Inside West Virginia Politics

Student loan forgiveness and broadband funding

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about broadband funding and student loan forgiveness. In Segment One and Two, we talk to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) about broadband funding and other topics related to West Virginia. In Segment Three, we talk to Dr. Sonya Normal, Director of the National Center for PTSD, about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. We end today's episode with Emmett Pepper, Student Loan & Debt Attorney, talking about s...

The Senate Page Program

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the Senate Page Program and the Kanawha County Commission. In Segment One, we talk to Republican Candidate for Kanawha County Commission Chris Walters. In Segments One and Two, we talk to Becky Neal about her work with the Senate Page Program, being a cancer survivor and a skydiver. We end today's episode of Mayor Carolyn Rader with the city of Ripley about the 4th of July Parade.

What you can expect to see at the 2023 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — It’s a politics-free zone this week on Inside West Virginia Politics. It’s all about the 2023 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. In Segments One and Two, we talk to Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and 13 News Meteorologist Bryan Hughes about the Regatta. In Segment Three, we talk to Tim Brady, President & CEO of the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, about hotels for the Regatta. We end today’s episode with no suit jacket or tie because we’re talking to Paul “...

Back to the island

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we go “back to the island” with an island-themed fundraiser for CAMC. In Segment One, we talk to Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (R-WV) about the HALT Fentanyl Act. In Segment Two, we talk to Del. Daniel Linville (R-Cabell) about economic development. In Segment Three, we talk to Seth Distefano, West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy. We end today’s episode on an island with Rodney Queen, CAMC Foundation.

State of the state's economy

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we're taking a look at the state of the state's economy In Segment 1, we hear from West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts talks about concerns with the state's economy amid a recent WalletHub study that claims the Mountain State's economy is the worst in the nation. Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, joins us for Segments 3 and 4 to discuss the Commission'...

West Virginia and education

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- Education is the name of the game on this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics. Segments One, Three and Four are about education. Segment One is with Del. Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha; WV Dem. Party Chair) and Segments Three and Four are with Dr. William Simmons, Former West Virginia Higher Education Chancellor Segment Two is about raising the debt ceiling with Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV).

The Mountain Valley Pipeline and raising the debt ceiling

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the Mountain Valley Pipeline, raising the debt ceiling and more. In Segments One and Two, we talk to Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) about the Mountain Valley Pipeline and more. In Segment Three, we talk to Gary Zuckett, Executive Director of the WV-CAG, about raising the debt ceiling. We end today’s episode talking to Terry Cunningham, President of the Gold Star Mothers, to talk about their organization.

The military and energy policy

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode on Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the military, the Secretary of State candidacy, the trade office in Taiwan and energy policy. In Segment One, we talk to Terrance Hayes, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about military affairs. In Segment Two, we talk to Brian Wood (R) Candidate for WV Secretary of State. In Segment Three, we talk to Del. Kayla Young (D) Kanawha about going to Taiwan to open a trade office. We end today's ep...

Why did West Virginia open a trade office in Taiwan?

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On today’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about a trade office in Taiwan, Title 42, the financial shape of West Virginia and making sure young people do not take drugs. In Segment One, we talk to State Sen. Craig Blair (R) Berkeley – Senate President, about the opening of a trade office in Taiwan. In Segment Two, we talk to Rep. Carol Miller (R) West Virginia – District 1 about Title 42. In Segment Three, we talk to Treasurer Riley Moore (R-WV) ab...

Jim Justice vs. Alex Mooney on IWVP

Sen. Joe Manchin on the Inflation Reduction Act

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the Secretary of State race, the Inflation Reduction Act and job opportunities in the Mountain State. In Segments One and Two we talk to two candidates for Secretary of State: Del. Chris Pritt (R) and Former Del. Ken Reed (R). In Segment Three, we talk to Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) about leading the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act. In Segment Four, we talk to Jacob Green, WV Schools for Divers...

The corrections crisis in West Virginia

Who is running for governor in West Virginia?

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the upcoming gubernatorial race in West Virginia, Medicare, the Attorney General Race and the 2023 Legislative Scorecard. In Segment One, we talk to Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (R-WV) who is running for Governor of West Virginia in 2024. In Segment Two, we talk to Kristine Grow, Coalition for Medicare Choices, to talk about Medicare and Medicare Advantage. In Segment Three, we talk to State...

Easter, Ramadan and Passover

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this very special episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss Easter, Ramadan and Passover. In Segment One, we speak to Rev. Mark Boyd, First Presbyterian Church of St. Albans. In Segment Two, we talk to Rabbi Victor Urecki, B’nai Jacob Synagogue. In Segment Three, we speak to Iman Nasir Abdussalam, Islamic Association of West Virginia. In Segment Four, we talk to Father Chapin, the host of “Daily Living.”

