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In Segment 1, Chief Justice of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Evan Jenkins discusses the plans for what they’re calling the New Court. He says they hope to continue moving forward from the “problems of the past,” and continue the work of the past two years to bring back the public’s trust and confidence through accountability and transparency from the Court.He says even amid the pandemic, the court was never able to fully close, providing access to those in emergency situations. Jenkins says learning to use technology to provide new means of accessing the court can also be used in the future.In Segment 2, we switch gears from politics to pandemic. Reverend Matthew Watts of Grace Baptist Church talks about the importance of getting the vaccine out to minority groups in the state.Watts has been an advocate for providing COVID-19 testing to minority communities throughout the pandemic, as studies have shown minorities are two to three times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the rest of the population. He commended the Kanawha County Commission and Kanawha-Charleston Health Department for making those testing events happen.He says those statistics also make getting the vaccine available to minority communities important to protect the community.In Segment 3, Charlie Burd, the executive director of the new Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia stops by to talk about the organization. The association is a merger of the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association and the Independent Oil and Gas Association.Burd says the two organization’s dividing lines started merging and it was time to start tracking the same issues. He says the merger makes the organization stronger and gives them more of an opportunity to advocate for issues such as public policy, environmental safety, drilling and production, and taxes.In Segment 4, Seth DiStefano with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy talks about the COVID-19 aid package. The recent package included funding for aid to child nutrition and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.DiStefano says in West Virginia, that funding will amount to about $100 extra dollars in federal food assistance per month per family. He says he believes its important for state lawmakers heading into the legislative session to keep these needs in mind and remember many families in the Mountain State were struggling with high rates of poverty and joblessness before the pandemic began.

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, reporters from around the state join our host and Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis for an annual “free for all” to discuss the top stories of 2020.Reporters weighing in include Brad McElhinny of WV Metro News, Joe Stevens of WMOV Radio, WOWK 13 News Morning Anchor Lily Bradley and Steven Allen Adams of Ogden Newspapers.In Segment 1, we discuss the biggest story of the year – the COVID-19 pandemic. Our guests discuss how West Virginia has handled the crisis in comparison to other states, highlighting how West Virginia took precautions early before the virus reached the state and how health officials made it easier for West Virginians to get tested for COVID-19.We also take a moment to remember two tragedies in the Mountain State. First, the murders of seven veterans at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg. An unlicensed “nursing aid,” Reta Mays pleaded guilty to those murders and will be sentenced in February. We also remember 28-year-old Charleston Police Department Patrolman Cassie Johnson, who was shot in the line of duty Dec. 1. She died two days later on Dec. 3 and as a final heroic act, donated her organs to continue saving the lives of others.In Segment 2, we switch from pandemic to politics. One of the biggest election headlines in the Mountain State came in the June Primary Election when incumbent and Senate President Mitch Carmichael was defeated by Amy Grady, who went on to win the Nov. 3 race.We also talk about policy in the state, especially surrounding elections and early voting, which became a hot topic as states worked to make voting as safe and accessible as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.The pandemic also highlighted the Mountain State’s crucial need for better broadband. With schools moving to virtual learning as well as telehealth and telework, the pandemic showed how many of the state’s rural areas do not have reliable access to broadband to connect.In Segment 3, we discuss politics and what the upcoming legislative session will look like between the pandemic and the Republican supermajority.One question on the session is what will it look like? With the pandemic still ongoing and cases on the rise, the public has only been able to enter the building for specific businesses, questions arise as to how the public’s right to observe the sessions and have a voice in the building will work out, especially if legislators are moved to the gallery for social distancing. Plans for keeping the sessions safe have not yet been finalized.In Segment 4, the topic turns to the state’s continued economic struggles, made more difficult by closures and unemployment caused by the pandemic. Some major economic stories from the Mountain State include the closure of the Mylan plant in the Morgantown area. The loss of the Minor League Team West Virginia Power in downtown Charleston.In good economic news of 2020, West Virginia was chosen as the new site for the Virgin Hyperloop Certification Center. Construction on the site is expected to begin this year.Lily also reflects on Medal of Honor Recipient Woody Williams, who turned 97 in 2020, and getting to travel with him to Norfolk, Virginia before shutdowns began as the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams was converted to the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams.Mark also remembers another pre-pandemic moment – the fifth day of the 2020 legislative session and the standing ovation Delegate Sean Hornbuckle received when he announced he had missed the first four days because he had been in the hospital donating a life-saving kidney to his sister. 

