West Virginia Morning

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.

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.

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.

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. We speak with the superintendent of state police for an update.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. We talk with an expert on infant sleep. Also, we visit the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind to learn about a longtime tradition that has returned.

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.

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.

On this West Virginia Morning, 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 the white tail deer that have lived on the edge of humanity for a very long time.

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.

On this West Virginia Morning, we begin a new series called “Now What? A Series On Parenting.” In this ongoing, occasional series, we'll talk with experts and explore the age old question, "What's best for the baby?" Also, beavers are coming back to West Virginia - we learn why.

On this West Virginia Morning, a new analysis of special education data hopes to advance understanding and solutions for students with the greatest need.

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.

On this West Virginia Morning, our state Senate reporter Briana Heaney sat down with Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, on The Legislature Today to discuss where things stand in the legislative process and how that compares to what they planned to do at the beginning of the session.

On this West Virginia Morning, with just days left of the 2024 West Virginia Legislative session, WVPB reporters Randy Yohe and Briana Heaney sit down to discuss the many bills that have passed or failed this session.

On this West Virginia Morning, amidst a flurry of vaccine legislation, Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice spoke with Dr. Susan Flesher, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Marshall University, for a conversation about vaccination laws in West Virginia.

On this West Virginia Morning, as we enter the final week of the state legislative session, we decided to check in with party leaders to see how they feel about the session and whether they met their priorities. Randy Yohe spoke with Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha. WVPB invited Republican House leaders to join in the discussion, but none were available.

On this West Virginia Morning, this legislative session, we had high school reporters on The Legislature Today who covered issues of interest to them while they also learned about the legislative process. News Director Eric Douglas sat down with Ameera Mustafa and Ben Valleau to hear what they had to say.

On this West Virginia Morning, Willie Carver was Kentucky’s teacher of the year in 2021, but as a gay man, he and some of his students were harassed. So, in 2022, he resigned from Montgomery County High School. Last summer, he released Gay Poems for Red States. The book earned praise and helped turn Carver into a much-followed, outspoken voice on social media. Bill Lynch caught up with Carver.

On this West Virginia Morning, there has been a lot of discussion about artificial intelligence (AI), but many of us use it every day without even thinking about it. Randy Yohe spoke with Joshua Spence, chief information officer for Alpha Technologies, and Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, on what AI means for now and the future.

On this West Virginia Morning, there has been a lot of discussion in the West Virginia Legislature this year about vaccines and whether they should be required in private, parochial or virtual schools. Emily Rice spoke with Del. Chris Pritt, R-Kanawha, and Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, to get their perspectives.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Mountaineer Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves 12 counties in north central West Virginia. On Feb. 8, the council appointed the first woman to serve as its governing board president. Jack Walker spoke with new president Amy Garbrick about her scouting background and gender inclusivity in scouting since the Boy Scouts became co-ed in 2019.

On this West Virginia Morning, a group of Black civil rights leaders in 1905 came together to form the Niagara Movement. Historians describe the group as a precursor to the NAACP. The group was founded in Ontario, Canada. But soon it forged ties with historic Harpers Ferry.

On this West Virginia Morning, parts of Appalachia saw a natural gas boom from fracking, but as fortunes have changed, the industry has left behind dangerous industrial sites — including one near Fairmont, which became a popular hangout spot for the young. Investigative Reporter Justin Nobel has been looking into this and spoke with Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams about what he discovered.

On this West Virginia Morning, many bills and amendments have been introduced in the state legislature this year that focus on women's health policy. But feminine hygiene isn’t one of them. Briana Heaney talks with Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, and Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, about women's health in the state and legislation that affects women.

On this West Virginia Morning, a researcher at Marshall University has discovered an entirely new type of plesiosaur after studying the fossils of two different creatures. News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Robert Clark, the academic laboratory manager for the Biology Department at Marshall to find out more.

On this West Virginia Morning, the demise of eastern Kentucky’s AppHarvest and bills changing the Legislative Auditor's Office.

On this West Virginia Morning, the United States Postal Service (USPS) held a public hearing in Charleston last week where officials discussed their plans to downsize a local mail processing facility. But union representatives came away from the hearing with questions left unanswered. Now, they say their trust in the USPS has only further eroded.

On this West Virginia Morning, 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.

On this West Virginia Morning, having access to childcare so people can go to work is a serious issue in West Virginia for economic development. In our most recent episode of The Legislature Today, Randy Yohe spoke with Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, and Del. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell, to explore the issue.

