On this West Virginia Morning, Government Reporter Randy Yohe talks with Sen. Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, and Del. Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, about proposed early childhood education reforms to ensure literacy. The renewed focus comes after state and national test results in 2022 showed steep declines in reading and math scores.

On this West Virginia Morning, reporter Chris Schulz sat down with budget policy expert Sean O’Leary from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy to discuss the proposed state budget and the potential possibilities.

On this West Virginia Morning, many West Virginians at some point are faced with the problem of taking over their parent’s finances and care. As part of his ongoing series, "Getting Into Their Reality: Caring For Aging Parents," News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Franki Parsons, a Charleston attorney who specializes in estate planning and works with families who may need a conservatorship or a guardianship.

On this West Virginia Morning, reporter Chris Schulz sits down with Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, to talk about his plan for this year’s legislative session. Improvements to the state’s educational system, departmental restructuring and promised tax cuts are on Blair’s agenda this year.

On this West Virginia Morning, reporter Chris Schulz spoke with Margaret Pomponio, CEO of reproductive health and rights advocacy group WV FREE, to learn more about HB 2002. If passed, the bill would create the West Virginia Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support program and fund Pregnancy Help Organizations to encourage women to give birth in the case of unplanned pregnancy.The bill comes after the legislature passed a law during last summer’s special session that outlaws abortion with a few exceptions for rape and to preserve the life of the mother.

On This West Virginia Morning, West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s show The Legislature Today returned to the air last night with a response to the governor’s State of the State Address. Reporter Chris Schulz spoke with Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel and House Minority Leader Doug Skaff to get their reactions.

On this West Virginia Morning, Gov. Jim Justice’s seventh State of the State address Wednesday night covered a wide range of proposed initiatives, including a personal income tax cut and putting half a billion dollars toward economic development.

On this West Virginia Morning, we continue our series “Getting Into Reality: Caring For Aging Parents” with our second interview. News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Teresa Morris, program director for the West Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. They discussed what Alzheimer's is and what it means for the caregiver.

On this West Virginia Morning, Martinsburg native and Miss West Virginia Elizabeth Lynch has been making waves nationally as the third-runner up in this year’s Miss America competition, using her platform to be a voice for Appalachian agriculture.

Reporter Curtis Tate spoke with Halle Cheeseman, program director for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency, about the type of iron air batteries set to be manufactured in West Virginia and how they’re used.

On this West Virginia Morning, the washboard is a traditional tool for doing laundry. It’s also a rhythm instrument. At one place in Appalachia, it is seeing a revival. Folkways Reporter Capri Cafaro brought us this story.

On this West Virginia Morning, with statewide Emergency Medical Service worker numbers still down a third, there’s plenty of overtime for those often making life and death ambulance runs. With all that overtime, there’s overwhelming stress – and a dire need for more EMS mental health support. Government Reporter Randy Yohe has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, the WVPB news team has launched a new, occasional series titled “Getting Into Their Reality: Caring For Aging Parents.” It’s focused on the challenges that come with caring for aging parents in West Virginia — from dementia to Alzheimer’s to mobility issues.

On this West Virginia Morning, major challenges remain across the state in recruiting and retaining enough emergency medical service workers to keep ambulances running. Government Reporter Randy Yohe spoke with state Emergency Medical Director Jody Ratliff on all that’s being done to keep the first responder EMT department fully staffed.

On this West Virginia Morning, parishioners at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Bluefield spend 40 days before Christmas abstaining from eggs, meat and dairy – but that doesn’t mean they still can’t enjoy something a little sweet. Folkways Reporter Connie Bailey Kitts has this story about a Greek-Appalachian cookie recipe.

On this West Virginia Morning, the holidays can be a difficult time for many people, including those in recovery from substance use disorder. Monongalia County Health Department Threat Preparedness specialist Joe Klass sat down with reporter Chris Schulz to remind listeners of the accessibility and usefulness of the overdose-reversing medication naloxone.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Infrastructure Investment Act is bringing millions of dollars for construction and development across the state. As Chris Schulz reports, thanks to a training program, West Virginia is well positioned to meet the demand for more workers with skilled women.

On this West Virginia Morning, Government Reporter Randy Yohe spoke with West Virginia's new Commerce Secretary James Bailey on the challenges of managing a diverse department that includes everything from forestry to rehabilitation services.

On this West Virginia Morning, we hear from Justin Nobel, an investigative reporter covering the oil and gas industry in Appalachia. Inside Appalachia host Mason Adams caught up with Nobel, who has been writing about health and environmental justice concerns at a facility in eastern Ohio that processes radioactive oilfield waste.

