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West Virginia Morning

Whether it’s important news events, interesting features about people and places, the latest in environmental news, stories about education or the economy, West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s team of experienced reporters bring listeners in depth stories and interviews from around the state.

Listen at 7:43 a.m. Monday-Friday on WVPB Radio.

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West Virginia Week

West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast from West Virginia Public Broadcasting that looks back at the major news of the week. Listen every Saturday at 8 a.m.

Episodes

WVPB Staff,Mar. 15, 2024

Book Explores Mysteries Of White Tail Deer And James McMurtry Has Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Mar. 14, 2024

Remembering Travis Stimeling And The Debate Over Weed Killer Dicamba, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Mar. 13, 2024

WVPB Launches New Parenting Series And State’s Beaver Population Is On The Rise, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Mar. 12, 2024

New Analysis On Special Education And A Look At Growing Flood Events, This West Virginia Morning

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

WVPB Staff,Mar. 11, 2024

The Brasstown Carvers And 2024 State Legislative Session Comes To A Close, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Mar. 08, 2024

State Senators Talk Latest In 2024 Session And Nellie McKay Has Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Mar. 07, 2024

A Legislative Reporter Recap And A Look At Air Emissions From Fracking, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Mar. 06, 2024

Understanding Vaccination Laws In The State On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Mar. 05, 2024

Lawmakers Look To Budget In Final Week Of Session, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Mar. 04, 2024

Student Reporters Share Experience Working On The Legislature Today, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Mar. 01, 2024

New Book ‘Gay Poems For Red States’ And Amy Ray Band Has Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 29, 2024

Future Of AI And Issues With Natural Gas Storage Wells, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 28, 2024

Lawmakers Discuss Vaccines In Private, Virtual Schools, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 27, 2024

A Conversation With New Mountaineer Area Council Boy Scout Chair Amy Garbrick, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 26, 2024

New Documentary Highlights Niagara Movement On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 23, 2024

Investigative Reporter Looks At Fracking Near Fairmont And Wilco Has Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 22, 2024

Lawmakers Discuss Women’s Health Needs On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 21, 2024

Marshall Researcher Discovers New Type Of Plesiosaur, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 20, 2024

Changing The Legislative Auditor’s Office And The Fall Of AppHarvest, This West Virginia Morning

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

WVPB Staff,Feb. 19, 2024

Cutbacks In The U.S. Postal Service And A Reporter Roundtable On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 16, 2024

The Importance Of Corridor H And Phish Has Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 15, 2024

Better Childcare Access For Better Economic Development On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 14, 2024

‘The Women’s Bill Of Rights’ And PFAS Contamination On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 13, 2024

Senate Approves Bill To Prohibit Smoking In Car With Minors, And Lawmakers Talk Crime, Punishment Legislation, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 12, 2024

Reporters Discuss ‘Women’s Bill of Rights’ Legislation On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 09, 2024

Japanese Diner Brings Connection And Robbie Fulks Has Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 08, 2024

Air Monitoring Systems And The Geography Of Abortion On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 07, 2024

A Discussion On Homeschooling, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 06, 2024

Election Integrity And How Businesses In East Palestine Are Staying Afloat, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 05, 2024

Hurdles To Broadband Connectivity On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 02, 2024

New Information On 2016 Great Smoky Mountains Wildfire And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Feb. 01, 2024

Ohio Residents Look Ahead 1 Year After East Palestine Train Derailment, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 31, 2024

LGBTQ Rights Groups Discuss Concerns With 2024 Legislation, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 30, 2024

Legalizing Drug Test Strips And Tackling EMS Needs On This West Virginia Morning

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

WVPB Staff,Jan. 29, 2024

Budgets, Taxes And Clean Energy Jobs On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 26, 2024

Football Rivals Come Together In School Consolidation On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 25, 2024

The Road To A Second Chance On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 24, 2024

Understanding The Scope Of W.Va. Food Insecurity, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 23, 2024

Recap Of Oil And Gas Association’s Winter Meeting And Lawmakers Talk Education, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 22, 2024

Ukrainians In Morgantown Honor Front Line Veteran, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 18, 2024

Camping Ban In Wheeling And State Lawmakers Talk DHHR Restructuring, This West Virginia Morning

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. 