On this West Virginia Morning, we explore a piece of legislation moving through the statehouse called the "Women's Bill of Rights," and The Allegheny Front brings us a report on the long-term effects of PFAS contamination.

On this West Virginia Morning, bills about crime and punishment come before the state legislature every year. Often, they adjust punishment or even establish a new section of the state’s criminal code. For The Legislature Today, Randy Yohe spoke with Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, and Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, and a former U.S. attorney, to get their take on bills before both chambers.

On this West Virginia Morning, Briana Heaney and Emily Rice spoke with Lori Kersey, a reporter from the independent news organization West Virginia Watch. One of the big stories on Friday from the statehouse was a bill called the Women’s Bill of Rights.

On this West Virginia Morning, tucked away in downtown Morgantown is Yama, a cozy diner that serves up homestyle Japanese food. Since the 1990s, Japanese students have come there to share their common language and culture with the staff. It’s also a place of comfort and connection for everyone.

On this West Virginia Morning, a bill defining what air monitoring systems can and can’t be used in regulatory issues and in court has garnered some spirited and extended debate in the House of Delegates. Also, we have an excerpt from the latest Us & Them podcast, exploring the geography of abortion access in the United States.

On this West Virginia Morning, Randy Yohe sat down with public school teacher Del. Jeff Stephens, R-Marshall, and Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, Chair of the Senate School Choice Committee, for a discussion on homeschooling.

On this West Virginia Morning, it’s been a little more than a year since a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. While there’s been much attention paid to the environmental fallout, many local business owners say they’ve struggled to keep their businesses afloat.

On this West Virginia Morning, to have broadband connectivity for all of West Virginia within five years, there are progress and time markers that must be met. We talk with a lawmaker and stakeholder about meeting those markers.

On this West Virginia Morning, a wildfire in 2016 escaped the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and made it as far as Gatlinburg, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more. Inside Appalachia Host Mason Adams spoke with investigative reporter Tyler Whetstone about new information he’s helped bring to light about the fires.

On this West Virginia Morning, a year ago, a train derailment in the community of East Palestine, Ohio turned the lives of many residents upside down. We hear from a group trying to make a difference when this happens again.

On this West Virgnia Morning, 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.

On this West Virginia Morning, a bill to legalize drug test strips passed both chambers last week. Emily Rice has more.

On this West Virginia Morning, state lawmakers are mulling over countless tax proposals that would directly affect West Virginians and their wallets. On Friday’s episode of The Legislature Today, Randy Yohe spoke with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and Kelly Allen, the executive director at the West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy, to discuss budgets and taxes.

On this West Virginia Morning, school consolidation is always a hot topic in small communities. Giving up longstanding hometown football teams is hard. This week, Inside Appalachia looks at how two old county football rivals came together for something new. Mason Adams has more.

On this West Virginia Morning, a criminal record can follow a person forever – and keep them from job and housing opportunities. More than a quarter of West Virginia adults have a criminal record, even for cases with no conviction or jail time. In the latest episode of Us & Them with host Trey Kay, we look at the road toward a second chance. In this excerpt, Kay talks with 37-year-old Amber Blankenship who hopes to expunge her record.

On this West Virginia Morning, Briana Heaney spoke with Cindi Kirkhart, the chief executive officer of the Facing Hunger Foodbank, and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, to help us better understand food insecurity issues in the state.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia held its winter meeting in Charleston last week. And, Senate Education Chair Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, and teacher Del. Jeff Stephens, R-Marshall, discuss education legislation.

On this West Virginia Morning, Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, sparking a new wave of fighting in a conflict that stretches back at least a decade. As that fighting enters its third year, a small community of Ukrainians, formed around West Virginia University (WVU), recently came together to honor one of the war’s frontline veterans.

On this West Virginia Morning, a new camping ban went into effect in Wheeling this month. But as Chris Schulz reports, advocates for the unhoused community are pushing back.

On this West Virginia Morning, in our latest episode of The Legislature Today, News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, on issues important to him for this general legislative session. We listen to an excerpt.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), which has now been split into three separate agencies, is the subject of ongoing litigation about how the agency cares for children in its care, and how it handles emails and other evidence needed for trial.

On this West Virginia Morning, fewer coal miners are killed on the job than in years past, but black lung remains a persistent problem. A big reason for that is silica dust.