Who is running in the West Virginia Congressional District 2 race?

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about candidates for U.S. House District 2 in West Virginia. Segment One is with Nate Cain (R-U.S. House District 2 Candidate) and Segment Two is with Joseph Earley (R-U.S. House District 2 Candidate). Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) calls in to talk about her trip to Mexico and why she went. We end today’s episode with Kelly Allen, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, to talk about the legislature.

What was the outcome of the 2023 Legislative Session?

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the legislative session and healthcare. Segments One, Two and Three are about the outcome of the legislative session. Segment One is with House Speaker Roger Henshaw (R-Clay), Segment Two is with Elaine Harris, Communications Workers of America, and Segment Three is with Steven Allen Adams, OGDEN Newspapers. We end today’s episode with Dr. Greg Rosencrance, President and CEO of WVU Medicine – Thom...

It’s the end of the 2023 Legislative Session

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the 2023 legislative session, the $6.8 trillion budget for the U.S. and running for State Auditor. Segment One and Two are about the ending of the legislative session. Segment One is with Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) and Segment Two is with Del. Doug Skaff (D-Kanawha – Minority Leader). We talk to Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) about the national budget in Segment Three. We end today’s episode with Del. Caleb ...

Sen. Joe Manchin and the Game Changer program

Criminal justice reform and solar power on this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss candidates for governor, education and the legislature, criminal justice reform and solar power. In Segment One, we talk to Auditor JB McCuskey (R) who threw his hat in the ring for West Virginia Governor. Dale Lee, President of the West Virginia Education Association, is on Segment Two to discuss education and the legislature. We talk about criminal justice reform with Kenny Matthews, American Frie...

Lakeisha Barron-Brown on her new book

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about allegations against the West Virginia State Police, the AARP, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Replica at the West Virginia State Capitol and a local author’s new book. In Segment One, we check in with Del. Mike Honacker (R-Greenbrier), Del. David Kelly (R-Doddridge) and Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) and their thoughts on the allegations against the West Virginia State Police. Segment Two brings in Gayle...

Economics, medicine and power plants

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the economy, jobs, medicine and power plants. In Segment One, we talk to Secretary Mitch Carmichael, WV Department of Economic Development, to talk about economic development. Segment Two brings on Josh Sword, President of the West Virginia AFL-CIO, to talk about jobs. Dr. Vinay Badhwar, WVU Medicine Thoracic Surgeon, calls in to talk about medicine. We end today’s episode with Emmett Pepper, Po...

Are there too many lawsuits in West Virginia?

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about House Bill 2007, education in the legislature and lawsuits. In Segment One, we talk to people who are for the gender-affirming treatment bill passing. We talk to Del. Geoff Foster (R-Putnam), Del. Mike Honaker (R-Greenbrier) and Del. Larry Kump (R-Berkeley). In Segment Two, we talk to Andrew Schneider of Fairness West Virginia, who is against the bill passing. Fred Albert, President of AFT West V...

Bill Gates and bills in the legislature

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about a new Congressional District 2 candidate, bills in the legislature, Bill Gates in West Virginia and tax reform. In Segment One, we bring on a Republican Candidate for the U.S. House District 2 Alex Gasserud to talk about his campaign. In Segment Two, State Auditor JB McCuskey (R-WV) talks about bills in the legislature. Steve Roberts, President of the Chamber of Commerce, shares his thoughts on B...

Where is West Virginia’s economy heading?

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the Governor’s tax cut proposal, the economy and tourism. In Segment One, Mark Curtis talks to Del. Trenton Barnhart (R-Pleasants) about Gov. Jim Justice’s (R-WV) tax cut proposal. Segments Two and Three are with Prof. John Deskins with the WVU Bureau of Business & Economic Research to talk about how the economy is doing and where it is headed. We end today’s episode with Tim Brady, CEO of the Charl...

Gun legislation and shortage of corrections officers

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about gun legislation, education legislation, the shortage of corrections officers and Girl Scout cookies. Treasurer Riley Moore (R-WV) talks about guns and ammunition legislation in Segment One. Segment Two brings on Elaine Harris, Communications Workers of America, to talk about a shortage of corrections officers. Amanda Barren sits down with Dale Lee, President of the West Virginia Education Associa...

50% personal income tax and more

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about a proposed income tax cut, the Governor’s race, the city of Charleston and Hunger Free WV Day. In Segment One, we bring on Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) to talk about his proposal for a 50% personal income tax cut over the next three years. In Segment Two, Sec. of State Mac Warner (R) is on to talk about running for Governor of West Virginia. Segment Three brings on Mayor Amy Goodwin to talk about the ...

