Inside West Virginia Politics

On this week's episode, we talk about the holiday season in the Mountain State, the annual Joyful Night Celebration, and the reason for the season.In segment 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (R) and First Lady Cathy Justice talk about the holiday season in the Mountain State.In segment 2, Randall Reid-Smith the Curator for the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History talks about the annual Joyful Night Celebration and the history of the decorations at the Governor's Mansion.In segment 3, Canon Donald Vinson of St. John's Episcopal Church and Rabbi Victor Urecki of B'nai Jacob Synagogue discuss the reason for the season.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week’s episode, we take a look at some of the issues that are important to and will be pushed by groups in the 2020 West Virginia Legislative session.In segment 1, Dale Lee, the West Virginia Education Association President, talks about the previous teachers strikes and what they want to see passed in the 2020 legislative session.In segment 2, Andrew Schneider, Executive Director of Fairness West Virginia, talks about the Fairness Act which would ban discrimination in hiring, access to housing and public spaces for LGBTQ people in West Virginia.In segment 3, Seth DiStefano, Policy Outreach Director for the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, talks about the state budget, multiple taxes in the Mountain State, and the 2020 Legislative Session.In segment 4, Garrett Ballengee, the Executive Director of the Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy, talks about what issues are important to them in the upcoming legislative session.

On this week's episode, we take the show to TechConnect West Virginia's 2019 Coding and Cyber Summit in Charleston. We take a look at the technology jobs in and coming to the Mountain State, and the programs available to help people fill those jobs.In segment 1, we talk to Anne Barth, the Executive Director of TechConnect West Virginia.In segment 2, we talk to Bernie McKay, the Chief Public Policy Officer for Intuit.In segment 3, we talk to Josh Spence, the Chief Technology Officer for the state of West Virginia.In segment 4, we talk to Matt Turner, the Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode we look at the upcoming legislative session, National Adoption Month, the 2019-2020 ski season, and why a former Secretary of State is running to reclaim the seat.In segment 1, Former West Virginia West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant (D) discusses why she is running to regain the position.In segment 2, West Virginia State Delegate Amanda Estep-Burton (D-Kanawha) talks about her first legislative session and what she is expecting in the 2020 session.In segment 3, Kylee Hassan from Mission West Virginia stops by to talk about National Adoption Month.In segment 4, Joe Stevens, the spokesperson for the West Virginia Ski Areas Association, talks about the 2019-2020 ski season in the Mountain State.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode, we look at an insulin caravan to Canada, a candidate for governor, the November special session, and what still needs to be done after the 2016 flood.  In segment 1, Del. Barbara Evans Fleischauer (D-Monongalia) discusses rising insulin prices and the caravan from West Virginia to Canada to buy insulin.In segment 2, Jody Murphy, a Democratic Candidate for Governor of West Virginia, talks about his campaign and why he decided to run.In segment 3, Del. Caleb Hannah (R-Webster), talks about the November special session, education policy, and the border wall.In segment 4, State Senator Stephen Baldwin (D-Greenbrier), discussed the aftermath of the 2016 flood, what is being done for flood prevention, and more.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

In this week's episode, we talk to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, discuss rural broadband, and look at the Republican primary for a US Senate seat.In segment 1, Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, discusses rural broadband in West Virginia.In segment 2, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) discusses rural broadband issues and shares his thoughts on the FCC's broadcast ownership rules.In segment 3, Allen Whitt, a Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate, talks about his campaign and why he decided to run against Sen. Shelley Moore Capito.In segment 4, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) talks about United States Economic Development Administration grants coming to West Virginia, introducing the American Miners Act, and her primary challenger Allen Whitt.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode, we take a look a look at the issues that are important to veterans in West Virginia and the services offered to them in the Mountain State.In segment 1, Tony O'Dell, an attorney for victims at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, gives an update on the investigation into the homicides and suspicious deaths.In segment 2, Capt. James McCormick,  U.S. Army (Ret.), talks about the Clarksburg VA investigation, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and issues impacting veterans in West Virginia.In segment 3, Secretary of West Virginia Veterans Affairs Dennis Davis talks about the services available to veterans in West VirginiaIn segment 4, President of AARP of West Virginia Rich Stonestreet talks about how November is National Family Caregivers Month and what resources they provide.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode, we take a look at the lawsuits brought against opioid manufacturers and distributors, get an update on the investigation in the suspicious deaths at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, and learn more about the 100 tech jobs coming to West Virginia.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

