Inside West Virginia Politics
283 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★ - 19 ratingsInside West Virginia Politics is a weekly show hosted by Mark Curtis that discusses local, regional, and national issues and how they impact the Mountain State.
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Episodes
The State of Education in West Virginia
August 13, 2019 10:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBAs the 2019-2020 school year gets underway, we take this week's episode to look a the state of education in West Virginia. In segment 1, First Lady of West Virginia Cathy Justice and Assistant West Virginia State Superintendent Michelle Blatt talk about the importance of the "Communities in Schools" programs and the value it brings to kids. In segment 2, West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Paine talks about what the Department of Education is focusing on and what depar...
2019 World Scout Jamboree
August 05, 2019 14:58 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBOn this week's episode, Inside West Virginia Politics takes a trip to the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, which is only the 24th in history and 2nd in the U.S. In segment 1, Mike Surbaugh, Chief Executive of the Scouts of America, talks about the importance of the World Scout Jamboree and it's impact it has on the scouts. In segment 2, Astronaut and Eagle Scout, Col. Mike Fossum talks about how scouting impacted his life and his guided him to a path of being an astronaut. In s...
Fighting for Black Lung Funding & the Future of Coal
July 29, 2019 14:42 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBThis week on Inside West Virginia Politics we go to Washington D.C. and follow coal miners who are fighting for black lung disease funding. We also go to an abandoned coal mine to talk about rare earth elements and the impact they could have on the Mountain State. Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz, director for the West Virginia Water Research Institute talks about what Rare Earth Elements are and the impact they could have on the Mountain State. In the next segment, Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz discusses the ...
Is 'Obamacare' Constitutional?
July 23, 2019 15:57 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBOn this week's episode, we take a look at the court fight surrounding the question of whether or not 'Obamacare' is constitutional, and we talk to a few people who are running for office in West Virginia in 2020. In segment 1, Gary Zuckett, the Executive Director for West Virginia Citizen Action Group, talks about why WV-CAG opposes the lawsuit saying 'Obamacare' is unconstitutional. In segment 2, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey talks about why he is working to get 'Obamac...
Opioid Epidemic, Melania Trump, & the West Virginia State Treasurer
July 15, 2019 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBOn this week's episode, we take a look at the opioid epidemic, First Lady Melania Trump's 2nd visit to Huntington, and the race for the West Virginia State Treasurer seat. In segment 1, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R) talks about First Lady Melania Trump's visit to the Huntington, and the impact that the opioid crisis has on the children of the mountain state. In segment 2, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams talks about First Lady Melania Trump's visit and what constructive things the city of ...
FCC Commissioner on rural broadband and its impact on healthcare & education
July 09, 2019 10:00 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBOn this week's episode, we sit down with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) and talk about how the quality of rural broadband impacts both education and health care in the mountain state. We also get an update on the status of medical marijuana in West Virginia from Delegate Mike Pushkin (R-Kanawha). You can get more Inside West Virginia Politics at wowktv.com/iwvp
The Importance of Tourism in West Virginia
July 01, 2019 16:59 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBWe take this week's episode on the water, as we go aboard the riverboat the River Queen to talk about the importance of tourism in West Virginia! In segment 1, Amy Goodwin, Mayor Of Charleston, W.Va.,talks about tourism in the Capitol City. In segment 2, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango talks about sports tourism and the Shawnee Sports Complex. In segment 3, Tim Brady, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau, talks about the impact...
Education Reform, Charter Schools pass House, go back to Senate
June 24, 2019 14:56 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBOn this week's episode, we take a deep dive into the West Virginia Legislature's special session on education reform, charter school, and wrap around services for students. In segment 1, West Virginia Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) talks about the special on education and shares his thoughts on charter schools. In segment 2, Executive Director of the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association, Joe White, discusses the impact of education reform on bus drivers, janito...