In Segment 1, Bishop Michie Klusmeyer of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia talks about having hope in the Christmas season and how important holding on to hope has been throughout the pandemic.Klusmeyer says while churches are going virtual, it’s a time when people are more connected with people from across the world joining local churches on live-streamed services and yet more isolated. He says this Christmas and Advent season is a time to be quiet and listen to the voice of God for comfort.In Segment 2, Joe Stevens with the West Virginia Ski Area Association says wintery weather on the slopes is a-go for ski season. While the ski resorts will be open, safety precautions will be in place to protect guests and employees from COVID-19. Stevens says he has one piece of advice for skiers – “Mask up.”Face coverings will be required in lift lines, on the lifts and other areas. People can go to goskiwv.com for a full list of guidelines at the ski resorts. Stevens says in a normal year, the industry brings in $250 million and 5,000 jobs.In Segment 3, we switch gears to politics with West Virginia Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) to discuss the supermajority in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate.While Carmichael himself was voted out in the primary election in June, he attributes the Republican party’s overall success in the Mountain State’s general election to the legislature’s focus on issues West Virginians care about. He says he believes it’s important for the legislature to work toward making the best decisions for the state.In Segment 4, West Virginia Senate President Mitch Carmichael (R-Jackson) returns to talk about working in public office and what it’s like to make changes to better the state’s future.He also talks about the discussions around phasing out the state income tax, saying the State Senate has led many of those conversations. Charmichael says it needs to be addressed because economists across the country have said it’s the “number one job-killing tax in our state.”

In Segment 1, Chief Political Reporter and host Mark Curtis talks COVID-19 response in an exclusive interview with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx during her visit to the Mountain State earlier in the week just as vaccines started arriving in West Virginia.She said the rising COVID-19 numbers in the state prompted her visit.“Well, that’s why we wanted to come because obviously, you can see West Virginia right now, rising test positivity, rising cases, rising hospitalizations, rising fatalities. Now is the moment every West Virginian really needs to take care,” Dr. Birx said.She also said she is excited to see the long-awaited vaccine finally begin to roll out as the first doses are given to those who need it most. In Segment 2, we continue our exclusive interview with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx during her visit to West Virginia.In the past weeks, the Mountain State has seen a spike in its coronavirus numbers. Dr. Birx says a lot of this came from before Thanksgiving, and the holiday is accelerating this increase.She also urges people to keep their masks on even around friends and family, as many people move gatherings indoors as the weather grows colder. She says if people do choose to gather with close family and friends this holiday season, follow the CDC guidelines to keep each other safe and prevent further spread of the virus. In Segment 3, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and her husband Charlie Capito talk about a first for the Congressional Club in Washington this coming year. For the first time in the club’s history, it will have a male president, Charlie Capito.The Congressional Club first began in 1908 as a club for the spouses of members of Congress. In the early days of the club, it served primarily as a women’s social group, as all Congress members at the time were men. Charlie Capito says his first invitation for the Republican Spouses’ Club, 20 years ago when his wife made history as West Virginia’s first female elected to the House of Representatives, came in a pink correspondence.The couple says having a supportive family is important for those making the tough decisions on Capitol Hill. In Segment 4, we continue our conversation with U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and her husband Charlie Capito, this time talking about policy and politics.Senator Capito tells us she believes important components of a COVID-19 aid package include help for small businesses, schools and hospitals; providing for continued testing and rolling out vaccine distribution; and aiding those receiving unemployment due to the pandemic. She says a major part of making sure the vaccine can be sent out to states quickly, is making sure the funding is there for production.Charlie Capito, a member of the West Virginia University Board of Governors and the Charleston Area Medical Center Board of Directors, talks about the university’s and hospital’s responses to the fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the curveballs they’ve been thrown.

