuss the big news of the week. WVPB’s Randy Yohe and Chris Schulz are joined this week by veteran TV newsman from WCHS in Charleston, Bob Aaron.
Also, the Senate gaveled in a little early Friday morning to pass several bills relating to fiscal issues, including changes to the state’s retirement systems.
And the Senate also enacted a change in leadership Friday. As Chris Schulz reports, the seemingly small change was met with great emotion.
Finally, it was Adventure Travel Day at the West Virginia Legislature. On and off road enthusiasts touted some mean machines on two wheels and four - and some machines, not so mean. Randy Yohe has the story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8HUqcuQ_i4The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, substance use disorder, sober living homes, homelessness, mental health treatment – the challenges facing West Virginia to help people regain sobriety continue to mount.
Government Reporter Randy Yohe speaks with two delegates, Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, and Del. Scot Heckert, R-Wood, to discuss what’s working and what needs changed.
Also, Wednesday was Black Policy Day at the West Virginia Legislature. As Chris Schulz reports, it was an opportunity for advocates to highlight the issues facing Black West Virginians to legislators.
About 40,000 West Virginians live with some degree of Alzheimer's dementia, according to the West Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Some say recent legislation focused on law enforcement and those suffering with Alzheimer's in the community did not go far enough. Randy Yohe reports on new bills meant to increase awareness.
Finally, concerns over Hope Scholarship students being allowed to play local public school sports sparked debate in the House of Delegates Thursday. Randy Yohe also has this report.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY5xzmIs2I0The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, from the Hope Scholarship to charter schools, West Virginia’s educational landscape has changed in the last few years. Education Reporter Chris Schulz sat down with Del. Kathie Hess Crouse, R-Putnam, and Sen. Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, to discuss.
Also, with another university campus mass shooting earlier this week, legislative and public debate Wednesday morning on the Campus Self-Defense Act fostered heightened emotion from both sides. Will allowing the concealed carry of firearms on campuses add more protection or create more danger? Government Reporter Randy Yohe has this report.
Residential substance use disorder service facilities will be required to offer discharged patients a way home if Senate Bill 243 passed the Senate. Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice has more.
Finally, Wednesday was Black Policy Day at the West Virginia Legislature. As Chris Schulz reports, it's an opportunity for advocates to highlight the issues facing Black West Virginians to legislators.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CpwigzAOtwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, West Virginia often gets poor grades for the health of its citizens. Recently, the American Lung Association rated the state as failing when it comes to several categories relating to smoking cessation. WVPB’s Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice sat down with Del. Matthew Rohrbach, R-Cabell, who is a practicing physician.
Also, after hearing stories in the House of Delegates about health care provider misconduct and foster families not receiving their proper funds, a proposal to split the state Department of Health and Human Resources into three cabinet positions was up for a final vote Tuesday. Randy Yohe has the story and outcome.
A bill allowing the Foster Care Ombudsman more authority to protect children in state care passed the Senate unanimously. As Emily Rice explains, the bill has been through many amendments before Tuesday’s vote.
Finally, the American Heart Association was in the rotunda this Valentine’s Day promoting heart health. Chris Schulz has the story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d__TmFgOz_gThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, every ten years, the West Virginia Legislature is tasked with completing a judicial redistricting proposal – 2023 is one of those years.
The goal is to ensure the state's civil courts are not clogged and criminal courts are working efficiently. Government Reporter Randy Yohe speaks with the West Virginia Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Beth Walker on how the process works.
Also, Yohe talks with the House and Senate Judiciary Committee chairmen Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, and Del. Moore Capito, R-Kanawha, to get a better understanding about the judicial redistricting process.
And the Senate passed a bill Monday that would help the creation of more charter schools in the state. Senate Bill 47 would create a stimulus fund for potential founders who otherwise would not have the means to open a charter school.
Monday was also Library Day at the legislature. As Chris Schulz reports, the day was a celebration of public libraries throughout the state, but also an opportunity to request funding.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y-yFcH6bfkThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, we have another Friday reporter roundtable. This week, Chris Schulz and WVPB’s Energy and Environment Reporter Curtis Tate are joined by Leah Willingham from the Associated Press.
Also, the question on the minds of many capitol watchers is, “Will we see any sort of tax reform passed this session?” The House Finance Committee chairman said he’s now had time to digest this week's sweeping Senate tax reduction plan. Randy Yohe has the latest.
