This week, too often, people with mental health challenges or substance use disorder wind up in jail. But crisis response teams offer another way. Also, changes to the Endangered Species Act could benefit big business. They could also kill animals like the eastern hellbender. And, in troubled times, a West Virginia writer says to find peace in nature.
Lawmakers Discuss Legislation Aimed At Helping West Virginians Stay Sober
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On this episode of The Legislature Today, substance use disorder, sober living homes, homelessness, mental health treatment – the challenges facing West Virginia to help people regain sobriety continue to mount.
Government Reporter Randy Yohe speaks with two delegates, Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, and Del. Scot Heckert, R-Wood, to discuss what’s working and what needs changed.
Also, Wednesday was Black Policy Day at the West Virginia Legislature. As Chris Schulz reports, it was an opportunity for advocates to highlight the issues facing Black West Virginians to legislators.
About 40,000 West Virginians live with some degree of Alzheimer’s dementia, according to the West Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Some say recent legislation focused on law enforcement and those suffering with Alzheimer’s in the community did not go far enough. Randy Yohe reports on new bills meant to increase awareness.
Finally, concerns over Hope Scholarship students being allowed to play local public school sports sparked debate in the House of Delegates Thursday. Randy Yohe also has this report.
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On this West Virginia Week, the primary election in the state turns ugly and racist, an ambulance driver is indicted for the death of a man in Elkview and Democrats call for an investigation of Senator Jim Justice.
A plan to funnel millions of dollars in oil and gas royalties toward conservation efforts is getting support from an unexpected group. From The Allegheny Front, we learn about fracking proposals in southeastern Ohio – and what WVU researchers say could be the impact on wildlife.
Across the country, old railroads have been converted into multi-use trails for folks to get out and enjoy nature. Chris Schulz has more on an ambitious vision to connect communities in West Virginia to Pittsburgh via rail trail.