On this West Virginia Morning, our very own Larry Groce contributed to the local music scene even before he helped found Mountain Stage. He has received honors and accolades for his work, but this weekend he is receiving something unexpected. He is going to receive an honorary doctoral degree from WVU.

On this West Virginia Morning, reporter Amelia Knisely spoke with Major Joseph May, area commander for the Salvation Army of Central West Virginia, which serves Boone, Clay, Kanawha, Logan, Mingo, Putnam and Roane counties.

On this West Virginia Morning, as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming 2023 regular state legislative session, they do so with a near historic imbalance of political party power. Government Reporter Randy Yohe spoke with the leaders of both state political parties on what brought them to this point and their expectations for the future.

On this West Virginia Morning, the state has not been immune to a countrywide shortage of certified bus drivers to provide transportation for students. As Education Reporter Chris Schulz reports, the problem and its solution lies with each county and its school system.

On this West Virginia Morning, the state is among the national leaders in apprenticeships. Government Reporter Randy Yohe reports on a growing vocational trend that seems well fitted to the Mountain State’s workforce. Also, in this show, we learn about a new Christmas book that celebrates West Virginia's counties.

On this West Virginia Morning, college football in West Virginia is usually associated with the West Virginia Mountaineers and Marshall Thundering Herd. But Shepherd University’s loyal fans in the Eastern Panhandle will cheer on their football program when they play in the Division II semifinals this weekend.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) is now working to implement recommendations from the independent McChrystal analysis group to improve internal communications and client outcomes. Government Reporter Randy Yohe spoke with DHHR Cabinet Secretary Bill Crouch on the progress so far.

On this West Virginia Morning, News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Dr. Michael Stevens, WVU Health System's Healthcare Epidemiologist, about flu, COVID-19 and keeping your family safe this holiday season.

On this West Virginia Morning, it didn’t take long after the recent general election for several political candidates to announce they’re running for state and federal offices in 2024. More are expected to announce in the next few weeks. But are they officially on the ballot? Government Reporter Randy Yohe spoke with State Election Director Deak Kersey from Secretary of State Mac Warner’s office on how declaring yourself a political candidate really works.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Monongalia County Quick Response Team was launched in 2019 as a collaboration among public health, first responders, and other health care and private partners. As Chris Schulz reports, robust community responses efforts like these have been built to tackle the state’s opioid epidemic head on.

Drug and alcohol abuse has torn West Virginia families apart and separated parents from their children. But a recent family court graduation shows how a community can come together to change that. Ten parents in Nicholas County celebrated a big milestone in their sobriety as they’ve been reunited with their children. Amelia Knisely has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, earlier this year, the state legislature revitalized the West Virginia Film Office, as well as the state’s film tax credits. The bill went into effect in July and as Chris Schulz reports, in just five months, the state’s film industry is already seeing a bump.

On this West Virginia Morning, there are two schools of thought dominating the politics of improving West Virginia’s education systems. Some promote non-traditional education, while others say public schools must be prioritized. Government Reporter Randy Yohe offers some points and counterpoints on the state’s education debate.

On this West Virginia Morning, another birthing center in a hospital has closed, worsening West Virginia’s critical shortage of care for its mothers and babies. Amelia Knisely has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, William R. Sharpe Hospital is a state-run facility for patients with mental illnesses. Some have raised concerns about the care provided at the hospital and DHHR Secretary Bill Crouch came into our studio to respond. News Director Eric Douglas sat down with him last week.

On this West Virginia Morning, most of us think of Thanksgiving as a time to get together with family for a large meal. But many West Virginians struggle this time of year, and the food banks are struggling to keep up, too. Assistant News Director Caroline MacGregor has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, economic development and education are two issues that loom large as state legislators prepare for the 2023 regular session. Randy Yohe reports that leaders in the West Virginia House of Delegates from both parties have different views on the varied priority issues that need to be addressed.

On this West Virginia Morning, we talk with two authors about their new books. One, from folklorist Emily Hilliard, explores visionary folklore and everyday culture in Appalachia. The second book, from West Virginia University’s James Van Nostrand looks at West Virginia’s reluctance to let go of coal.

