Inside West Virginia Politics

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.

On this week's episode, we take a look at the court fight surrounding the question of whether or not 'Obamacare' is constitutional, and we talk to a few people who are running for office in West Virginia in 2020. In segment 1, Gary Zuckett, the Executive Director for West Virginia Citizen Action Group, talks about why WV-CAG opposes the lawsuit saying 'Obamacare' is unconstitutional. In segment 2, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey talks about why he is working to get 'Obamacare' ruled to be unconstitutional In segment 3, Sam Petsonk, who is running as a Democrat for West Virginia Attorney General in 2020, talks about why he is running and what his top priorities would be. In segment 4, Stephen Smith, who is running as a Democrat for Governor of West Virginia in 2020, talks about his grassroots campaign and what should voters know about him and his policies. For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode, we take a look at the opioid epidemic, First Lady Melania Trump's 2nd visit to Huntington, and the race for the West Virginia State Treasurer seat. In segment 1, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R) talks about First Lady Melania Trump's visit to the Huntington, and the impact that the opioid crisis has on the children of the mountain state. In segment 2, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams talks about First Lady Melania Trump's visit and what constructive things the city of Huntington is doing to battle the opioid crisis. In segment 3, West Virginia Treasurer John Perdue talks about why he is running for his 7th term as state treasurer and his accomplishments while working as treasurer. In segment 4, Riley Moore (R) talks about the changes he would like to see if he were to be nominated as state treasurer. He also discusses the current marijuana banking issues faced in the mountain state. For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

On this week's episode, we sit down with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) and talk about how the quality of rural broadband impacts both education and health care in the mountain state. We also get an update on the status of medical marijuana in West Virginia from Delegate Mike Pushkin (R-Kanawha). You can get more Inside West Virginia Politics at wowktv.com/iwvp

We take this week's episode on the water, as we go aboard the riverboat the River Queen to talk about the importance of tourism in West Virginia! In segment 1, Amy Goodwin, Mayor Of Charleston, W.Va.,talks about tourism in the Capitol City. In segment 2, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango talks about sports tourism and the Shawnee Sports Complex. In segment 3, Tim Brady, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, talks about the impact of the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center. In segment 4, Chef Paul Smith, Corporate Chef at Buzz Food Services, talks about culinary tourism in the Mountain State. For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp

On this week's episode, we take a deep dive into the West Virginia Legislature's special session on education reform, charter school, and wrap around services for students. In segment 1, West Virginia Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) talks about the special on education and shares his thoughts on charter schools. In segment 2, Executive Director of the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association, Joe White, discusses the impact of education reform on bus drivers, janitors, and other non-teacher roles in schools. In segment 3, Majority Whip of the West Virginia House of Delegates Paul Espinosa (R-Jefferson) talks about the process of passing the education reform bill in the House. In segment 4, Delegate and teacher Cindy Lavender-Bowe (D-Greenbrier) discusses how her time in the classroom impacted her thoughts on education reform and the importance of wrap-around services for students. For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp

On this week's episode, we talk to people on both sides of two separate controversial issues, Michael Bloomberg's $500 million proposal to close every coal-fired power plant in the United States and the new Charleston city ordinance regarding protesters outside health clinics. In segment 1, Chris Hamilton, Senior Vice President of the West Virginia Coal Association, discusses Michael Bloomberg's $500 million proposal to close every coal-fired power plant in the United States. In segment 2, Bill Price, the regional director of the Sierra Club, discusses Michael Bloomberg's $500 million proposal to close every coal-fired power plant in the United States. In segment 3, Charleston City Councilwoman At Large Caitlin Cook discusses a new Charleston city ordinance regarding protesters outside health clinics. In segment 4, West Virginia House of Delegates candidate Derrick Evans discuss a new Charleston city ordinance regarding protesters outside health clinics. More Inside West Virginia Politics at wowktv.com/iwvp

On this week's episode, we talk about rare earth minerals, take a look at proposed education reform, and there is a House of Delegates campaign announcement. In segment 1, Congressman Alex Mooney (R-West Virginia), talks about rare earth minerals and their impact on West Virginia. In segment 2, State Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson), talks about his education reform plan, the Student Success Act. In segment 3, West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee, gives his thoughts on Sen. Carmichael's education reform plan, the Student Success Act. In segment 4, Rusty Williams, the patient advocate on the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, announces he running for the 35th District's seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates. More Inside West Virginia Politics at wowktv.com/iwvp

With one special session wrapped up, and another looming, on this week's episode, we talk about education reform, medical marijuana, and Memorial Day. In segment 1, Speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay) talks about the special session and education reform. In segment 2, Delegate Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha) talks about the vertical integration of medical marijuana in West Virginia. In segment 3, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey talks about the new claims against the Wheeling-Charleston Catholic Diocese. In segment 4, State Commander of the Order of the Purple Heart Captain James McCormick talks about the history of Memorial Day and the importance of remembering the sacrifices of others. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