On this West Virginia Morning, Gov. Jim Justice delivered his State of the State address Wednesday evening and gave his 2025 budget proposal. In our first episode of The Legislature Today, our daily news show that covers the West Virginia Legislature, Statehouse Reporter Randy Yohe spoke with Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, and House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, to get their response.

On this West Virginia Morning, Gov. Jim Justice gave his final state of the state address Wednesday night, and our latest Us & Them brings us a conversation with Cassidy Hutchinson, who worked in the Trump administration.

On this West Virginia Morning, candidates for local, state and federal offices can file for the May 14 Primary Election until midnight on Saturday, Jan. 27, and we talk with registered dietician and WVU Extension specialist Gina Wood about more sustainable changes to have a larger impact on your health in the long-term.

On this West Virginia Morning, ten years ago, a state of emergency and water advisory was issued for nine West Virginia counties following a chemical spill in the Elk River. We look back on that day and the effects of the past decade.

On this West Virginia Morning, foster kids often don't have anywhere to go when they turn 18, but a new program in Philippi, Barbour County is working to help provide housing and work for some of them.

One West Virginia Morning we get an update on the two West Virginia State Troopers injured in a shooting last month and learn about the origins of the folklife books known as Foxfire.

On this West Virginia Morning, Blenko Glass has been making everything from stem and table ware to decorative glass figurines for more than a century and proposed federal protections for the spring salamander.

On this West Virginia Morning, a look at access to dental care and the effect of new state vehicle inspection rules.

A WVU student looks at the effect of outdoor education on student success, and a look at improvements to the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

On this West Virginia Morning, the holidays are an important time for everyone to rest and relax. But as Chris Schulz reports, students off from school can still benefit from mental and physical activities.

On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia has its own version of the Polar Express. Briana Heaney rode along on the Christmas Train at Cass State Park to see what this new offering is all about.

On this West Virginia Morning, a Shepherd University professor is overseeing research to make aircraft communication more secure. Caroline MacGregor sat down with Assistant Professor of Business Administration George Ray to talk about his cutting-edge research.

The selection of this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest is drawing attention to the classic holiday decoration.

On this West Virginia Morning, Appalachia has been a destination for rock climbers for decades, but now more rock-climbing groups are choosing Appalachia as a destination because of its accessibility and inclusiveness. Adaptive sports reporter Emily Chen-Newton has this story.

On this West Virginia Morning, both of West Virginia’s major food banks purchase fresh produce from West Virginia farmers. But a farmer-food bank flap had some social media pages heated up – and demonstrated the value of a written contract. Randy Yohe has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, a new book by fisheries research scientist and West Virginia University (WVU) professor Stuart Welsh showcases some of the lesser-known kinds of fish in central Appalachia. Bill Lynch spoke with Welsh about his book Hornyheads, Madtoms and Darters.

On this West Virginia Morning, Pennsylvania is the biggest producer of mushrooms in the United States; followed by California. Foragers and foraging clubs find the fungus in the wild, while small farms are growing unique mushrooms to meet demand. Kat Bolus from WVIA brings us this story.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah began at sundown on Thursday. Also known as “The Festival of Lights,” the celebration has taken on a new meaning in the context of the war in Gaza. Chris Schulz spoke with Rabbi Zalman Gurevitch of the Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center at West Virginia University (WVU) on the first night of Hanukkah.

On this West Virginia Morning, we take a deep dive into the mosh pit and the hardcore music scene of Roanoke, Virginia with music photographer Chelse Warren. Inside Appalachia Host Mason Adams has more.

On this West Virginia Morning, the holiday season is full of gatherings, get-togethers and parties. At some point in many of them, someone brings out a box to play a game. West Virginia native Harrison Reishman has one he’d like you to try. It’s called Story Wars – a card game where players battle to come up with the wildest, craziest story.

n this West Virginia Morning, Virginia’s first modern apple cidery Foggy Ridge helped launch a craft cider industry in Virginia, but while the cider business closed in 2018, the farm stayed open. Owner and orchardist Diane Flynt now sells apples to other cider makers and has a new book out. Radio IQ’s Roxy Todd visited Flynt’s farm in Southwest Virginia and has this story.

On this West Virginia Morning, as an alternative to the indoor shopping extravaganza known as Black Friday, a movement called “hashtag opt outside” urges people to get closer to parks, trails, community areas and the joy of being outdoors on that particular day. Randy Yohe took full advantage of the Friday alternative, going on a Blackwater Falls State Park birding hike.