WVPB Staff,Jan. 17, 2024

Hydrogen Hubs In W.Va. And A Conversation With Senate President Blair, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 16, 2024

Ongoing Litigation Of DHHR And A Conversation With House Speaker Hanshaw, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 15, 2024

Reducing Black Lung Risk And WVU Graduate Talks EYES Shelter, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 12, 2024

WVPB’s ‘The Legislature Today’ Kicks Off And Chuck Prophet Has Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 11, 2024

A Recap Of Justice’s Final State Of The State And A Conversation With Cassidy Hutchinson, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 10, 2024

Primary Election Candidate Filing And Health-Focused New Year’s Resolutions, This West Virginia

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 09, 2024

Remembering The Elk River Chemical Spill 10 Years Later On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 08, 2024

Helping Foster Kids Find Work, Housing After 18 On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 05, 2024

Foxfire Book Origins And The Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 04, 2024

Glassblowing Traditions And Protecting An Endangered Salamander, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Jan. 03, 2024

Accessing Dental Care And Fracking Near Pregnancy, This West Virginia Morning

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

WVPB Staff,Jan. 02, 2024

Outdoor Education And Improving West Virginia Corrections, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 21, 2023

Staying Active During The Holidays And Us & Them Reflects On 2023, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 20, 2023

Taking A Ride On W.Va.’s Own Polar Express, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 19, 2023

Shepherd Professor Talks Aircraft Communication Research On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 18, 2023

Learning About Christmas Tree Safety, This West Virginia Morning

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

WVPB Staff,Dec. 15, 2023

Rock Climbing In Appalachia And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 14, 2023

W.Va. Farmer-Food Bank Flap And Us & Them Remembers An Unlikely Friendship, This West Virginia Morning

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. 

WVPB Staff,Dec. 13, 2023

Fish In Central Appalachia And The Looming DHHR Split, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 12, 2023

Mushroom Growers And The Latest On Charleston’s Gas Outage, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 11, 2023

How Hanukkah Has Taken On New Meaning Amid War In Gaza, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 08, 2023

Roanoke’s Hardcore Music Scene And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 06, 2023

Card Game Inspires Players To Be Storytellers On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 05, 2023

Medication Guidance And A Visit To Virginia Farm Foggy Ridge, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 04, 2023

10 Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s And Birding On Black Friday, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Dec. 01, 2023

A Talk With Manchin And Postal Workers Union Hopes To Prevent Closure At W.Va. Processing Center, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 30, 2023

A Human Trafficking Survivor From W.Va. Shares Her Story, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 29, 2023

Spotting And Investigating Human Trafficking, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 28, 2023

Human Trafficking In W.Va. And Recent Resignation Of University President Raises Questions, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 27, 2023

What Manchin’s Departure Means For Democrats On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 22, 2023

Trust In Science And Making Square Dancing More Inclusive On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 21, 2023

Keeping State Agency Emails And Playing Bluegrass With Spoons On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 20, 2023

Mental Health Issues In Southern W.Va. And Mushroom Hunting Growing In Popularity, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 17, 2023

Kentucky Quilting Workshop And Our Song Of The Week On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 16, 2023

Boone County Community Hopeful Opioid Settlement Dollars Will Bring Recovery, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 15, 2023

‘Gear Up’ Tackles College Enrollment Challenges And State Smoking Rates Lag Behind Nation, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 14, 2023

HIV/AIDS On The Rise In Monongalia County And A Look At Soul Food Traditions In Appalachia, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 13, 2023

Dementia And The Holidays And WVU Project Includes Students In Acid Rain Research, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 09, 2023

WVPB’s Latest Documentary On Woody Williams And The ‘Us & Them’ Dinner Party Returns, This West Virginia Morning

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.”