On this weeks episode, we talk to Senator Capito about Minden being added to the EPA's priority list and take a deep dive into charter schools and the upcoming special session. In segment 1, Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) talks about Minden, West Virginia being added to the EPA's priority list. In segment 2, Fred Albert, the President of the American Federation of Teachers in West Virginia, talks about the Special Session and why he does not support charter schools. In segment 3, State Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson), advocates for charter schools in West Virginia and talks about the special session In segment 4, State Senator Corey Palumbo (D-Kanawha) talks about the special session and education reform in West Virginia. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

On this week's episode, we talk about how medical marijuana impacts gun ownership, the opioid epidemic, and the state of education in West Virginia. In segment 1, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey talks about the $37 Million settlement with McKesson over the opioid epidemic. In segment 2, Delegate Andrew Robinson (D-Kanawha) talks about what he thinks the $37 Million from the McKesson settlement should be spent on. In segment 3, United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Mike Stuart talks about the Acadia Healthcare settlement and about how you cannot use medical marijuana and own guns under federal law. In segment 4, West Virginia Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Paine talks about the state of education in West Virginia and the series of public forums held. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

This week on Inside West Virginia Politics, to run or not to run? We speak to Senator Joe Manchin and ask if he will challenge Governor Justice. Plus why Sen. Manchin thinks President Trump has the potential to help West Virginians in need. All that and more on this week’s episode. In segment 1, Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) talks about President Trump, healthcare, and a potential run for Governor. In segment 2, Delegate Joshua Higginbotham (R-Putnam), talks about his trip to Washington D.C. to discuss "Opportunity Zones" with the Trump Administration. In segment 3, Delegate Dean Jeffries (R-Kanawha), discusses FEMA flood aid and what people are saying about education in West Virginia. In segment 4, Delegate Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha) discusses medical marijuana and vertical integration. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

In this holiday episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk to religious leaders about the meanings of both Easter and Passover. We also take a look at the needs of charities during the holiday and find out why someone is running against Governor Justice in the primary. In segment 1, Father Brian O'Donnell, Director of the Catholic Conference of West Virginia, talks about the meaning of Easter and the Notre Dame fire. In segment 2, Rabbi Victor Urecki, of the B'nai Jacob Synagogue, talks about the meaning of Passover and the importance of community. In segment 3, Tara Martinez, Executive Director of Manna Meal, talks about the needs of their soup kitchen and how there is an increased need during the holidays. In segment 4, Woody Thrasher, Republican Candidate for Governor of West Virginia, talks about why he decided to run. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

Intuit is one of the biggest high-tech companies in Silicon Valley, and now it is setting up operations in West Virginia, bringing up to 500 jobs. Plus, we preview a unique series of reverse job fairs in the Mountain State, and we will take a look at some of the issues in the upcoming special session. All of that and more on this week's Inside West Virginia Politics. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

This week on Inside West Virginia Politics, we speak to Senator Joe Manchin about jobs. Then we talk with companies and people looking to fill them in the Mountain State. In segment 1, Senator Joe Manchin talks about jobs and the economy in West Virginia. In segment 2, Corey Dornon, of West Virginia Construction Craft Laborers, talks about the opportunities available in the Mountain State. In segment 3, Ken Boggs, the Vice President of Strategy and Operations at N3, talks about what N3 does and what they look for in employees. In segment 4, Tom Conner, Admissions Counselor for BridgeValley Community and Technical College, talks about the opportunities available at their college and how a four-year program is not for everyone. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

Mark Curtis got a chance to talk to U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) about the FEMA budget hearings, Richwood indictments, whether there should be an investigation into the use of flood relief money, and working to stop robocalls. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

Governor Jim Justice signed a slew of bills this week and vetoed many others. We take a look at what that means for medical marijuana, sports betting, roads, and education, in this episode of Inside West Virginia Politics. In segment 1, President of the State Senate, Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson), talks about Senate Bill 1, broadband access, and money for roads. In segment 2, Delegate Shawn Fluharty (D-Ohio) talks about sports betting issues and the veto of the Medical Marijuana Vertical Integration Bill. In segment 3, Delegate Sharon Malcolm (R-Kanawha) talks about the need for more funding for road repair across West Virginia. In segment 4, Delegate Andrew Byrd (D-Kanawha) talks about the campaign finance bill, his concerns about the veto of the Medical Marijuana Vertical Integration Bill, and education reform. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp

This week on Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk jobs with West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin. Plus, as the statewide education forums are in full swing, we hear from the West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Paine. In segment 1, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) talks about jobs in West Virginia and the state of the pensions for coal miners. In segment 2, Dr. Steven Paine, West Virginia's Superintendent of Schools, discusses what they have learned so far from the statewide education forums. In segment 3, State Senator Eric Tarr (R-Putnam), talks about his impressions of the statewide forums on education reform. In segment 4, Anne Barth, of TechConnect West Virginia, discusses the work being done to improve innovation and encourage technological developments in the Mountain State. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp