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Inside West Virginia Politics

Mark Curtis, Rick Johnsonwowktv.com
Inside West Virginia Politics is a weekly show hosted by Rick Johnson that discusses local, regional, and national issues and how they impact the Mountain State.
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Episodes

COVID-19 Scams, West Virginia Education, & Honoring Bill Withers

On this week's episode, we continue our conversation on COVID-19, with guests talking about the scams running rampant in the nation right now, what you need to watch out for to keep yourself safe, and the latest election and education news. We also take a moment to honor Bill Withers, legendary West Virginia singer-songwriter, as we learn the sad news of his passing. In segment 1, Mike Stuart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, talks about the West Virginia Corona...

Apr 07, 202022 minEp. 61

COVID-19 Impact on Voting, Finances, & the Homeless

On this week's episode, we continue our coverage of the impact of COVID-19 on the Mountain state. Our guests branch out beyond the basics to tell you about the impact the virus has on the homeless, politics, voting, and even finances. In segment 1, Dr. Sherri Young with the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department gives us the most recent total of confirmed cases in Kanawha County (accurate as of Thursday morning, which is when this show is recorded; check the Health Department's website for updated...

Mar 30, 202023 minEp. 60

"Facts Over Fear," Aid Funding, & Unemployment Concerns Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

On this week's episode, we share segments from our WOWK COVID-19 special, "Facts Over Fear," in which West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and other top state officials address concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. Later in the show, United States Representative Carol Miller shares advice that we should all aim to remember, and Steve Roberts addresses unemployment concerns. In segment 1, we share a portion of our WOWK COVID-19 special, "Facts Over Fear." Governor Jim Justice shares how being pre...

Mar 24, 202023 minEp. 59

West Virginia Officials Address COVID-19 Concerns

On this week's episode, guests talk with us about all things COVID-19, including the impact on businesses and schools, what West Virginia is doing to prepare for a possible future outbreak, and expert information and advice on how disease spreads and how you can protect yourself. In segment 1, Dr. Cathy Slemp, West Virginia State Health Officer and Commissioner of DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health, breaks down COVID-19 for our audience, telling us how (and how quickly) disease spreads, how far awa...

Mar 16, 202022 minEp. 58

West Virginia Lawsuits, Prescription Drug Transparency, & Red Cross Month

On this week's episode, guests discuss the investigation at the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, ongoing city and county trials against opioid manufacturers, prescription drug transparency, and Red Cross Month. In segment 1, West Virginia Attorney Tony O'Dell talks about the progress in the Clarksburg VA Medical Center investigation, including the first lawsuit filed on behalf of one of the affected families and the significance of the person of interest to the case. In segment 2, Attorney Rusty...

Mar 09, 202022 minEp. 57

Budget Progress, Religious Studies Bill, & Legislative Session Concerns

On this week's episode, guests highlight important parts of the legislative session, including the state's proposed budget and a bill that would let students study the Bible in an academic setting, and also share any concerns they hope to have addressed before the end of session. In segment 1, Republican Senator Craig Blair talks about the proposed budget, including any progress toward an agreement, and tells us about the recovery process after his traffic accident. In segment 2, Democratic Sena...

Mar 04, 202021 minEp. 56

Fairmont Regional Medical Center Closure, Tax Plan, & Accomplishments at the Capitol

On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, our guests give their thoughts on the recent announcement that Fairmont Regional Medical Center will be closing its doors, and talk about other issues important to the state. In segment 1, United States Senator Joe Manchin responds to the hospital closure, saying we cannot let Marion County go without medical care, and also tells us about his tweet war with President Trump. In segment 2, West Virginia Delegate Amy Summers talks about some ...

Feb 26, 202022 minEp. 55

Greyhound Racing, VA Deaths Investigation, & the Schools for the Deaf and Blind

On this week's episode, guests talk with us about the impact of greyhound racing on West Virginia's economy, the ongoing investigation into the suspicious deaths at the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, and the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind. In segment 1, Democratic Senator William Ihlenfeld talks about why the investigation into the suspicious deaths at the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg is taking so much time, and tells us why the loss of greyhound racing would be devastating to...

Feb 18, 202022 minEp. 54

Cell Phone Voting, Health Care, & the Conclusion to the Presidential Impeachment Trial

On today's episode, guests talk about the conclusion of the presidential impeachment trial, the ongoing investigation at Clarksburg's VA Medical Center, the fight against opioids, and how cell phone voting could impact this election cycle. In segment 1, United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito shares her frustrations about the ongoing investigation into the suspicious deaths at the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, gives her opinion on the State of the Union Address, and tells us why she voted ...

Feb 11, 202022 minEp. 53

Federal Grand Jury, Foster Care, & Adult Use Cannabis

On today's episode, guests discuss new developments in the ongoing VA Medical Center investigation, as well as various issues going on the state, including foster care, technology, renewable energy, and medical and adult use cannabis. In segment 1, Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw reacts to news that a federal grand jury has convened in Clarksburg in the suspicious deaths at the VA Medical Center, and talks about issues going on in the state, including foster care, the state's tech industry, a...