WVPB Staff,Nov. 08, 2023

Nonprofit Trains Service Dogs For Veterans, First Responders On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 07, 2023

New Play Explores 1980s Coal Strikes And Sen. Capito Talks Legislation For Caregivers, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 06, 2023

Issues With Weedkiller Round Up And W.Va.’s EMT Shortage Is Improving, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 03, 2023

A Mystery Novel From The Coalfields And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 02, 2023

Helping First Responders In Times Of Personal Crisis On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Nov. 01, 2023

Diabetes Management And Prevention On This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 31, 2023

A Playful Ghost On A Haunted Boat, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 30, 2023

How Plant Choices Affect The Natural World, This West Virginia Morning

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.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 27, 2023

Virginia’s Mythic Delirium And Our Song Of The Week On This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, Virginia-based writer Mike Allen runs Mythic Delirium. It started out as a sci-fi poetry zine, but now it publishes books. Inside Appalachia Host Mason Adams spoke with Allen about sci-fi, fantasy and horror in Appalachia.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 26, 2023

Kenova Pumpkins And Diminished Trust In Media On This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, thousands of visitors from all over the region visit the small town of Kenova each year to see more than 3,000 pumpkins aglow for the Halloween weekend. Briana Heaney has the story.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 25, 2023

A Conversation With Novelist Jayne Anne Phillips And Writing About A Lunatic Asylum, This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, Upshur County native and bestselling novelist Jayne Anne Phillips is the author of six books, including her latest Night Watch, a story which takes place at the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum several years after the Civil War ended. Bill Lynch spoke with Phillips about writing novels and growing up near the asylum.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 24, 2023

Clearing Up Respiratory Health Confusion And Improving Early Childhood Literacy This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, health experts work to clear up confusion as we enter the respiratory illness season, and a new law is now in effect across West Virginia to implement more effective reading education.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 23, 2023

Tackling The School Bus Driver Shortage On This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, a continuing West Virginia school bus driver shortage has bus routes being canceled daily and parents scrambling to get their children to school. Randy Yohe talks with three school transportation directors about the challenges they face, and anything that might increase this struggling workforce.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 20, 2023

Clawhammer Banjo Player Aunt Jeanie Wilson And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, dignitaries recently gathered to honor clawhammer banjo player Aunt Jeanie Wilson with a Legends and Lore signpost unveiled in Chief Logan State Park. Briana Heaney was there and has this story.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 19, 2023

Eco-Friendly Weddings And Childcare Costs Post-Pandemic On This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, on a national level, the end of pandemic-era benefits will affect childcare costs and access. West Virginia hopes to avoid those short fallings by relying on individual childcare subsidies that date back to the 1960s. Emily Rice has more.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 18, 2023

A Conversation With Author Kent Krueger On This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, the Black Infant and Maternal Health Working Group hosted a breakfast and meet-and-greet with lawmakers Monday at the State Capitol Complex. Emily Rice has more.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 17, 2023

Appalachian Cryptids And Why The Leaves Change Color On This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, the weather is getting cooler, the days shorter, and the leaves have started changing. Briana Heaney sat down with Park Ranger Dave Bieri at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in the New River Gorge to talk about why the leaves change colors and where to go to see some of these warm fall hues.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 16, 2023

Pop-Up Clinics In Charleston And A Discussion On Trust In Science, This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, a nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics will deliver free dental, vision and medical care to those in need in Charleston. Emily Rice has more.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 13, 2023

A Conversation With Author Corey Doctorow And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, Bill Lynch speaks with science fiction and technology writer Corey Doctorow, who will present this year’s McCreight Lecture at the University of Charleston.

WVPB Staff,Oct. 12, 2023

Friendships Across Political Divides And Preventing Election Fraud On This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, Randy Yohe spoke with Secretary of State Mac Warner and ERIC past chair and current board member Meghan Wolfe about the best ways to keep the state’s and the nation’s voter rolls clean.