By PHIL KABLER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A difference of opinion with Gov. Jim Justice over how to fix crumbling secondary roads in West Virginia apparently led the governor to fire veteran highways engineer Tom Smith as state Transportation secretary on Sunday night. One day after the regular legislative[Read More…]
Latest News
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston investigation finds ‘no criminal activity’ by former Bishop Michael Bransfield
By LINDA COMINS The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register WHEELING, W.Va. — The Most Rev. Michael Bransfield, retired bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, isn’t facing any criminal charges as a result of a just-completed diocesan investigation into alleged sexual harassment and financial improprieties, a spokesman said Monday. Speaking at an[Read More…]
Southern West Virginia lawmakers worry over education
By JORDAN NELSON The Register-Herald CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While education policy was one of the most-debated topics during the legislative session, many local lawmakers said they are leaving the chambers with a sense of disappointment, feeling like an opportunity to improve public education in West Virginia was wasted. Senate Bill 451, the[Read More…]
West Virginia delegates allocate $1.1 million for MARC commuter train service
By DANYEL VanREENEN The Journal MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The West Virginia state legislature has approved $1.1 million to fund the MARC commuter train service in Berkeley and Jefferson counties for the 2019-2020 year. The MARC train, which connects the Eastern Panhandle to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, has faced funding[Read More…]
New mine safety test lab proposed for site on Pocahontas-Randolph border
By RICK STEELHAMMER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is eyeing a 460-acre tract straddling the Randolph-Pocahontas County line near Mace as the future site of a research center and testing laboratory for underground mine safety. NIOSH personnel on Wednesday hosted an open[Read More…]
Southern West Virginia high school senior jumping into Oak Hill city politics
By MATT COMBS The Register-Herald OAK HILL, W.Va. — At 17 years old, Colby Lopez isn’t a typical teenager. Instead of the latest trends, gossip and graduation just months away, the teen from Oak Hill has shifted his focus to running for Oak Hill City Council for the city’s Ward Two.[Read More…]
WVU to host women’s leadership panel as part of Distinguished Speaker Series
WVU Today MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A panel of women who have demonstrated their abilities to lead and thrive in their respective areas of the business world will be the focus of the Distinguished Speaker Series at the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics. The event, also[Read More…]
From birth control to PEIA funding, a look at some of the bills passed by the West Virginia Legislature
By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail Another legislative session has come and gone. Some bills passed. Most failed. A few high-profile bills burned bright and died young. A massive education overhaul died after both chambers passed different versions of the same bill. The Campus Self Defense Act, commonly known as “campus[Read More…]
State Department of Education announces stakeholder meetings leading up to special session
By STEVEN ALLEN ADAMS The Parkersburg News and Sentinel CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With a special session for education betterment possibly two months away, the West Virginia Department of Education hopes to bring teachers, administrators, parents and the business community together to look at possible reforms. Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine[Read More…]