Bloomberg's coal proposal & protesting outside of health clinics
June 17, 2019 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBOn this week's episode, we talk to people on both sides of two separate controversial issues, Michael Bloomberg's $500 million proposal to close every coal-fired power plant in the United States and the new Charleston city ordinance regarding protesters outside health clinics. In segment 1, Chris Hamilton, Senior Vice President of the West Virginia Coal Association, discusses Michael Bloomberg's $500 million proposal to close every coal-fired power plant in the United States. In segment 2,...
Rare Earth Minerals & Education Reform
June 03, 2019 10:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBOn this week's episode, we talk about rare earth minerals, take a look at proposed education reform, and there is a House of Delegates campaign announcement. In segment 1, Congressman Alex Mooney (R-West Virginia), talks about rare earth minerals and their impact on West Virginia. In segment 2, State Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson), talks about his education reform plan, the Student Success Act. In segment 3, West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee, gives his ...
Medical Marijuana, Education Reform, & Memorial Day
May 28, 2019 09:30 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBWith one special session wrapped up, and another looming, on this week's episode, we talk about education reform, medical marijuana, and Memorial Day. In segment 1, Speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay) talks about the special session and education reform. In segment 2, Delegate Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha) talks about the vertical integration of medical marijuana in West Virginia. In segment 3, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey talks about the n...
Charter Schools, The Special Session, & Water Quality in West Virginia
May 20, 2019 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBOn this weeks episode, we talk to Senator Capito about Minden being added to the EPA's priority list and take a deep dive into charter schools and the upcoming special session. In segment 1, Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) talks about Minden, West Virginia being added to the EPA's priority list. In segment 2, Fred Albert, the President of the American Federation of Teachers in West Virginia, talks about the Special Session and why he does not support charter schools. In seg...
Medical Marijuana vs. Gun Ownership, & the Opioid Epidemic
May 13, 2019 09:30 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBOn this week's episode, we talk about how medical marijuana impacts gun ownership, the opioid epidemic, and the state of education in West Virginia. In segment 1, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey talks about the $37 Million settlement with McKesson over the opioid epidemic. In segment 2, Delegate Andrew Robinson (D-Kanawha) talks about what he thinks the $37 Million from the McKesson settlement should be spent on. In segment 3, United States Attorney for the Southern Distr...
Medical Marijuana, Flood Aid, & Sen. Manchin for Governor?
April 29, 2019 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBThis week on Inside West Virginia Politics, to run or not to run? We speak to Senator Joe Manchin and ask if he will challenge Governor Justice. Plus why Sen. Manchin thinks President Trump has the potential to help West Virginians in need. All that and more on this week’s episode. In segment 1, Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) talks about President Trump, healthcare, and a potential run for Governor. In segment 2, Delegate Joshua Higginbotham (R-Putnam), talks about his trip to Washi...
Easter, Passover, & a New Candidate for Governor
April 22, 2019 12:59 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBIn this holiday episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk to religious leaders about the meanings of both Easter and Passover. We also take a look at the needs of charities during the holiday and find out why someone is running against Governor Justice in the primary. In segment 1, Father Brian O'Donnell, Director of the Catholic Conference of West Virginia, talks about the meaning of Easter and the Notre Dame fire. In segment 2, Rabbi Victor Urecki, of the B'nai Jacob Synagogue, t...
Tech Jobs & Reverse Job Fairs
April 15, 2019 09:30 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBIntuit is one of the biggest high-tech companies in Silicon Valley, and now it is setting up operations in West Virginia, bringing up to 500 jobs. Plus, we preview a unique series of reverse job fairs in the Mountain State, and we will take a look at some of the issues in the upcoming special session. All of that and more on this week's Inside West Virginia Politics. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp
Jobs & the companies looking to fill them in West Virginia
April 08, 2019 09:30 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBThis week on Inside West Virginia Politics, we speak to Senator Joe Manchin about jobs. Then we talk with companies and people looking to fill them in the Mountain State. In segment 1, Senator Joe Manchin talks about jobs and the economy in West Virginia. In segment 2, Corey Dornon, of West Virginia Construction Craft Laborers, talks about the opportunities available in the Mountain State. In segment 3, Ken Boggs, the Vice President of Strategy and Operations at N3, talks about what N3 do...