Feb 04, 202021 minEp. 52

VA Medical Center Investigation, Presidential Impeachment Trial, & Insulin Costs

On today's episode, we hear from Republican members of West Virginia's congressional delegation about multiple issues, including their joint bill targeting the ongoing homicide investigation at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center and the presidential impeachment trial. We also talk to a Democratic delegate, whose recently proposed bill would put a cap on insulin co-pays. In segment 1, Republican Congressman David McKinley talks about the impeachment process, the investigation into the suspicious de...

Jan 28, 202022 minEp. 51

Proposed Tax Repeals, Rainy Day Funds, & Organ Donation

On this week's episode, we take a look at the proposed repeal of the business inventory tax, rainy day funds, and one delegate's selfless organ donation. In segment 1, Republican Senator Eric Tarr shares his experience of running the Senate Finance Committee while committee chair Craig Blair is recovering, and tells us why he believes the proposed repeal of the business and inventory tax would benefit the state. In segment 2, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Roman Prezioso talks about why he th...

Jan 22, 202021 minEp. 50

Goals and Hopes for West Virginia's 2020 Legislative Session

On this week's episode, our guests reflect on the recent State of the State Address, the status of the Fairness Act, and Ramaco Carbon coming to West Virginia. In segment 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice talks about the potential benefits of Ramaco Carbon coming to the Mountain State, as well as the resolution of the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation, which was launched after questions arose about the financing of his Military Tribute tournament at the Greenbrier. In segment 2, Sen...

Jan 14, 202023 minEp. 49

Issues and Advocacy in the 2020 Legislative Session

On this week’s episode, we take a look at some of the issues that are important to and will be pushed by groups in the 2020 West Virginia Legislative session. In segment 1, Tom Hunter, the Associate State Director of Communication for AARP West Virginia, talks about the issues they will be advocating about in the upcoming legislative session, including family caregivers, fraud & elder abuse. In segment 2, WOWK 13 News Digital Reporter Erin Noon talks about her experience covering a caravan t...

Jan 06, 202019 minEp. 48

2019 Inside West Virginia Politics Holiday Special

On this week's episode, we talk about the holiday season in the Mountain State, the annual Joyful Night Celebration, and the reason for the season. In segment 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (R) and First Lady Cathy Justice talk about the holiday season in the Mountain State. In segment 2, Randall Reid-Smith the Curator for the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History talks about the annual Joyful Night Celebration and the history of the decorations at the Governor's Mansion. ...

Dec 23, 201918 minEp. 47

Big Issues for the 2020 Legislative Session

On this week’s episode, we take a look at some of the issues that are important to and will be pushed by groups in the 2020 West Virginia Legislative session. In segment 1, Dale Lee, the West Virginia Education Association President, talks about the previous teachers strikes and what they want to see passed in the 2020 legislative session. In segment 2, Andrew Schneider, Executive Director of Fairness West Virginia, talks about the Fairness Act which would ban discrimination in hiring, access to...

Dec 18, 201922 minEp. 46

2019 TechConnect West Virginia Coding and Cyber Summit

On this week's episode, we take the show to TechConnect West Virginia's 2019 Coding and Cyber Summit in Charleston. We take a look at the technology jobs in and coming to the Mountain State, and the programs available to help people fill those jobs. In segment 1, we talk to Anne Barth, the Executive Director of TechConnect West Virginia. In segment 2, we talk to Bernie McKay, the Chief Public Policy Officer for Intuit. In segment 3, we talk to Josh Spence, the Chief Technology Officer for the st...

Dec 09, 201929 minEp. 45

Ski Season, Adoption, & the 2020 Legislative Session

On this week's episode we look at the upcoming legislative session, National Adoption Month, the 2019-2020 ski season, and why a former Secretary of State is running to reclaim the seat. In segment 1, Former West Virginia West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant (D) discusses why she is running to regain the position. In segment 2, West Virginia State Delegate Amanda Estep-Burton (D-Kanawha) talks about her first legislative session and what she is expecting in the 2020 session. In segme...

Dec 02, 201921 minEp. 44

Insulin Caravan, November Special Session, & Flood Prevention

On this week's episode, we look at an insulin caravan to Canada, a candidate for governor, the November special session, and what still needs to be done after the 2016 flood. In segment 1, Del. Barbara Evans Fleischauer (D-Monongalia) discusses rising insulin prices and the caravan from West Virginia to Canada to buy insulin. In segment 2, Jody Murphy, a Democratic Candidate for Governor of West Virginia, talks about his campaign and why he decided to run. In segment 3, Del. Caleb Hannah (R-Webs...

Nov 25, 201920 minEp. 43

FCC Chairman, Rural Broadband, & a US Senate Race

In this week's episode, we talk to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, discuss rural broadband, and look at the Republican primary for a US Senate seat. In segment 1, Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, discusses rural broadband in West Virginia. In segment 2, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) discusses rural broadband issues and shares his thoughts on the FCC's broadcast ownership rules. In segment 3, Allen Whitt, a Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate, talks about his campaign and...