In Segment 1, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer talks about vaccine distribution in the Mountain State. He says there will be five hubs where the vaccine will be brought into the state and roughly 525 providers who have already signed up to assist with distributing the vaccine.The first phase of distribution is to stabilize the healthcare system to allow workers to continue providing healthcare and to protect the most vulnerable in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.Hoyer also shares his thoughts on the passing of West Virginia legend Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager (Ret.), saying he hopes people will remember him not only as the man to break the sound bearer, but also an American Hero who bravely fought for our country, flying combat missions in both World War II and Vietnam and trained 26 of the nation’s first astronauts. In Segment 2, West Virginia’s Public Health Officer Dr. Ayne Amjad says the state is starting to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, partially from Thanksgiving holiday travel, but not all of that data is in yet, and numbers could continue to increase. She also says a significant number of people with COVID-19 aren’t answering their phones for contact tracing, urging people to pick up the phone because identifying those contacts is important to prevent further spread of the virus. She says the number will usually be from your local health department. In Segment 3, Delegate Daniel Linville (R – Cabell County), vice-chair of the House Committee on Technology and Infrastructure, talks about an issue with a bipartisan agreement – the lack of broadband in rural West Virginia needs to be fixed. He says the state has put together a more accurate map to tailor resources to fund ways to expand and enhance broadband in the state. Previous maps have shown broadband in areas where there is none.He says broadband has become an important part of 21st-century technology, and the digital divide has been highlighted amid the need for telehealth, telework and online learning during the pandemic. In Segment 4, the new Minority Leader for the West Virginia House of Delegates, Delegate Doug Skaff (D-Kanawha County) talks about working to make the minority party’s voice heard in a super majority in state legislature.Skaff says he remembers what it was like working with the minority party and building relationships across the aisle when Democrats were a majority when he first joined the legislature in 2009, and hopes the House of Delegates can work together across party lines to meet common goals for the state.He says he feels the legislature is on a united front in what it will take to help the state and small businesses through the pandemic.

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, Charleston and the Mountain State grieve their fallen hero, Charleston Police Department Patrolman Cassie Johnson, who was shot in the line of duty Dec. 1. Also in this episode, a congressman gives an update on the battle for a new stimulus package in Washington D.C. and AARP explains what they would like to see happen in Congress, especially in regards to transparency about COVID-19 in nursing homes. In Segment 1, Congressman Alex Mooney (R-WV) shares his heartfelt thoughts regarding the tragedy of Charleston Police Department Patrolman Cassie Johnson’s death after she was shot in the line of duty Dec. 1. He says in this time of grief for the city, it is important to look for ways to honor her legacy. Mooney also gives an update on the stalemate battle of getting a stimulus package passed to provide aid to those impacted by shutdowns and layoffs caused by the pandemic. In Segment 2, Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin shares her grief and fond memories as the city mourns their Sister in Blue, CPD Patrolman Cassie Johnson. The mayor says Johnson was one of nine women on the Charleston Police Department and her legacy will impact generations of women. “The legacy and the gifts that she gave are going to impact and influence women for generations to come,” Goodwin said. In January 2019, Johnson became the first police officer Goodwin swore into office. Johnson’s final heroic act was selfless giving and continuing to save lives as an organ donor. In Segment 3, we take a look at U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito’s (R-WV) speech on the Floor of the U.S. Senate honoring CPD Patrolman Cassie Johnson, Thursday, Dec. 3. “She loved her community, and her community loved her back,” Capito said. Capito said becoming a police officer was a dream come true for Johnson, and thanked her for protecting a community they both love. In Segment 4, Jane Marks, president of AARP West Virginia, begins by sharing her condolences for CPD Patrolman Cassie Johnson’s loved ones. She says they feel the impact of the tragedy because, the AARP works closely with police to prevent frauds and scams, but they are also grieving as members of the community Johnson bravely served. Marks also talks about what the organization wants to see in Congress this year, such as transparency about COVID-19 in nursing homes. Marks says while the Mountain State has done well in reporting this information and making it available to the public, not all states have provided this information. She also says they want to make sure families have access to virtual visitation with residents to prevent social isolation and because residents want to see their loved ones.