BONUS: Sen. Capito Talks FEMA, Flood Relief & Stopping Robocalls
April 03, 2019 21:55 - 6 minutes - 5.51 MBMark Curtis got a chance to talk to U.S. Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) about the FEMA budget hearings, Richwood indictments, whether there should be an investigation into the use of flood relief money, and working to stop robocalls. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp
Medical Marijuana, Sports Betting, West Virginia Roads & More
April 01, 2019 09:30 - 21 minutes - 20 MBGovernor Jim Justice signed a slew of bills this week and vetoed many others. We take a look at what that means for medical marijuana, sports betting, roads, and education, in this episode of Inside West Virginia Politics. In segment 1, President of the State Senate, Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson), talks about Senate Bill 1, broadband access, and money for roads. In segment 2, Delegate Shawn Fluharty (D-Ohio) talks about sports betting issues and the veto of the Medical Marijuana Vertical I...
Education Reform Looms & Sen. Manchin Talks Jobs
March 25, 2019 13:23 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBThis week on Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk jobs with West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin. Plus, as the statewide education forums are in full swing, we hear from the West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Paine. In segment 1, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) talks about jobs in West Virginia and the state of the pensions for coal miners. In segment 2, Dr. Steven Paine, West Virginia's Superintendent of Schools, discusses what they have learned so far from the statewide educati...
The Good, the Bad, & the Unexpected from the Legislature
March 18, 2019 09:30 - 21 minutes - 25.1 MBOn this week's Inside West Virginia Politics we take a look at the good, the bad, and the unexpected from both sides of the aisle during the 2019 legislative session. And we take a look at the upcoming special session on education reform. In segment 1, Speaker of the House of Delegates Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay), talks about the highlights of the legislative session and some things he wished they would have accomplished. In segment 2, Senate Minority Leader Corey Palumbo (R-Kanawha), reflects...
Education, Right to Work, & Marijuana in West Virginia
March 11, 2019 09:30 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBThe 2019 West Virginia Legislative Session came to an end this week, and we take a look at some of the biggest topics at the Capitol this year, including education, right to work, and medical marijuana. In segment 1, Hoppy Kercheval, host of Metro News Talkline, discusses the teachers' strike, the special session, and other big stories at the legislature. In segment 2, West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword talks about why he opposes Right to Work laws. In segment 3, Danielle Waltz, o...
Campus Carry Controversy & The WV State Budget
March 04, 2019 11:46 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBWith only one week left in the 2019 West Virginia Legislative session, lawmakers are working down to the wire to get bills passed. We take a look at the controversial "Campus Carry Bill," but first, we see what changes are coming to the mountain state's budget. In segment 1, Delegate Eric Householder (R-Berkeley) talks about eliminating the social security tax and reducing the coal severance tax. In segment 2, Delegate Linda Longstreth (D-Marion) talks about her impressions of the budget p...
The 2019 West Virginia Teachers' Strike
February 25, 2019 12:45 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MBThe teachers of West Virginia were on strike for two days in 2019 after striking for nine in 2018. On this week's Inside West Virginia Politics, we look at what lead to the strike, what happened during the strike, and what's coming down the road. In segment 1, Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) talks about what's next for education reform in West Virginia. In segment 2, Minority Leader, Delegate Tim Miley (D-Harrison) talks about the impact of the striking teachers at the Capito...
BONUS: Sen. Manchin Talks Miners' Pensions & Border Wall National Emergency
February 23, 2019 14:00 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBMark Curtis got the opportunity to speak with West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin on topics ranging from securing coal miners' pensions to his thoughts on President Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the border. Here's what he had to say. More Inside West Virginia Politics at https://wowktv.com/iwvp
Del. Porterfield's Controversial Comments About the LGBTQ Community & Massive Education Reform
February 18, 2019 10:30 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBWe talk about the massive education reform bill making its way through the West Virginia Legislature in our final two segments, but first, we dive into the controversy at the Capitol surrounding Delegate Eric Porterfield and his comments about the LGBTQ community that many are calling hateful and hurtful. In segment 1, we talk to Delegate Eric Porterfield (R-Mercer) and take a look at the controversy surrounding his comments. In segment 2, Tina Russel talks about why she decided to pre-fil...