Nov 18, 201922 minEp. 42

2019 Veterans Day Special

On this week's episode, we take a look a look at the issues that are important to veterans in West Virginia and the services offered to them in the Mountain State. In segment 1, Tony O'Dell, an attorney for victims at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, gives an update on the investigation into the homicides and suspicious deaths. In segment 2, Capt. James McCormick, U.S. Army (Ret.), talks about the Clarksburg VA investigation, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and issues impacting veterans...

Nov 11, 201922 minEp. 41

Opioid Lawsuits, VA Investigation Update, & New Jobs in West Virginia

On this week's episode, we take a look at the lawsuits brought against opioid manufacturers and distributors, get an update on the investigation in the suspicious deaths at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, and learn more about the 100 tech jobs coming to West Virginia. For more Inside West Virginia Politics, go to wowktv.com/iwvp.

Oct 29, 201922 minEp. 40

Update on RISE WV, the US-Mexico border, & United Way 211

In this week's episode, we get an update on the RISE WV program, the situation at the US-Mexico border, and the United Way talks about its 211 resource. In segment 1, Major General James Hoyer, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, gives an update on the RISE WV program and recovery from the 2016 floods. In segment 2, Rabbi Victor Urecki, of the B'nai Jacob Synagogue in Charleston, West Virginia, talks about his visit to the US-Mexico border, immigration reform, and refugees. In ...

Oct 22, 201917 minEp. 39

VA Investigation, Economic Outlook, & a New Candidate for Governor

On this week's episode we take a look at the latest on the investigation into the Clarksburg VA Hospital, redesignating the New River Gorge National River, the economic outlook for West Virginia, and another Democrat announces their candidacy for Governor. In segment 1, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango (D) discusses why he decided to run for Governor of West Virginia. In segment 2, Rep. Carol Miller (R) discusses her first year in Congress, the bill to redesignate the New River Gorge Nati...

Oct 15, 201921 minEp. 38

West Virginia Education, Legislative Scorecard, and Childhood Cancer

On this week's episode, we take a look at some upcoming programs in schools in West Virginia, we talk to Americans for Prosperity-WV Chapter about their 2019 Legislative Scorecard, and we talk to a high school student and cancer survivor about working with Sen. Manchin. In segment 1, West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice discusses the ongoing "Communities in Schools" Program In segment 2, West Virginia Board of Education President Dave Perry discusses the boards "Statewide Listening Tour" In se...

Oct 08, 201922 minEp. 37

Hungarian Foreign Minister, a Candidate for Governor, and Jobs for previous Convicts

On this week's episode, we talk to the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a State Senator who is running for governor, someone from the West Virginia Department of Education, and a State Delegate/Author. In segment 1, Peter Szijjarto, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, talks about what brought him back to West Virginia and the similarity in West Virginia's and Hungary's economies. In segment 2, West Virginia State Senator Ron Stallings (D-Boone) discusses why he decid...

Oct 01, 201922 minEp. 36

Opioids, Marijuana, and other drugs in West Virginia

On this week's episode, we take a look at opioid manufacturer settlements, the state of medical marijuana, and how law enforcement is cracking down on illegal drugs in West Virginia. In segment 1, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Mike Stuart talks about cracking down on drugs in the Mountain State. In segment 2, Attorney Rusty Webb talks about opioid settlements and where they stand, when can West Virginia expect to see that cash. In segment 3, West Virginia State Delegat...

Sep 24, 201922 minEp. 35

VA Investigation, Candidate for Governor, & Sports Betting in West Virginia

On this week's episode, we deep dive into the ongoing investigation into the multiple homicides at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, we talk to a democratic candidate for Governor in West Virginia, and we look at the sports betting apps coming to the Mountain State. In segment 1, Tony O'Dell, an attorney for victims at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, talks about the investigation into the homicides at the medical center. In segment 2, Stephen Smith, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, talks ...

Sep 17, 201921 minEp. 34

Jobs and Labor in West Virginia

In honor of the Labor Day holiday weekend, we spend this week's episode looking at the status of jobs, unemployment, unions, and general labor in West Virginia. In segment 1, Steven Roberts, the President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, discusses the increases in available jobs in West Virginia over the last couple of years. In segment 2, Josh Sword, the President of the West Virginia AFL-CIO, discusses the latest on 'Right to Work' and what issues are facing workers in West Virginia. ...

Sep 03, 201922 minEp. 33

Gun Law Reform in West Virginia

With gun control and gun law reform re-entering the national consciousness, on this week's episode we take a look at how that impacts the Mountain State. In segment 1, Senator Joe Manchin (D) talks about gun law reform, expanded background checks, and closing loopholes. In segment 2, State Delegate Jim Butler (R-Mason) shares his concerns about the call for gun law reform. In segment 3, Dee Price Childers, from Moms Demand Action, calls for gun law reform, red flag laws, and loophole closings. I...

Aug 26, 201921 minEp. 32
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