On this week’s episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, our guests join host Mark Curtis to talk about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the anticipated vaccines awaiting approval from the FDA and the need in West Virginia for a second stimulus package.In Segment 1, West Virginia National Guard Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, an integral part of the governor’s COVID-19 response team, talks about retiring from his position as Adjutant General, West Virginia Joint Forces Headquarters-West Virginia to becoming a senior associate vice president at WVU. He says he wants to continue helping the Mountain State through the pandemic in COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution as well as other projects across the state.In Segment 2, West Virginia COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh talks about why COVID-19 numbers are on an uptick in the Mountain State and across the country. Marsh says one factor is health officials believe people are beginning to let their guards down around family and friends as a large number of recent cases are through community spread. Marsh says this holiday season is best to keep just with those in your household or through Zoom, Skype or other virtual platforms, saying “Wish others well, but don’t wish them well in person.” The COVD-19 Czar also talks about COVID-19 aid packages and why support from the federal government is important in offering free testing, providing contact tracing and soon-to-be vaccine distribution.In Segment 3, Seth DiStefano with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy talks about the necessity of another CARES Act package. He says many of the provisions in the first package, such as the $600 per week boost to unemployment benefits were essential to keeping West Virginians afloat and keeping the state’s economy from crashing. However, DiStefano says much of those provisions have already run out or will soon run out.In Segment 4, we switch gears from pandemic to politics with former West Virginia Delegate Dr. Chris Stansbury to talk about Republican Party’s numerous wins in the state legislature during the 2020 General Election. Dr. Stansbury analyzes why he thinks the party had such a large success in the election, saying the party’s views are more in line with West Virginians’ values.Stansbury also gives a preview of the upcoming legislative session. He says some issues include more dollars for the state’s roads – a point of contention for many West Virginians, possible raises for state employees, and making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss why everyone should be careful over Thanksgiving, we learn more about WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, and find out how some are working to help those impacted economically by the pandemic. In segment one, Dr. Sherri Young, chief health officer with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, explains why everyone should take caution with their Thanksgiving plans this year, the concern medical officials have over people crossing into West Virginia’s borders from surrounding states, and how residents can get more information on testing. In segment two, West Virginia President Gordon Gee gives an update on the West Virginia University Medicine Children’s Hospital, what the facility can provide for the area, and what it can provide for the area economically. In segment three, we learn more about this year’s Miracle Network Champion Child, how the medical team at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital has helped him, and we meet the woman recently named the hospital’s nurse of the year. In segment four, Charlotte Lane, chairwoman of the West Virginia Public Service Commission, explains why the commission decided to help those who could not pay their utility bills due to the pandemic, why she would like to see the state and federal government provide more help to those who cannot pay their bills, and why solar energy is so important for the Mountain State.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we get to meet this year’s Miracle Network Champion Child, delve into West Virginia Wesleyan College and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s Go D.O. program, and get an update on the state’s Jobs and Hope program. In segment one, Amy Bush Marone, COO of WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital gives an update on the new facility’s construction, explains the benefits of partnering with Children’s Miracle Network, and introduces us to this year’s Miracle Network Champion Child. In segment two, Dr. Joel Thierstein, president of West Virginia Wesleyan College explains how their new Go D.O. program will work, how high schools students can begin the process of getting into the program, and how the program can help to attract people to move to the Mountain State. In segment three, Dr. James Nemitz, president of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, continues the discussion of Go D.O. and their partnership with West Virginia Wesleyan College, how helping young students make their way to medical school is a “win-win” for everyone, and how the program will help the Mountain State’s medically underserved. In segment four, Del. Mike Pushkin (d) Kanawha explains why he believes everyone in the West Virginia government should work together to better the lives of West Virginians, gives an update on the Jobs and Hope Program, and why he cautions state Republicans, who now hold a supermajority.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the recent Presidential Election, how to make broadband more accessible in the Mountain State and priorities during upcoming legislative sessions. In segment one, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) explains what she thinks should be the first thing on the agenda when she gets back to Washington D.C., how she views the ongoing process concerning the 2020 Presidential Election, and what needs to happen to make broadband more accessible throughout the Mountain State. In segment two, Danny Jones, the former mayor of Charleston, explains how he believes President Donald Trump should handle the ongoing process concerning the 2020 Presidential Election, how “the Trump effect” helped Republicans throughout the Mountain State, and what he expects from Riley Moore, the newly elected West Virginia State Treasurer. In segment three, Jones explains why he believes West Virginia voted in a Republican super majority, why the Republicans now have a burden placed on them by holding the majority, and what he thinks to be in the future for the state. In segment four, Del. Doug Skaff (D-Kanawha) explains how he plans to help provide broadband to more West Virginians, what he sees to be the future of medical and recreational marijuana in the state, and what he considers to be the main issues as he goes into the next legislative session.