In this week's episode, we get an update on the RISE WV program, the situation at the US-Mexico border, and the United Way talks about its 211 resource.In segment 1, Major General James Hoyer, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, gives an update on the RISE WV program and recovery from the 2016 floods.In segment 2, Rabbi Victor Urecki, of the B'nai Jacob Synagogue in Charleston, West Virginia, talks about his visit to the US-Mexico border, immigration reform, and refugees.In segment 3, Barb Mallory, the West Virginia Statewide Director for United Way's 211, talks about the resources they have available going into the holiday season.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode we take a look at the latest on the investigation into the Clarksburg VA Hospital, redesignating the New River Gorge National River, the economic outlook for West Virginia, and another Democrat announces their candidacy for Governor.In segment 1, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango (D) discusses why he decided to run for Governor of West Virginia.In segment 2, Rep. Carol Miller (R) discusses her first year in Congress, the bill to redesignate the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the latest on the investigation into the Clarksburg VA Hospital, and more.In segment 3, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R) gives her thoughts on the latest information on the investigation into the Clarksburg VA Hospital, broadband expansion in West Virginia, redesignating the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and more.In segment 4, Professor John Deskins from the WVU Chambers Coll

On this week's episode, we take a  look at some upcoming programs in schools in West Virginia, we talk to Americans for Prosperity-WV Chapter about their 2019 Legislative Scorecard, and we talk to a high school student and cancer survivor about working with Sen. Manchin.In segment 1, West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice discusses the ongoing "Communities in Schools" ProgramIn segment 2, West Virginia Board of Education President Dave Perry discusses the boards "Statewide Listening Tour"In segment 3, Jason Huffman, of Americans for Prosperity-WV Chapter discusses their 2019 Legislative ScorecardIn segment 4, Nick Spence, a student at George Washington High School and a cancer patient, talks about working with Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) on cancer issues.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode, we talk to the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a State Senator who is running for governor, someone from the West Virginia Department of Education, and a State Delegate/Author.In segment 1, Peter Szijjarto, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, talks about what brought him back to West Virginia and the similarity in West Virginia's and Hungary's economies.In segment 2, West Virginia State Senator Ron Stallings (D-Boone) discusses why he decided to run for Governor and some of what his platform will be.In segment 3, Jacob Green, the Special Assistant to the Chief Career and Technical Education Officer for the West Virginia Department of Education, talks 'Second Chance Job Fair' which brings employers together with people who were previously incarcerated and 'Jobs for Hope,' which is for people who previously had substance addictions.In segment 4, Delegate Larry Rowe (D-Kanawha) talks about the importance of the salt industry in West Virginia and his new book

On this week's episode, we take a look at opioid manufacturer settlements, the state of medical marijuana, and how law enforcement is cracking down on illegal drugs in West Virginia.In segment 1, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Mike Stuart talks about cracking down on drugs in the Mountain State.In segment 2, Attorney Rusty Webb talks about opioid settlements and where they stand, when can West Virginia expect to see that cash.In segment 3, West Virginia State Delegate Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha) talks about the new revenue numbers, if they are concerning, and when will medical cannabis be available in West VirginiaIn segment 4, Steve Mallory, a WOWK employee and a 2019 West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame Inductee, and Tom Resler, Chair of the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame, talk about the upcoming induction ceremony for the Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the at the Museum of Radio and Technology in Huntington, W.Va.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go