On this West Virginia Morning, a new book called “Y’all Means All: Emerging Voices Queering Appalachia” is challenging the stereotypes and marginalization faced by LGBTQ Appalachians. It shows how the public perception is changing. Mason Adams has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, historic flooding in southeastern Kentucky this summer took lives, destroyed property and at least temporarily cut people off from some of their traditions — like playing music in church. With the help of friends and neighbors, some of these musicians have been able to reconnect with their music.

On this West Virginia Morning, throughout the 20th century, people left Appalachia in search of jobs and opportunities. Some Appalachians came to a part of Atlanta, Georgia for work, bringing with them their mountain culture. Jess Maydor has this story about Cabbagetown.

On this West Virginia Morning, News Director Eric Douglas talks with Affrilachian poet Frank X. Walker about coining the term “Affrilachia” and about his latest work — a children’s book that uses the alphabet to identify and focus on people of color who grew up in Appalachia. It’s called A is For Appalachia.

On this West Virginia Morning, for many Black communities, music is an essential component of end-of-life rituals. When a loved one dies, families often call on a singer to perform at a funeral to offer comfort and healing. Inside Appalachia Folkways Reporter Leeshia Lee spoke with her cousin, Michelle Dyess, about being a funeral singer in Charleston.

On this West Virginia Morning, some states this fall are redefining their laws and policies on abortion. The move comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. In our newest episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay takes a look at where things stand.

On this West Virginia Morning, voters made their voices heard in the 2022 General Election. The GOP has maintained its control of the West Virginia Legislature, U.S. Reps. Carol Miller and Alex Mooney have held onto their seats in Congress, and West Virginia voters have rejected all four proposed amendments to the state constitution. Randy Yohe joins Teresa Wills to discuss the results.

On this West Virginia Morning, Government Reporter Randy Yohe brings us this final preview of ‘Amendment 2’ as voters head to the polls for the 2022 General Election.

On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginians will vote Tuesday in new districts after the state redistricting in 2021. For some voters, it will be the first time they elect only one delegate to the House.

On this West Virginia Morning, snake handling churches play a style of Appalachian music few know much about. That music is the subject of a new podcast called “Alabama Astronaut.” Folkways Reporter Zack Harold recently spoke with co-host Abe Partridge about how a project intended to document this music ended up being about a whole lot more.

On this West Virginia Morning, people with disabilities are being abused in state-run facilities, and lawmakers want answers from the state health department. Amelia Knisely has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, we take a look at Amendment 1, which relates to the checks and balances of the legislative and judicial branches of state government. Randy Yohe previews a voter's decision-making process on what’s fair or not fair regarding impeachment procedures.

On this West Virginia Morning, Amendment 3 asks West Virginia voters if churches should be allowed to incorporate, and Deputy Superintendent Michele Blatt talks about education after the pandemic.

On this West Virginia Morning, a spooky tale kicks off Halloween in the Mountain State.

On this West Virginia Morning, the state’s best-known cryptid is back in the locally produced movie “Return of the Mothman.” Inside Appalachia producer Bill Lynch spoke with film director Herb Gardner about why people are still interested in the Mothman.

On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia surpassed 7,500 COVID-19 deaths earlier this week, and this has affected some counties in the state differently than others. Chris Schulz has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, Wetzel County has seen the state's highest rate of COVID-19 deaths. Amelia Knisely explored how the pandemic has impacted its community.

On this West Virginia Morning, Lynn Pechuekonis in 2017 moved into her residence in Harpers Ferry, soon discovering it was the previous home of the longest serving Black teacher at the historic Storer College. Pechuekonis’ curiosity and research led her to create a biography about that teacher, William Saunders. Reporter Shepherd Snyder spoke with Pechuekonis about her book Man of Sterling Worth: Professor William A. Saunders of Storer College.

On this West Virginia Morning, there is a 100-year-old building in southern West Virginia that is for sale. But it's not just a building, it is a cultural and personal landmark for many. Jessica Lilly spoke with real estate agent and historian David Sibray about the property.

On this West Virginia Morning, the last two weeks, we’ve looked at various aspects of the tourism industry in our state, and there are a lot of jobs in the hospitality industry. But where do people learn to do the work? Liz McCormick spoke with Tami Maynard, who works with West Virginia HEAT — a program that is dedicated to training the next generation of hospitality workers in West Virginia.

On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia has more than 500 miles of rail trails, and the state is poised to get increased funding from recent federal legislation to build more. But as Curtis Tate reports, there are challenges getting the funding to cities and counties so they can make their rail trails connect to others.

On this West Virginia Morning, visitors for generations have come to West Virginia for the scenery and a taste of adventure, but over the past few years, they’re coming to sample something else. Bill Lynch talks to some West Virginia distillers about whiskey and tourism.