Bill proposals on using tax dollars as venture capital and toughening distracted driving laws took center stage on the House floor Friday. Yohe also has this wrap-up.
Finally, about a dozen community members were invited to the Senate Judiciary Committee to discuss issues around the scheduling of three substances in a meeting that stretched for hours, before a confusing ending. Chris Schulz has more.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwSyueoiWjMThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, energy costs have gone up for West Virginians in the past couple of years. Local governments in the state have been some of the most vocal opponents of utility rate increases.
Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate speaks with Emmett Pepper of the Charleston City Council and Kent Carper, president of the Kanawha County Commission, who say they’d like the West Virginia Legislature to get more involved in the effort.
Also, the abortion debate returned to the House floor Thursday, along with concerns on how taxpayer dollars are spent and more.
The Senate passed a bill aimed at correcting a bill passed during last year’s legislative session. What was intended as a bill to help facilitate access to records ended up doing the exact opposite. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Resources took up the much anticipated issue of PEIA reform.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQMhzNZ8mbgThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice speaks with the chairs of the House and Senate Health committees – Sen. Mike Maroney, R-Marshall, and Del. Amy Summers, R-Taylor. Both lawmakers have been directly involved with legislation that would restructure the DHHR.
Also, Senate Republicans gathered in front of the Senate chamber Wednesday morning to present a wide-ranging tax reduction plan for West Virginia. As Chris Schulz reports, Gov. Jim Justice voiced his approval of the proposal, and the Senate met later in the evening to suspend rules and approve the measure. It now goes to the House of Delegates for consideration.
Finally, in our hills and hollows state, agriculture is often a challenge, especially for the small family farm. On Agriculture Day at the West Virginia Legislature, Randy Yohe found a multi-generational farmer, honoring the past while focused on the future.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwjIhbFuz7EThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the House of Delegates last week approved House Bill 2007. The bill would limit gender-affirming medical care for anyone under 18. During two committee hearings on the bill, lawmakers called no expert witnesses. Curtis Tate talks with Del. Danielle Walker, D-Monongalia, and Isabella Cortez, gender policy manager with Fairness West Virginia, to understand the potential impacts.
Also, the Senate Education Committee took up a bill Tuesday morning that hopes to address the hundreds of vacancies in certified teacher positions across the state. Chris Schulz has more.
The Senate completed action on five bills today, including Senate Bill 296. The bill codifies the procedures for virtual public meetings during an emergency, including proper conduct and rules for public observation and participation.
Finally, lawmakers on the House floor discussed the risks and benefits of forgoing a Certificate of Need for birthing centers to open in West Virginia. Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice has more.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O_v1wu5xk4The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the state's political, business and community leaders generally agree that a quality education is the key to West Virginia's future.
Education Reporter Chris Schulz sat down with Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, the Senate Education Committee chair, and Del. David Elliot Pritt, D-Fayette, the Minority vice chair of the House Education Committee, to learn more about what is being done to secure the state's future.
Also, it was a relatively quiet day at the West Virginia Legislature, with the Senate only passing three bills.
The House Finance Committee debated a wide variety of bills that were recommended for passage. One highlighted the Form Energy project, and another addressed the shortage of qualified school bus drivers.
Finally, it was Domestic Violence Awareness Day at the Capitol. Chris Schulz has the story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzCcLQ2WgGkThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, there have been a number of health-related issues discussed this legislative session – from gender-affirming care, to PEIA coverage and foster care. For this week’s reporter roundtable, Chris Schulz speaks with WVPB’s Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice and Allen Siegler from Mountain State Spotlight.
Also, the West Virginia House of Delegates approved House Bill 2007 on Friday. The legislation would limit gender-affirming medical treatments and surgeries for transgender youth. HB 2007 passed on a vote of 84 to 10. It now goes to the Senate.
The Senate took up two bills Friday relating to gambling in the state, and two of the bills considered on third reading in the House dealt with immigration laws and county financial transparency.
Finally, the Senate Finance Committee spent the first several weeks of the session hearing budgetary presentations from every department of state government. But Friday morning, the committee turned its attention to how the last of the state’s coronavirus relief funds were spent. Chris Schulz has this story.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_oVPefwlvUThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, from school safety to student success, there has already been a lot of discussion around the state's educational system this legislative session. Education Reporter Chris Schulz sat down with two West Virginia teachers to discuss the state of our schools and some of the proposed changes.
Also, more than 70 opponents of House Bill 2007 testified in the West Virginia House of Delegates Thursday morning. Only two witnesses spoke in support. The bill would limit gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth.