Legal Recreational Marijuana in West Virginia?
February 11, 2019 10:30 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBOn this week's Inside West Virginia Politics, Mark Curtis speaks with lawmakers about the social and economic impact of introducing cannabis in West Virginia. We cover topics ranging from the recently resolved banking issue for medical marijuana to the potential for recreational marijuana, or adult use cannabis as it is referred to in the legislature. In segment 1, Delegate Mick Bates (D-Raleigh) talks about the benefits of medical marijuana in West Virginia. In segment 2, U.S. Attorney of...
A Closer Look at the West Virginia Education Omnibus Bill
February 04, 2019 10:30 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBA bill making its way through the West Virginia Senate aims to bind promised pay raises for teachers and school personnel to things like charter schools and increased class sizes. While there are some who agree with this omnibus bill, many are pushing to have the elements pulled apart and voted on as single subject bills. In segment 1, Fred Albert, the President of the American Federation of Teachers - WV Chapter, talks about the possibility of another teacher walkout in the future. In seg...
Making Education a Priority in West Virginia
January 28, 2019 14:58 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBJim Justice announces that education will be a centerpiece of this legislative session during his State of the State Address. Mark Curtis speaks with education leaders about how West Virginia can make that a reality. In segment 1, Dale Lee, the President of the West Virginia Education Association discusses his issues with including education reform and raises in an omnibus bill and the influence of educators at the Capitol. In segment 2, Dr. William Simmons, former President of Glenville ...
BONUS: Sen. Capito Speaks on Government Shutdown Votes
January 25, 2019 20:01 - 5 minutes - 5.48 MBThursday, the Senate voted on two proposals to re-open the government. One came from Democrats, one from Republicans, but votes on both met the same fate, failure. We spoke with Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) moments after the votes took place. Here's what she had to say. You can hear from more local, state, and federal lawmakers each and every week on Inside West Virginia Politics every Sunday Morning on WOWK in Charleston, WBOY in Clarksburg, WDVM in the eastern panhandle, WTRF in Whe...
Mountain State Marijuana & $10 Million for the Border Wall?
January 21, 2019 12:49 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBIn the 2nd week of the West Virginia Legislative Session, Mark Curtis talks to policymakers and influencers about the legalization of marijuana, creating an intermediate Court of Appeals, and West Virginia sending $10 million to help fund the border wall. In Segment 1, Delegate Caleb Hanna (R-Webster) speaks about his idea to give President Trump $10,000,000 of West Virginia's almost $200,000,000 surplus for the border wall. In Segment 2, Delegate Shawn Fluharty (D-Ohio) speaks against bo...
The 2019 West Virginia Legislative Session
January 14, 2019 19:57 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBMark Curtis speaks with the Republican and Democratic Leadership of the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate on what issues they will be prioritizing going into the 2019 Legislative Session. In Segment 1, House Speaker Del. Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay) talks about the State budget and West Virginia's new surplus. In Segment 2, House Minority Leader Del. Tim Miley (D-Harrison) speaks on the future of medical and recreational marijuana in the Mountain State. In Segment 3, State Senate Pres...
West Virginia's 2019 Congressional Delegation
January 07, 2019 16:24 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBMark Curtis takes Inside West Virginia Politics to Washington D.C. to speak with West Virginia's entire congressional delegation on issues ranging from healthcare and the opioid crisis to the future of coal jobs and potential for other industry in the Mountain State. Mark sits down with Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and then with Congressman David McKinley (R-WV), Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), and Congressman Alex Mooney (R-WV). More Inside West Vir...