On this West Virginia Morning, while West Virginia is within driving range of a large percentage of the country, many visitors fly here. Caroline MacGregor looks at the role of airports in promoting the state’s growing tourism sector.

On this West Virginia Morning, a proposed major hiking trail, rivaling the Appalachian Trail, is slated to run through West Virginia. But as Jessica Lilly reports, when hikers get to southern West Virginia, they find a trail that is incomplete.

On this West Virginia Morning, as West Virginia becomes renowned for its outdoor tourism spots, short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb and Vrbos are becoming more in demand. Shepherd Snyder has more on how these affect the state and its tourism communities.

On this West Virginia Morning, Amendment 4 on the Nov. 8 ballot will give the West Virginia Legislature authority to review all rules and policies set by the state Board of Education. Randy Yohe spoke with two West Virginia teachers who both hold positions of power and have very different views on the amendment.

On this West Virginia Morning, tourism is a major component in southern West Virginia’s transition from a coal-based economy. As Randy Yohe reports, tourism success in the coalfields seems to begin and end with a network of ATV trails, but it’s what’s in the middle that creates the challenges.

On this West Virginia Morning, the WVPB news team kicks-off a new radio series focused on the state of tourism in West Virginia. We begin this two-week series with a story from News Director Eric Douglas, who takes a closer look at tourism jobs in the state.

On this West Virginia Morning, we hear from award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver who is the 2022 Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence at Shepherd University. Liz McCormick talks with Kingsolver about her Appalachian roots and how they inspire key themes and ideas in her stories.

On this West Virginia Morning, Congress in August passed the Honoring our PACT Act, intended to significantly improve healthcare access and funding for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. As Chris Schulz reports, a team at West Virginia University is studying how exposure to toxic substances from military burn pits affect veterans’ health.

On this West Virginia Morning, Randy Yohe talks with state business development manager Meghan Smith and workforce developer Dave Lavender about the re-established West Virginia Film Office and revamped Film Tax Credit. They say film production companies bringing new revenues and jobs may soon be calling out lights, camera, action.

On this West Virginia Morning, Inside Appalachia’s Bill Lynch speaks with Ohio poet Sara Moore Wagner about “Hillbilly Madonna,” her new book of poems that celebrates hope and resilience in the experience of Appalachian women.

On this West Virginia Morning, we hear from reporter Chris Schulz as he discusses tick safety and prevention with state health officer Dr. Ayne Amjad. Also, West Virginia’s Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Tuesday on the appeal to lift the permanent injunction on the Hope Scholarship program.

On this West Virginia Morning, we learn about the slow, northerly migration of the armadillo to Appalachia, which is now being spotted in the mountains of western Virginia. Inside Appalachia host Mason Adams spoke with Seth Thompson, a biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, who took the first reports on the arrival of armadillos.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Monongalia County school superintendent earlier this month sent a letter to the county’s principals asking that Pride flags be removed from classrooms. Since then, community members have spoken at two county board of education meetings in favor of returning the flags to classrooms. As Chris Schulz reports, most recently students have taken matters into their own hands.

On this West Virginia Morning, earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin announced that a big power plant, fueled by natural gas, would be built in West Virginia. The plant would be designed to capture its carbon dioxide emissions and store them underground. Dennis Wamsted, an energy analyst with the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, spoke with Curtis Tate and gave the plan a reality check.

On this West Virginia Morning, recent CDC statistics show a decrease in overdose deaths, but authorities face an uphill challenge in stemming the flow of fentanyl into the state. Caroline MacGregor has this story.

On this West Virginia Morning, this college football season, West Virginia University’s marching band is recognizing 50 years since women entered their ranks. Reporter, and former member of the band, Shepherd Snyder spoke to some of the original female members.

On this West Virginia Morning, there’s a small town just over the state line in Virginia where the population doubles or triples on a Friday night to hear music. Mason Adams takes us to Floyd’s Friday Night Jamboree.

On this West Virginia Morning, this weekend sees the return of “Healing Appalachia” in Greenbrier County. The music festival features performances by regional musical luminaries, but the festival has a larger mission than just a good time. Bill Lynch has the story.

On this West Virginia Morning, the push to boost West Virginia voter registration for some has an overriding theme. As Randy Yohe reports, all involved want to see informed voters going to their polling places in November.

