This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a new book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.
Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, has resigned his position in the House of Delegates effective immediately. Perry Bennett/WV Legislative Photography
Listen
Share this Article
Del. Brandon Steele, R-Raleigh, submitted a one-sentence resignation letter to the clerk of the House of Delegates Thursday saying he was leaving his position effective immediately.
On the online news outlet Lootpress, which Steele owns, he said professional opportunities had arisen that would interfere with his service in the House.
“While I’m honored to represent them, I’ve had professional opportunities arise that would interfere with my service in the House of Delegates,” Steele told Lootpress. “I will always cherish the time I have spent in the House and the good work I was able to do while there. God bless the people of Raleigh County and the state of West Virginia.”
Steele was first elected to the House in 2018 and was reelected four times serving the 42nd delegate district.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey will accept recommendations from the Raleigh County Republican Executive Committee for Steele’s replacement and will select one person for the role.
The West Virginia Legislature will begin its regular 2026 session on Jan. 14.
Courtesy of the West Virginia House of Delegates
Add WVPB as a preferred source on Google to see more from our team
An heir files suit to keep his community hospital open, disparities in the distribution of school choice vouchers, and a West Virginia lawmaker is among those targeted in White House UFC fight plot.
When Marion County attorney Scott Summers realized Grant Town was planning to tear down an historic building, he decided to see what he could do to stop it.
Indigenous people created hundreds of earthen monuments in what is now Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. John E. Hancock, a professor of architecture and design at the University of Cincinnati, spent years studying these earthworks. He published a guidebook for visiting them. Inside Appalachia’s Bill Lynch spoke with Hancock about the book.