Previewing the 2023 West Virginia Legislative Session

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we will be previewing the 2023 West Virginia Legislative Session. In Segment One, we bring in House Speaker Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay). In Segment Two, we bring in Del. Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha, State Party Chair). In Segment Three, we bring in State Sen. Craig Blair (R-Berkeley, State President). In Segment Four, we bring in Kelly Fallen with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.

Wrapping up the top stories of 2022 on Inside West Virginia Politics

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – 2022 has come to a close, and we’re ending our year of Inside West Virginia Politics with our annual Reporters’ Roundtable wrap-up! Our host 13 News Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis is joined by Steven Allen Adams of Ogden Newspapers, 13 News Anchor Amanda Barren, and WVMO Radio Reporter Joe Stevens to discuss the top stories of the year, economic development, and review how politics, both local and national, have impacted West Virginians in 2022.

The message of Christmas and Hanukah

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, local religious leaders stop by to discuss the importance of religion during the Christmas and Hanukah season. Our host Mark Curtis sits down with Father Chapin, host of Daily Living on WOWK-TV, to talk about finding balance between Santa and commercialism during the Christmas season with the Gospel and the birth of Christ. Next, Rev. Michie Klusmeyer, of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, stops by IWVP to...

The Myrtle Beach Bowl and more

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, Mark Curtis talks to about economic development, the “tripledemic”, football and the Respect for Marriage Act. Mark Curtis talks to Republican West Virginia Governor Jim Justice about economic development in the Mountain State. Dr. Hoyt Burdick, M.D., Mountain Health Network comes on the show in Segment Two to talk about the “Tripledemic.” Segment Three brings in a familiar face. 13 News’ Sports Director Cassi...

Same-sex marriage, suspension in schools and more

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the Respect for Marriage Act, the Direct Care Taskforce, candidates for West Virginia governor and suspension in schools. In Segment One, we talk to Republican Candidate for West Virginia Governor Chris Miller. Segment Two brings in Andrew Schneider with Fairness West Virginia to talk about the Respect for Marriage Act. Gaylene Miller with AARP of West Virginia is in the studio to talk about the ...

New West Virginia Governor candidate

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss a new Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor, healthcare and National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. In Segment One, Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor Del. Moore Capito comes on to talk about his announcement. Laure Marino with the Center for Nurse Entrepreneurship comes on the show in Segment Two to talk about healthcare. Segments Three and Four are about National Pancrea...

Skiing and politics

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, Mark Curtis talks to guests about the election in 2022 and the upcoming election in 2024, skiing and healthcare. Segments One and Two are about the previous and upcoming elections. Segment One brings on Republican Candidate for WV US House District 2 Treasurer Riley Moore. Segment Two brings in Del. Mike Pushkin (D) Chairman, WV Democratic Party to talk about a worthy opponent for Moore. Segment Three brings in...

Election analysis in West Virginia and the U.S.

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss what happened after the midterm elections in West Virginia and nationally. In Segment One, Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV) comes on to talk about his plans to run for U.S. Senate. State Sen.-Elect Mike Stuart (R-WV District 7) is our guest for Segment Two. Stuart discusses his win in one of the biggest races in the midterm elections for West Virginia. In Segments Three and Four, political analyst Tom Susman...

Election 2022 recap, honoring veterans on Inside West Virginia Politics

On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, former Charleston Mayor Danny Jones stops by to recap, break down and analyze the 2022 General Election with our host and Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis. Then, we switch gears to take a moment to honor our veterans over Veterans Day weekend.  First we hear from Brent Casey, the eldest grandson of the late, great Woody Williams, who passed away in June at the age of 98. Woody was the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor re...

Congressional district races

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On our last episode before the 2022 General Election, we preview the Congressional District races in West Virginia. Segments One and Two are on District 1. Segment One is Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV District 1) and Segment Two is Mr. Lacy Watson (D). Segments Three and Four are on District 2. Segment Three is Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV District 2) and Segment Four is Barry Lee Wendell (D).

WV State Senate Districts 7 and 8

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode, we talk with the nominees of some of the most hotly contested West Virginia State Senate races for the 2022 Nov. 8 General Election. Segments One and Two are about State Senate District 7. These include Democratic nominee State Sen. Ron Stollings and Republican nominee Mike Stuart. Segments Three and Four are about State Senate District 8. These include Republican nominee Mark Hunt and Democratic nominee State Sen. Rich Lindsay.

WV State Senate Districts 1 and 13

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — We begin our coverage of some of the most hotly contested West Virginia State Senate races for the 2022 Nov. 8 General Election. Segments One and Two are about State Senate District 1. These include Democratic nominee Randy Swartzmiller and Republican nominee Laura Wakim Chapman. Segments Three and Four are about State Senate District 13. These include Republican nominee Mike Oliverio and Democratic nominee Barbara Evans Fleichauer.

