This week, Appalachian Dungeon Fest spotlights the fantastical music of dungeon synth. Also, every year, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival stages a formal dance. Organizers rely on a manual that’s been passed down for generations. And, small dairy farms are closing across the country. Central Appalachia has been hit hard
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, gavels in the West Virginia House of Delegates on Jan. 14, 2026.Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislature
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West Virginia’s 2026 legislative session has officially begun.
Both chambers gaveled in shortly after noon Wednesday, first the House of Delegates with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and then the Senate under President Randy Smith, R-Preston.
“When a motion to discharge is tabled, the decision effectively ends consideration of the bill,” said Del. Chris Anders, R-Berkeley, who sponsored the measure.
“My amendment simply requires that the decision be made by recorded vote so that the people of West Virginia can see where their representatives stand,” he said.
In the House, more than 300 bills were introduced and assigned to various committees.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey endorsed more than 40 legislative candidates in Tuesday’s primary election after saying he was unsatisfied with mediocrity and didn't want to keep doing things the way they’ve always been done.
A campaign flyer targeting Senate candidate Dr. Steven Eshenaur, who has four adopted children, two of them African American, raises race as an issue in the election.
As temperatures rise and people start heading outside, the chance of contracting a tick-borne illness goes up. Cases of Lyme disease have seen a sharp rise in recent years, so reporter Chris Schulz recently spoke with Dr. Kane Maiers, associate medical director for UPMC GoHealth Urgent Care in West Virginia, to learn more.
On this West Virginia Morning, some unusual things are happening in the leadup to the state's primary elections next month. A Marshall political science professor shares some perspective.