Daniel Johnston recorded songs in his parents' basement in rural West Virginia that would eventually inspire artists such as Kurt Cobain, Beck, Wilco, and Sonic Youth. In this award-winning episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay explores the life, art, and enduring legacy of the late singer-songwriter and visual artist whose creative genius and struggles with bipolar disorder made him one of America's most influential outsider artists.
On this episode of The Legislature Today, the “Women’s Bill of Rights,” or House Bill 5243, would put certain definitions of “man” and “woman” into code and determine who can use single-sex spaces like restrooms and locker rooms. Democrats call it an “anti-trans” bill. Randy Yohe spoke with the bill’s lead sponsor, Del. Kathie Hess-Crouse, R-Putnam, asking if her bill was fair to all.
Also, a public hearing was held on the “Women’s Bill of Rights,” where 20 speakers spoke in opposition to the bill and seven in support. As the bill advanced through the House, it gained an amendment to remove an exception in criminal code for marital rape. Briana Heaney sat down with Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, and Molly Kennedy, a community outreach director at the American Civil Liberties Union, to discuss the bill. West Virginia Public Broadcasting tried several times to get one of the Republican sponsors of the bill to come on the show and discuss it, but they all declined.
In the House, one resolution and two bills on third reading dealt with helping preserve West Virginia history, increasing help for the coalfields economy and alcohol at community festivals.
In the Senate, the chamber approve seven bills. Six of those head to the House for consideration and one heads to the governor’s desk. The bills dealt with issues on landowner liability, retirement plans and burglary. The bill headed to the governor would streamline West Virginia’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics scholarship programs. The Senate advanced more than 10 other bills.
In committees, the Education committees of both chambers started the week off by advancing bills to improve management of local school districts. Chris Schulz has more.
Finally, it was E-Day at the Capitol, where environmental organizations gathered to speak to lawmakers. Solar power and community air monitoring were the main topics of discussion. Curtis Tate has this story.
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Daniel Johnston recorded songs in his parents' basement in rural West Virginia that would eventually inspire artists such as Kurt Cobain, Beck, Wilco, and Sonic Youth. In this award-winning episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay explores the life, art, and enduring legacy of the late singer-songwriter and visual artist whose creative genius and struggles with bipolar disorder made him one of America's most influential outsider artists.
The late singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston grew up in West Virginia and came onto the indie music scene in the 1980s. Last year, Johnston was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and he’s featured in the next episode of Us & Them. In this award-winning show, host Trey Kay learns about Johnston’s legacy which was partly shaped by his challenges with mental illness.
The Public Service Commission of West Virginia is currently conducting public comment hearings concerning developer NextEra Energy’s application to construct a new 107.5-mile-long transmission line from Pennsylvania through West Virginia to Virginia.