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about we could expect from Tuesday’s election, how the coronavirus impacted the election, and whether the state should promote school choice.In segment one, Professor Robert Rupp, professor of political science at West Virginia Wesleyan College, explains what he believes we can expect from Tuesday’s General Election, why he thinks Republicans will do very well in the Mountain State, and the impact the coronavirus had on this election cycle.In segment two, Rupp, author of the new book “The Primary that Made a President” explains why the 1960 Presidential Primary was such a critical Primary Election, what impact Former President John F. Kennedy’s religion had on his campaign, and the importance of “retail politics” in Kennedy’s day, as well as now in West Virginia.In segment three, Garrett Ballengee, executive director of The Cardinal Institute of West Virginia, explains why he would like to see candidates who can present a positive vision for the state do well in Tuesday’s election, why his organization supports school choice, and what they would like to see to promote economic development in the Mountain State.In segment four, Josh Sword, president of The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations of West Virginia, explains what his organization supports candidates that support working families, why he believes national politics often takes the spotlight off of state and local politics, which directly impacts our lives more, and why his organization supports more funding for public schools.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we dig deep into the race for West Virginia Governor, learn how the candidates differ on key issues, and discover what each candidate plans to do if elected.In segment one, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango, Democratic candidate for West Virginia Governor, explains why he decided to run for the office, what she would do differently for the state in terms of economic development, and what he has already done to help West Virginia small businesses.In segment two, Gov. Jim Justice, Republican candidate for West Virginia Governor explains why he chose to run for another term, what he believes to be his greatest accomplishments while in office, and how “Roads for Prosperity” has helped the Mountain State.In segment three, Salango grades Justice’s response to the coronavirus, explains what Salango has done to help the Mountain State during the pandemic, and why he believes voters should vote for him.In segment four, Justice explains how he believes Salango stripped the funding from local health departments, what Justice has done for the state during the coronavirus pandemic, and how a federal investigation proved his privately-owned business’ dealings were on the up and up.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we get inside the race for U.S. Senate, explain how the candidates differ on key issues, and show what each candidate wants to accomplish for the Mountain State.In segment one, Paula Jean Swearengin, democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, explains why she decided to run for Senate, why she doesn’t believe Congress should even consider the current Supreme Court nominee during the pandemic, and why she thinks her opponent is out of touch with her constituents.In segment two, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), republican candidate for U.S. Senate explains why she thinks West Virginia should re-elect her, why she plans to vote to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, why she still believes she understands the needs of the Mountain State.In segment three, Swearengin explains why Congress should be focusing on COVID-19 stimulus packages, why she believes the Affordable Health Care Act should be upheld, and why the Mountain State needs economic diversity.In segment four, Capito explains how she continues to work to pass a COVID-19 stimulus package to help those in the state, how she plans to help provide broadband coverage throughout the Mountain State, and how she plans to help provide health care for West Virginia.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we get into the race for West Virginia Attorney General, learn how the candidates differ on the major issues, and discover what the candidates hope to accomplish if elected.In segment one, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey explains how he plans to help those searching for work in the Mountain State find a job, how he plans to continue the fight against the opioid crisis, and how he differs from his opponent.In segment two, Sam Brown Petsonk, Democratic candidate for West Virginia Attorney General, explains how he differs from his opponent, why he believes Morrisey should have fought more for West Virginians in the opioid settlements, and why he believes hundreds of thousands of Mountain State residents will lose their health insurance if Morrisey is elected.In segment three, Morrisey explains why he feels the Affordable Care Act should be repealed, how he plans to help West Virginians keep their healthcare, and his top priorities if re-elected.In segment four, Petsonk explains why he disputes Morrisey’s claims that West Virginians will keep their health insurance if the Affordable Care Act is repealed, how he wants to help save the Mountain State’s power sector, and how he plans to fight for the state’s coal miners.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we delve into the race for West Virginia Secretary of State, discuss if the state is ready for automatic voter registration, and discuss how best to help Mountain State small businesses.In segment one, Natalie Tennant, Democratic candidate of West Virginia Secretary of State, explains why much work still needs to be completed for automatic voter registration, why she believes this race comes down to “dignity and decency,” and why she takes issue with absentee ballot applications not being sent to all Mountain State voters for the General Election.In segment two, West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner explains why he decided to run for re-election, what he chose to terminate some Secretary of State employees when he took office in 2016, and why he does not believe West Virginia systems are not ready for automatic voters registration.In segment three, Tennant explains how she wants to make it easier for West Virginians to start small businesses, why she says the voting app is vulnerable and hackable, and what she plans to do for the state if elected.In segment four, Warner explains why his office chose to not mail out absentee ballot applications to all voters in West Virginia, why he believes the mobile voting system is safe, and how his “one-stop-shop” for small businesses is helping business owners throughout the Mountain State.