Following that nearly two-hour public hearing, House Democrats tried to amend the bill. One amendment would have forbidden all elective surgeries, like rhinoplasty or breast augmentation. This amendment and another Democrat-proposed amendment failed along party lines.
Finally, a second public hearing in the House pushed back against House Bill 2883, which would deliver $500 million in COVID-19 relief funds to the governor for economic development projects.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s3QGvJ0SXwThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, government reporter Randy Yohe sat down with Gov. Jim Justice to discuss a number of issues facing the state, including budget surpluses and tax reductions.
Also, the Senate passed several bills Wednesday, including Senate Bill 426, which allows the state's chief information security officer to establish standards for, and ultimately block or ban, access to technological services, apps, programs or products on government devices. One example that has been at the forefront of this debate is the popular app TikTok.
And the Senate Finance Committee spent an hour Tuesday on the budget for the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which oversees the state’s prisons and jails.
Finally, a bill concerning the authority of the Foster Care Ombudsman passed the House of Delegates unanimously.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFAduhHGiWgThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Government Reporter Randy Yohe speaks with Senate Finance Chair Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, and House Finance Committee member Del. Larry Rowe, D-Kanawha, to get the latest on the state budget.
Also, the House Education Committee had a vigorous debate Monday on a bill titled the Anti-Racism Act of 2023. This is the same bill that died in the final hours of the 2022 state legislative session.
The House Judiciary Committee advanced a bill to restrict gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. As Curtis Tate reports, the bill has more restrictions than one approved earlier by the House Health and Human Resources Committee.
Finally, state education groups say school discipline is at a near crisis level. A bill debated in the House is intended to offer educators a tool to limit disruption in the classroom. Randy Yohe monitored that debate.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJEufucg6qIThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, reporter Chris Schulz talks with Del. David Kelly, R-Tyler, and Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, to get their take on the state’s jail challenges and how the West Virginia Legislature could help.
Also, it was a busy day for the West Virginia Senate as they passed a dozen bills, ranging from issues about schools to health care and substance use.
Two more bills have passed through the legislative process and are now on their way to Gov. Jim Justice for his signature. Senate Bill 143 is titled Relating to Adopt-A-Stream Program, and Senate Bill 231 transfers administration of West Virginia Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Matching Funds Program to the West Virginia Department of Economic Development.
Finally, West Virginia’s farms and forests were on display at the Capitol Monday. Randy Yohe discovered a new take on dairy farming and the possibility of expanding the state's fledgling furniture manufacturing industry.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9hcZibFYeQThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, our WVPB reporters Randy Yohe and Chris Schulz sit down with fellow reporter Steven Allen Adams of Odgen Newspapers to discuss the past week at West Virginia’s statehouse.
Also, the Senate suspended its own rules to pass a bill Friday morning. Senate Bill 510 was introduced and passed by the chamber in less than five minutes. Senate Finance Chair Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, said the move was necessary to address a budgeting oversight around the state’s newly formed charter schools.
The Senate’s Workforce Committee met after the regular floor session Friday. As Chris Schulz reports, they heard two reports on the state’s workforce situation: one about what’s being done, and one about what could be done.
And getting young, out-of-state professionals, especially in the medical industry, to make a life and career in West Virginia is an across the board challenge. On West Virginia Rural Health Workforce Day at the West Virginia Legislature, Randy Yohe gets to the crux of helping meet that challenge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaGSXYsYTsoThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Government Reporter Randy Yohe talks with the chairmen of the Senate and House Workforce committees, Sen. Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, and Del. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell.
West Virginia has seen a huge jump in companies declaring their intentions to open new manufacturing facilities here. And that means good paying jobs, a majority of which will be open to those without a college degree. But one question is do have enough people here to fill those jobs?
Also, the House Education Committee passed a bill Wednesday that would allow teachers to serve as armed school protection officers. Yohe has the story.
Finally, according to food bank network Feeding America, 1 in 8 people in West Virginia face hunger every day. As Chris Schulz reports, advocates brought the issue to lawmakers Thursday.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj-0VElDDXEThe Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, two bills have passed through both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature and have been approved by Gov. Jim Justice. They are Senate Bill 161 and Senate Bill 162.
The two bills are expected to be used to recruit a possible hydrogen manufacturing project using natural gas. Emissions from the manufacturing process would be pumped underground through the carbon capture and storage process.
Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate talks about the two pieces of legislation with Del. Bill Anderson, R-Wood, Chairman of the House Energy Committee, and Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, Minority Vice Chair of the House Energy Committee.
Also, the Senate has passed a bill to improve law enforcement’s awareness of and ability to interact with citizens who have certain mental health conditions. Reporter Chris Schulz has more.
And it was Aviation Day at the legislature, with the Capitol rotunda filled with high flying industry representatives. As Randy Yohe shows us, when it comes to West Virginia pilots, plane mechanics and especially manufacturing jobs, demand is far exceeding supply.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-Sk2fEQUD8The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the Senate passed a bill that would allow the concealed carry of handguns on the state’s university campuses. Reporter Chris Schulz has more.
Also, a bill that would clarify the authority of governor and legislature to proclaim and declare a state of emergency and preparedness, passed the House 93-3. The Senate passed the bill on the opening day of the state legislative session. Efforts by senators and delegates to limit the governor’s emergency powers began in last summer’s interim sessions.
And, with little discussion, the Senate Education Committee moved forward on a bill that would require posters in all state supported schools to display the U.S. motto of “In God We Trust.” The posters must be donated and could only include images of the West Virginia and United States flags.
Finally, Government Reporter Randy Yohe joins our host Bob Brunner to discuss the Coalfield Communities Grant Facilitation Commission. The commission’s objective is to funnel federal and private dollars to revitalize coalfield communities.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMZE_VFoaxU&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvpublic.org%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, reporter Chris Schulz talks with Del. Charlie Reynolds, R-Marshall, and Fred Albert, the president of the American Federation of Teachers — West Virginia, to get their perspectives on the latest concerns surrounding PEIA — the health care benefit for state employees and teachers.
Also, in this show, a bill passed in the Senate Monday morning, requiring all West Virginia hospitals with emergency departments to have a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner available to treat survivors 24 hours a day. Reporters Schulz and Emily Rice have the story.
And state tourism revenue in 2022 set an all-time record with $5 Billion dollars in traveler spending. Those gains were impacted in all areas of the state. As Randy Yohe shows us, “Almost Heaven” was on full display as “Tourism Day” filled the state Capitol rotunda halls.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzdeg39jiVY&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvpublic.org%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the pace is beginning to pick up at the West Virginia Legislature as bills are passing through their originating chambers.The House Committee on Health and Human Resources passed a bill Thursday, which would require medical marijuana be added to the controlled substance monitoring database. Our Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice has more.A presentation before the House Jails and Prison Committee on Thursday sparked alarm over critical understaffing and public safety issues. Government Reporter Randy Yohe has the story.Also, the House Health and Human Resources Committee advanced a bill this week that would limit medical care options for transgender minors. As Curtis Tate reports, it’s part of a nationwide push against the rights of transgender youth and their parents.And finally, WVPB reporters Yohe and Chris Schulz are joined by Crystal Good, the founder and publisher of Black By God | The West Virginian, for a reporter roundtable.Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LWrQJYGexAThe Legislature Today - January 20, 2023The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill to the Senate floor that would allow the concealed carry of handguns on the state’s university campuses. Reporter Chris Schulz has more.
Gov. Jim Justice’s 50 percent income tax cut proposal was passed by the House on Wednesday. But the bill received a cold reception in the Senate. Government Reporter Randy Yohe spoke with Senate Finance Chairman Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, on why he thinks the house bill is “dead on arrival,” and what might be proposed in its place.
Yohe also sat down with Sen. Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, and Del. Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, to discuss how proposed early childhood education reforms may affect West Virginia children, school systems and the taxpayer.
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The Legislature Today - January 19, 2023 The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, Gov. Jim Justice has tested positive for COVID-19. Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice joins our host Bob Brunner to discuss what that means for the legislative session and the state.
Also, in this show, the House of Delegates overwhelmingly passed its version of Justice’s 50 percent income tax reduction proposal. But before that happened, the Democratic minority proposed an even deeper tax cut for low-income taxpayers. Government Reporter Randy Yohe has the story.
It was Jan Lilly Stewart Disability Advocacy Day at the West Virginia Capitol. As Chris Schulz reports, it's an opportunity for the disability community to come together and let their voices be heard.
Finally, Schulz sat down with policy expert Sean O’Leary to discuss possibilities for this year’s proposed state budget. The budget is the only piece of legislation that must be passed each year but approaches to how it should be structured vary widely. Republicans hold a super-majority, but at this time are still divided on how to deliver promised tax cuts to West Virginians.
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The Legislature Today - January 18, 2023 The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, government reporter Randy Yohe sits down with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. We get his take on progress and problems in these early legislative general session days.
We also have a story from education reporter Chris Schulz, who attended Tuesday’s Senate Education Committee meeting and spoke to its chairwoman, Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason. As the legislature settles into the business of lawmaking, committees represent a crucial step in the process. It’s where legislators can study and discuss a bill in depth before returning it to the floor.
Other notable goings-on included West Virginia University men’s basketball coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Huggins being honored by both House and Senate chambers, the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union lobbying lawmakers on topics including criminal justice reform and LGBTQ rights, and the Girl Scouts’ Black Diamond Council visiting the Capitol Rotunda.
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The Legislature Today - January 17, 2023 The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, reporter Chris Schulz sits down with Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley. The state Senate wasted no time in getting to work this year, passing 25 bills in the first two days of the legislative session. Republicans hold a supermajority, and despite an early start in the Senate, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Improvements to the state’s educational system, departmental restructuring and promised tax cuts are on Blair’s agenda this year.
We also take a look at the State Capitol’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, courtesy of reporter Randy Yohe. Unity was the theme for the proceedings, and as Yohe shows us, the human rights that Dr. King fought for decades ago continue to this day.
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The Legislature Today - January 16, 2023 The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, reporter Chris Schulz spoke with Margaret Pomponio, CEO of reproductive health and rights advocacy group WV FREE, to learn more about HB 2002. If passed, the bill would create the West Virginia Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support program and fund Pregnancy Help Organizations to encourage women to give birth in the case of unplanned pregnancy.
The bill comes after the legislature passed a law during last summer’s special session that outlaws abortion with a few exceptions for rape and to preserve the life of the mother.
We also explore bills in the House and Senate calling for the reorganization of the state’s Department of Health and Human Resources into three separate agencies. HB 2247 is currently making rounds in the House of Delegates, while the Senate has already passed SB 126. Both bills would split the DHHR into three entities: the Department of Health, the Department of Health Facilities and the Department of Human Services.
We also have our first reporter roundtable of the legislative session. Reporters Randy Yohe and Chris Schulz sat down with West Virginia MetroNews’ statewide correspondent Brad McElhinny to discuss what they saw this week and what they expect the major stories will be in the coming weeks.
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The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
On today’s episode of The Legislature Today, the 2023 session started as the Senate got down to business on opening day and suspended rules to pass 23 bills and send them to the House of Delegates. Most of these were bills the upper chamber passed last year, but for one reason or another didn’t become law.
The House of Delegates introduced nearly 500 bills on opening day, but all were sent to appropriate committees for consideration. Many will never move again.
Today, both chambers gaveled in for short sessions and introduced several more bills. Most were sent to committees, but the Senate did suspend its rules again and pass several more bills.
Government reporter Randy Yohe sat down with host Bob Brunner to discuss 2022’s election and redistricting. The amount of seats in the legislature is the same, but single member districts have changed its look, enhancing what was already a Republican supermajority.
Gov. Jim Justice also delivered his seventh State of the State address last night to a joint session of the legislature. Yohe also brought us a report on that.
We also hear from reporter Chris Schulz as he sits down with Senate Minority Leader Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and House Minority Leader Del. Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, to discuss what it is like to be in the minority and their expectations for the coming session.
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The Legislature Today (2023) The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Host Eric Douglas leads a reporter roundtable with Lacie Pierson, a political reporter with the Charleston Gazette-Mail, and Steven Allen Adams, the government reporter and columnist for Ogden Newspapers. They discuss the session so far, covering everything from jails to schools to broadband and the budget.
On this week’s episode of The Legislature Today, it’s been a week full of activity, split floor sessions and Crossover Day – when all bills must make it out of their house of origin if they are to continue through the legislative process. This rule affects all bills except for the budget bill and supplementary appropriations bills.
On this week’s episode of The Legislature Today, we explore taxes and energy, and we learn more about two bills related to children and child welfare.
On this week’s episode of The Legislature Today, we look at abortion access and a controversial education bill.
On this week’s episode of The Legislature Today, we explore election reform and the price of insulin, and lawmakers in the House of Delegates have approved a bill that would reduce all personal income tax brackets by 10 percent.
On this week’s episode of The Legislature Today, we hear about the push to allow nuclear energy in West Virginia. It is a move that was once unthinkable, but it is now awaiting a signature from Gov. Jim Justice.