Amendment 2 and the mayor’s race in Charleston

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, Mark Curtis talks about Amendment Two with its supporters and the people against it and the two sides of the mayor’s race in Charleston. Segment One brings in a supporter of Amendment Two, Senate President Craig Blair (R-Berkeley) and Segment Two’s guest is Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV), who is against the amendment. Segment Three and Four are about the mayor’s race in West Virginia’s capital city. Incumbent Mayor Amy Goodwin is in Segment ...

The debate over the Hope Scholarship

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, it’s all about healthcare and education. Our first two segments are about healthcare. Segment One brings in Dr. Jim Nemitz, President of the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Segment Two brings in Dr. Albert Wright, President of WVU Health Systems. Segments Three and Four are the two sides of the Hope Scholarship debate. Segment Three brings in Dale lee, President of...

Mountain Valley Pipeline, economic and more on this week's episode

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the Mountain Valley Pipeline, economic development, a new children’s hospital and the military. In Segment One, Mark Curtis talks to Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) about the pipeline and what happened. In Segment Two, Speaker Roger Henshaw (R-WV) is brought on to talk about economic development. In Segment Three, we talk to Albert Wright, President of the WVU Health System, about the ribbon cutting for...

IWVP: Economic development in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, our first guest is West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, who joins us for two segments to talk about the long list of energy and manufacturing companies planning to bring new facilities to the Mountain State. Next, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sits down with 13 News Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis to talk about the Mountain Valley Pipeline and where it stands in a continuing resolution in the United States ...

Green energy development, voter registration and more on this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis talks to leaders across the Mountain State. In segments one and two, Mark talks to the mayors of two of West Virginia’s largest cities: Mayor Steve Williams of Huntington and Mayor Amy Goodwin of Charleston. In segment three, Mark speaks with Secretary of State Mac Warner about voter registration. In segment four, Mark talks to attorney Rusty Webb about the Thunder in the Mountains Tennis Tourname...

CEOs react to economic development in WV

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — We talk about economic development with CEOs and an Executive Director who share their thoughts about how the Mountain State is headed on this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics. Segment One brings in CEO of Green Power Motor Company, Fraser Atkinson. Segment Two’s guest is Brandon Dennison, CEO of Coalfields Development Corporation, and Segment Three’s guest is Alex Weld, Executive Director of Generation West Virginia. We end today’s episode by discussi...

Honoring laborers on Labor Day: IWVP Special Edition

It’s a special Labor Day edition on this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, where we’ll be talking with some labor leaders about their organizations, worker shortages, policy and the politics that affect laborers in West Virginia. First, we have Elaine Harris, international staff representative for the Communications Workers of America Unit 213 in Charleston, to discuss the shortage of corrections officers and staff in the state’s jail. Next, Josh Sword, president of the West Vi...

Camp Lejeune lawsuits, Capital Sports Complex on IWVP

On this week’s edition of Inside West Virginia Politics, Attorney Teresa Toriseva of Toriseva Law joins us to discuss the fight for United States Marines and their families who became ill due to contaminated water in Camp Lejeune. Then, Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin and Kanawha County Commissioner by to talk about the newly-announced $80 million investment for the Capital Sports Complex, which will take the place of the old Macy’s store at the Charleston Town Center. We also take a stroll down...

Combating the opioid crisis and WV education changes on IWVP

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk with Director for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Dr. Rahul Gupta on efforts across the country and the Mountain State to combat the opioid epidemic. We also talk with Delegate Ruth Rowan (R-Hampshire County) on changes in the state’s public education system and what that means for state education moving forward. Delegate Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha County) also stops by to discuss Dem...

It’s Five O’clock Somewhere on IWVP

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — It’s all sponge cakes, strumming on a six-string and wasting away in Margaritaville on this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics. Before the Jimmy Buffett references, in Segment One, Mark Curtis talks to State Treasurer Riley Moore about how major financial institutions are boycotting the fossil fuel industries. State Director of the West Virginia AARP comes onto the show in Segment Two to talk about the Inflation Reduction Act and how it will impact West ...

The special session and opioid settlement

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, Mark Curtis joins a variety of people talking about the special session, the opioid settlement and Boone Memorial Health. Segments One and Two discuss the special session. In Segment One, Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) joins us and in Segment Two, Del. Joey Garcia (D-Marion) joins us. The Lawyer in the Municipal Opioid Lawsuits, Attorney Rusty Webb joins us in Segment Three. We end today’s episode shifting gears from politics to health with...

The bills of the July 2022 special session

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we are on the House floor discussing the abortion bill and the income tax cut bill. In Segment One, Mark Curtis talks to Del. Marty Gearheart (R-Mercer). Segment Two brings Del. Doug Skaff (D-Kanawha, Minority Leader) and Segment Three has Del. John Hardy (R-Berkeley). We end today’s episode with Sec. of State Mac Warner (R-WV) talking about election security.