On this week's episode, we deep dive into the ongoing investigation into the multiple homicides at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, we talk to a democratic candidate for Governor in West Virginia, and we look at the sports betting apps coming to the Mountain State. In segment 1, Tony O'Dell, an attorney for victims at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, talks about the investigation into the homicides at the medical center. In segment 2, Stephen Smith, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, talks about why he is running for Governor of West Virginia. In segment 3, Tim Dent, Chief Compliance Officer for DraftKings, talks about sports betting apps in West Virginia. For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

In honor of the Labor Day holiday weekend, we spend this week's episode looking at the status of jobs, unemployment, unions, and general labor in West Virginia.In segment 1, Steven Roberts, the President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, discusses the increases in available jobs in West Virginia over the last couple of years.In segment 2, Josh Sword, the President of the West Virginia AFL-CIO, discusses the latest on 'Right to Work' and what issues are facing workers in West Virginia.In segment 3, Chuck Palmer, the Business Manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 132, talks about the road projects going on in West Virginia and the union apprenticeship opportunities that are available.In segment 4, Elaine Harris, a representative for the Communications Workers of America union, talks about pay equality and the gender pay gap in West Virginia.For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp. 

With gun control and gun law reform re-entering the national consciousness, on this week's episode we take a look at how that impacts the Mountain State. In segment 1, Senator Joe Manchin (D) talks about gun law reform, expanded background checks, and closing loopholes. In segment 2, State Delegate Jim Butler (R-Mason) shares his concerns about the call for gun law reform. In segment 3, Dee Price Childers, from Moms Demand Action, calls for gun law reform, red flag laws, and loophole closings. In segment 4, we talk to Sam Petsonk, an attorney representing some of the miners that did not get paid when Blackjewel went under. For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode, we visit the I-79 High Tech Park in Fairmont, West Virginia and talk about the growth of West Virginia’s tech sector. In segment 1, we talk to Jim Estep, President and CEO of the West Virginia High Tech Foundation In segment 2, we talk to Rod Rogers, Vice President for Development of the West Virginia High Tech Foundation In segment 3, we talk to Richard Rock, Airport Director at North Central West Virginia Airport In segment 4, we talk to Tracy Miller, President of the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex. For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

As the 2019-2020 school year gets underway, we take this week's episode to look a the state of education in West Virginia. In segment 1, First Lady of West Virginia Cathy Justice and Assistant West Virginia State Superintendent Michelle Blatt talk about the importance of the "Communities in Schools" programs and the value it brings to kids. In segment 2, West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Paine talks about what the Department of Education is focusing on and what department needs the most help. In segment 3, Dr. Paine talks about the pros and cons of House Bill 206 and weighs in on charter schools. In segment 4, 2019 West Virginia History Teacher of the Year Matt Cox talks about what it means to him to be nominated as teacher of the year and what motivated him to get there. For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode, Inside West Virginia Politics takes a trip to the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, which is only the 24th in history and 2nd in the U.S. In segment 1, Mike Surbaugh, Chief Executive of the Scouts of America, talks about the importance of the World Scout Jamboree and it's impact it has on the scouts. In segment 2, Astronaut and Eagle Scout, Col. Mike Fossum talks about how scouting impacted his life and his guided him to a path of being an astronaut. In segment 3, Adjutant Gen. James Hoyer talks about what the National Guard is doing to make sure the Jamboree runs smoothly. He also talks about how scouting is great for turning kids into leaders for the future. In segment 4, Owen Reid and Jack Sharp, Scouts from Scotland, talk about what the World Scout Jamboree has been like for them, and they even sing a little "Country Roads." For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

This week on Inside West Virginia Politics we go to Washington D.C. and follow coal miners who are fighting for black lung disease funding. We also go to an abandoned coal mine to talk about rare earth elements and the impact they could have on the Mountain State. Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz, director for the West Virginia Water Research Institute talks about what Rare Earth Elements are and the impact they could have on the Mountain State. In the next segment, Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz discusses the environmental impact of Rare Earth Elements and the ongoing trade war with China. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin talks about the obstacles he is facing on Capitol Hill to get black lung funding for Coal Miners. Cecil Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers of America discusses the impact of Miners going to Washington, D.C. and the importance of securing funding for these miners.