On this week’s episode of The Legislature Today, reporter Curtis Tate brings us a recap of Gov. Jim Justice’s 2022 State of the State address. The governor was expected to give his speech two weeks ago but tested positive for COVID-19 the day before the scheduled event.
This week on The Legislature Today, West Virginians weigh in on a controversial piece of legislation. As health reporter June Leffler reports, pro-life and pro-choice residents spoke on two abortion bills at a public hearing Monday in front of state lawmakers.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, reporter Liz McCormick looks at a busy first week at the West Virginia Legislature, including a special session, economic development announcements and Gov. Jim Justice testing positive for COVID-19. Reporter June Leffler speaks with Senate President Craig Blair and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw about COVID protocols and what would make a successful legislative session.
House Judiciary Chair Moore Capito, R-Kanawha, and House Judiciary Minority Chair Chad Lovejoy, D-Cabell, discuss criminal justice reform, election, and pandemic-related bills. We also take a look at the state budget process and the personal income tax repeal plans.
This week, The Legislature Today takes a deep dive into the various plans for the elimination of the state’s Personal Income Tax. Phil Kabler of the Charleston Gazette-Mail and Steven Allen Adams of Ogden Newspapers join host Dave Mistich to discuss multiple proposed fiscal policy changes. June Leffler provides updates on a bill to expand Medicaid coverage for new moms, and Emily Allen reports on HB 2017, which rewrites the state’s criminal code.
This week on The Legislature Today, senior reporter Dave Mistich speaks with House Finance Committee Vice Chair Vernon Criss, R-Wood, and House Finance Minority Chair Brent Boggs, D-Braxton, about Gov. Jim Justice’s plan to reduce the state’s personal income tax, while increasing consumer sales and other taxes. Liz McCormick gives us an update on House Bill 2013, which would establish education savings accounts.
Del. Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, Chair, House Technology & Infrastructure Committee, and Sen. Robert Plymale, D-Wayne, join WVPB's The Legislature Today to discuss broadband expansion legislation, HB 2002. Friday evening’s broadcast will also include an update on several major education bills and the governor’s personal income tax repeal proposal.
Senate Education Chair Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, and House Education Minority Chair Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, join WVPB’s The Legislature Today from the Capitol building. The lawmakers discuss the Hope Scholarship bill, charter school legislation, and the needs of students following almost a year at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has been a week of snow, ice and power outages, but the work of the West Virginia Legislature continued at a brisk pace. This week on The Legislature Today, we speak with House and Senate leadership, and we have updates on numerous bills.
This week, Gov. Jim Justice has outlined his legislative agenda for the 2021 session in his State of the State address. Host Suzanne Higgins speaks with minority leadership who share reaction to the governor’s address, and Senior Reporter Dave Mistich comments on the changes this year to the legislative process due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The House of Delegates’ foster care bill was up for a vote in the Senate Friday, while the Senate's Intermediate Court of Appeals bill was up for a vote in the House. We recap that action and more in our weekly reporter roundtable.
Host Suzanne Higgins has a conversation with House Finance members for a breakdown of the budget bill that passed out of the House chamber Wednesday night – a budget with some key differences in spending priorities than that of the Senate.
Host Suzanne Higgins speaks with Interim Chancellor of the Higher Education Policy Commission and Chancellor of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker for a discussion on higher education funding issues, secondary education attainment and financial aid requirement challenges.
We explore criminal justice reform legislation from this session, and we bring you an in-depth report and follow-up conversation on the issue. We also bring you the latest news from West Virginia’s statehouse.
We have updates on gun legislation, a renewable energy bill, and we bring you the latest on the Senate’s version of the budget bill.
Host Suzanne Higgins is joined by Brad McElhinny of West Virginia MetroNews and Steven Allen Adams of Ogden Newspapers for a reporter roundtable featuring an update on both the Senate and House proposed state budgets.
It was Arts Day at the Capitol. We spotlight the activities from the day, and we bring you a special report on an educational effort by the West Virginia Humanities Council.
It was Crossover Day at the West Virginia Legislature, which means it was the final day for bills to be read a third time in their house of origin. Host Suzanne Higgins speaks with senior reporter Dave Mistich and reporter Emily Allen for updates from both the House and Senate. We also bring you updates on several health-related bills and issues.
Ahead of Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Day at the Capitol this week, we bring you a special report and update on several bills aimed at helping survivors.