On this West Virginia Morning, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin announced his retirement from the Senate last month. Curtis Tate spoke with Manchin earlier this week about that decision – what he wants to do next and what he accomplished during his time in office.

On this West Virginia Morning, our news department this week has looked at human trafficking in the state. For this final installment, we’ll hear a survivor story.

On this West Virginia Morning, we continue with the second of our three-part series on human trafficking in West Virginia. We talk with law enforcement experts about how to spot human trafficking and the ways it is being investigated.

On this West Virginia Morning, human trafficking is a topic many in law enforcement are discussing these days. But often there is some misunderstanding about it.

On this West Virginia Morning, Curtis Tate spoke with Sam Workman, director of the Institute for Policy Research and Public Affairs at West Virginia University, about what Sen. Joe Manchin’s departure means for Democrats and what it would take to fill the void he’ll leave.

On this West Virginia Morning, calling a square dance is a skill that's been handed down for generations, but some of the language used can be a little old-fashioned. A growing number of callers are updating that language to be more inclusive.

On this West Virginia Morning, ongoing court cases involving West Virginia corrections and foster care agencies have raised concerns on retaining state agency emails as lawsuit evidence. Lawmakers are now getting responses in making sure that needed emails are not lost.

On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginians are experiencing mental illness at rates higher than the national average. And it's even worse in southern West Virginia.

On this West Virginia Morning, quilts have been handed down for generations, but the tradition gets a little patchy in some places. In Hazard, Kentucky, Emily Jones Hudson noticed fewer quilters, especially among African Americans. So, she started a quilting workshop to help recapture some history.

On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia expects to receive about $1 billion of opioid settlement money. The money can go to programs to help abate the opioid crisis. Leaders of one recovery organization hope to use some of that money to help their rural community recover from the crisis.

On this West Virginia Morning, lung cancer and smoking rates in the state lag behind the rest of the country and aren’t showing any signs of improvement, according to a new report.

On this West Virginia Morning, HIV/AIDS is on the rise in Monongalia County as a group of WVU medical students learned recently on a Zoom call with Dr. Anthony Fauci. Emily Rice has more.

On this West Virginia Morning, we learn how a project at WVU studying the environmental effects of acid rain in the Fernow Experimental Forest in Tucker County is inviting local students to participate, and we explore ideas for including loved ones with dementia into holiday celebrations.

On this West Virginia Morning, Hershel “Woody” Williams was an American hero, the last living World War II recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor and a proud West Virginian. After a lifetime of service, the Marion County native died last summer at the age of 93. West Virginia Public Broadcasting explores the life and legacy of Williams in “Woody Williams: An Extraordinary Life of Service.”

On this West Virginia Morning, a West Virginia based nonprofit is filling a therapeutic need for veterans and first responders by training service dogs. Caroline MacGregor has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia native JC Lasek’s latest play is about a West Virginia family in the 1980s who struggle with the ups and downs of the economy at the time – the coal strikes. It is showing through Nov. 12 at the Raleigh Theatre in Beckley. Briana Heaney sat down with Lasek to talk about the production.

On this West Virginia Morning, the dire shortage of EMT’s and paramedics across West Virginia is now trending in a positive direction. Randy Yohe spoke with Jody Ratliff, director of the State Office of Emergency Medical Services, on meeting the challenges facing those who come to our aid.

family comes from McDowell County. His first book, The Moonshine Messiah, is a mystery set in the coalfields of West Virginia. Bill Lynch spoke to Johnson about his book and the long road to getting published.

On this West Virginia Morning, Randy Yohe speaks with Dylan Oliveto, the founder of SCARS Support Services. SCARS stands for “shared compassion and resource services” – an organization to help first responders in times of personal crisis.

On this West Virginia Morning, in recognition of National Diabetes Month, Caroline MacGregor looks into the reasons for the high numbers in West Virginia and shares a doctor’s advice for diabetes management and prevention.

On this West Virginia Morning, ghost and goblins and things that go bump in the night are a big part of the spooky Halloween story. But are ghosts always scary? Eclectopia host Jim Lange brings us a story about a haunted local boat that the owner says is just fine with him.

On this West Virginia Morning, Pennsylvania’s natural areas look a lot different today than just a few decades ago – largely because of non-native plants. The Allegheny Front’s Julie Grant reports on an effort to educate people about how their plant choices affect the natural world.