Second Day of Teacher Walkout While ‘Clean’ Pay Raise Bill On the Move

It was the second day of a statewide teacher and service personnel walkout over a comprehensive education reform bill. We bring you up-to-date on the latest action, and we also bring you special reports on black lung-related legislation, economic development, and tourism.

Senior Statehouse Reporter Dave Mistich joins host Suzanne Higgins to discuss the latest on education-related issues.

The surge in black lung disease was a focus in the Senate Wednesday. This is a progressive pulmonary disease, pervasive among coal miners, and there is no cure. But medical treatment can slow down its progression, and that’s what a couple bills this session would support. We take a look at those bills and where they are in the legislative process.

Next, we explore economic development from the local level. The West Virginia Community Development Hub is a non-profit based in Charleston that’s trying to strengthen economic development efforts across the state. Its approach is based on years of research into why, despite substantial investments and community efforts, West Virginia communities continue to struggle – and why the state continues to rank at the bottom of so many quality-of-life measurements. Reporter Roxy Todd spoke with the Hub’s Executive Director Stephanie Tyree, who has some messages for lawmakers to keep in mind this session.

As Tourism Day was celebrated at the Capitol Wednesday, our next story looks at a video game that tourism officials believe will make a positive impact in getting visitors to West Virginia. By now, you may have heard of Fallout 76 – the latest in a series of popular video games. It was released last fall with much fanfare by Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Division of Tourism. Reporter Liz McCormick brings us this special look inside the video game.

Hundreds of teachers rallied again at the Capitol Wednesday. Reporter Randy Yohe brings us three inspiring, personal stories.