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we talk about the West Virginia Treasurer’s race, how the candidates stand on issues impacting the Mountain State, and how they hope to help West Virginia in the future.In segment one, Riley Moore, Republican candidate for West Virginia Treasurer, explains what he hopes to accomplish if elected to the office, what experience he would bring, and how he differs from his opponent.In segment two, West Virginia Treasurer John Perdue explains what he believes to be his biggest accomplishments as State Treasurer, how he’s helped to return money into the pockets of West Virginia residents through the unclaimed property process, and how he’s helped to balance the state’s budget during his time in office.In segment three, Moore explains what he plans to do differently than this opponent if elected, and how he wants to help those in the state wanting to go to college, and how he responds to critics who say he’s not qualified.In segment four, Perdue explains how the current Smart 529 Plan already benefits those wanting to further their education, how he’s confident about about the state handled providing medical marijuana to those who need it, and why he thinks voters should re-elect him.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss two big Mountain State races, how candidates differ on big issues facing the state, and what the candidates are hoping to change.In segment one, Rep. Carol Miller (R-Dist. 3), Republican candidate for U.S. Congress Dist. 3, explains what she thinks her greatest accomplishments have been while in office, why she thinks Congress needs to find a balance between helping the unemployed and encouraging everyone to return to work, and what her mission has been from her first day in office.In segment two, Hillary Turner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress Dist. 3, explains what spurred her decision to run for Congress, how she thinks the government can pay for universal healthcare, and what she would do differently to help families during the coronavirus pandemic.In segment three, Kent Leonhardt, the Republican candidate for State Agriculture Commissioner, explains what he believes to be his greatest accomplishments during his first term, how the state is growing the agriculture economy, and the impact the veteran’s farming program has on the Mountain State.In segment four, West Virginia Sen. Bob Beach (D-Monongalia), the Democratic candidate for State Agriculture Commissioner, explains what he believes he will bring to the office if elected, how he thinks agriculture equals economic development, and how he plans to address the issues different farmers struggle within the state.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss the two big races in the state for Congress, how healthcare should be made available to all residents, and what should happen with the newest CARES Act legislation.In segment one, Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV), the Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives, District 2, explains why he thinks he represents West Virginia values, how he thinks healthcare can be made more affordable for all, and how he thinks government should encourage residents to go back to work.In segment two, Cathy Kunkel, the Democratic candidate for the United States House of Representatives, District 2, explains why she thinks West Virginians should vote for her, why she supports Medicare for all, and what she thinks should be provided in the next stimulus package.In segment three, David McKinley, (R-WV), the Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives, District 1, explains why he chose to run for another term, what he believes to be his greatest accomplishments over the past 10 years, and where Congress stands on current CARES Act legislation.In segment four, Natalie Cline, the Democratic candidate for the United States House of Representatives, District 1, explains why the opioid epidemic helped spur her decision to run for office, how she hopes to help provide broadband coverage for all West Virginians, and why she wants the state to invest in science, technology, engineering and math courses.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss how the state prepared to reopen West Virginia schools, procedures schools will follow, and how schools will feed school children attending school remotely.In segment one, State Superintendent of Schools Clayton Burch explains how the state prepared to reopen schools, his advice for Mountain State parents and students, and how the schools will handle lunch service during the pandemic.In segment two, West Virginia Public Health Officer Dr. Ayne Amjad explains what procedure schools will follow if a student tests positive for the coronavirus, her thoughts on the vaccine possibly being made available in October, and the emotional toll the pandemic has taken on parents.In segment three, Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association, explains how comfortable some teachers are with reopening schools, how he thinks the color-coded map will help, and how the state should determine if any changes need to be made to the system.In segment 4, Seth DiStefano, policy outreach director for West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, explains his concerns with families being unable to get to a lunch drop-off site, with feeding those students who attend school online, and what the state needs from Congress to feed its families.

On this week’s Inside West Virginia Politics, we discuss two of the big races for West Virginia State Senate, how to improve education in the state, and economic recovery throughout the Mountain State.In segment one, Del. Andrew Robinson (D-Kanawha), the Democratic candidate for West Virginia State Senate, District 12, explains why he chose to run for State Senate, what he considers his greatest accomplishments while in the House of Representatives, and how he would attract economic development to the Mountain State.In segment two, Del. Eric Nelson (R-Kanawha County), the Republican candidate for West Virginia Senate, District 12, explains why he chose to run for the West Virginia Senate, what work he’s most proud of while in the House of Representatives, and what he would do to change education in the state.In segment three, Any Nichole Grady, the Republican nominee for West Virginia Senate, District 4, explains how’s she’s preparing to go back into the classroom, what her priorities are if she wins the seat, and what she would do to rebuild business in West Virginia.In segment four, Bruce Ashworth, the Democratic nominee for West Virginia Senate, District 4 explains why he chose to run for Senate, why the state government should do more to support small businesses in the state, and how he would improve education in the state.