On this West Virginia Morning, two of coal’s pollutant legacies are acid mine drainage (the waste from mining coal) and fly ash (waste from burning coal). Studies show that storing fly ash with acid mine drainage can neutralize the acid, but a recent study found that the combination can be toxic. The contents depend on where the coal is mined. Jessica Lilly spoke with one of the researchers to find out more.

On this West Virginia Morning, both U.S. Senators for West Virginia want to reform permitting for pipelines, but agreement in the upper chamber of Congress is not always that easy.

On this West Virginia Morning, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona came to Morgantown Wednesday. As Chris Schulz reports, the visit focused on student mental health.

On this West Virginia Morning, the West Virginia Legislature has outlawed abortion in the state, effective from passage.

On this West Virginia Morning, protesters rallied outside a picnic for legislators at the governor’s mansion Monday evening to let their opinions be heard on the state’s proposed ban on abortion. Caroline MacGregor reports.

On this West Virginia Morning, the House of Delegates will convene in a special session to move the discussion forward on abortion. As Randy Yohe reports, while the session is expected to be short and administrative, any resolution on abortion still seems a long way off.

On this West Virginia Morning, we heard earlier this week from the Coalfield Development Corporation, a company leading work to develop the ACT Now Coalition. Funded by the American Rescue Plan, the plan is meant to help southern West Virginia’s economy by creating clean energy and green economy jobs. The West Virginia Hive is one of the partners in the Community and Business Resilience Initiative. Jessica Lilly has more.

On this West Virginia Morning, Sept. 8 is Save a Life Day in West Virginia. As Chris Schulz reports, what started out as a pilot program to combat the opioid crisis in two counties during the pandemic has quickly spread across the state.

On this West Virginia Morning, the state’s medical cannabis program is designed to treat a specific list of chronic and terminal conditions. But as Chris Schulz reports, a proposed limit could significantly curb the plant’s strength.

On this West Virginia Morning, energy and environment reporter Curtis Tate talks with Brandon Dennison, CEO of the Huntington-based Coalfield Development Corporation, about the challenges and opportunities that come with a federal grant of $62.8 million to create a clean energy hub in southern West Virginia.

On this West Virginia Morning, if West Virginia voters say yes to “Amendment 2” on the November ballot, the state legislature will have the authority to eliminate business equipment, inventory tax and property tax on vehicles. Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, embraces the plan, but many county leaders fear the tax cuts would devastate basic public services. Randy Yohe looked into the contentious issue.

On this West Virginia Morning, Inside Appalachia producer Bill Lynch talks with Robert Gipe and Amanda Slone, two writers who were at the annual Appalachian Writers' Workshop in Kentucky during recent, devastating flooding. Also, in this show, Jessica Lilly tells us about the “Courage in the Hollers: Mapping the Miners’ Struggle for a Union" event that will take place in Matewan this weekend.

On this West Virginia Morning, more than 200,000 West Virginians could see relief on student loans as part of a forgiveness plan announced by President Joe Biden. Randy Yohe discussed the West Virginia impact of student debt relief with Dr. Rodney Hughes, an assistant professor of higher education administration at West Virginia University’s School of Education.

On this West Virginia Morning, many vacationers seek out suitable lodgings near whatever indoor or outdoor experience they are venturing to see. But that trip can become richer when the shelter becomes part of the experience.

On this West Virginia Morning, development in the southern coal fields has often run into issues of trust and sustainability. For the West Virginia Hive, business development in Nicholas, Summers, Raleigh and Fayette Counties began with relationship building. Reporter Jessica Lilly spoke with Jenna Grayson, whose new role positions her to take economic development to the next level.

On this West Virginia Morning, we hear about breakdowns in the food supply chain from suppliers to grocery stores, including Buzz Food Service in Charleston, which is trying to alleviate the problem by training new, local butchers. Folkways reporter Zack Harold has the story. Also, in this show, renowned vocalist Holly Cole has our Song of the Week. It’s a performance of “Cry (If I Want To)” originally released on Cole’s 1996 album titled It Happened One Night.

On this West Virginia Morning, we take a look back at the state’s coal industry, including forces that led to the nation’s most violent labor uprising in history. In this encore excerpt from Us & Them, host Trey Kay talks with history professor Charles Keeney about the forces that hit the coal miners hard in the 1920s.

On this West Virginia Morning, people in Wheeling are passionate about their pizza, particularly that cold cheese style that’s become a tasty regional tradition. Folkways reporter Zack Harold explores some Ohio Valley pizza culture and DiCarlo’s Famous Pizza.