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Mountain State Spotlight
Q&A: House candidate Jonathan Kyle on housing costs, jobs and education investment
This month, Mountain State Spotlight traveled to Pocahontas County to speak with residents in Cass, Hillsboro and Marlinton about what they want candidates to talk about as they ask for their votes. Based on those conversations, we asked questions of Republican Jonathan Kyle and Democrat Dama Nestor as they run to represent the 66th House […] Q&A: House candidate Jonathan Kyle on housing costs, jobs and education investment appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Q&A: U.S. Senate candidates Justice and Elliott differ on fentanyl and fossil fuels policies
As part of Mountain State Spotlight’s Citizens Agenda approach to covering elections this year, we traveled to all 55 counties and asked West Virginians what challenges they’d like to see public officials and candidates address. We learned that the top issues include substance use disorders, the economy, failing infrastructure and financial struggles. Democratic candidate Glenn […] Q&A: U.S. Senate candidates Justice and Elliott differ on fentanyl and fossil fuels policies appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Jim Justice governs from a distance. The U.S. Senate doesn’t work that way.
In the scorching heat, a crowd of more than 100 people, mostly senior citizens, waited outside for nearly an hour for Gov. Jim Justice to arrive at this year’s West Virginia Day celebration in Wheeling. No one was really surprised by the governor’s tardiness. “Several members of the crowd even joked about how typical this […] Jim Justice governs from a distance. The U.S. Senate doesn’t work that way. appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Q&A: House candidate Paul Detch on public school funding, housing shortages and small business support
This month, Mountain State Spotlight traveled to Pocahontas County to speak with residents about what they want candidates to talk about as they compete for votes. We spoke with residents from Cass, Hillsboro, Marlinton and other communities. Based on those conversations, we asked Republican incumbent Del. Jeff Campbell and Democratic challenger Paul Detch how they […] Q&A: House candidate Paul Detch on public school funding, housing shortages and small business support appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Inflation: What West Virginians need to know about rising costs and what politicians say they will do about it
With Election Day fast approaching, West Virginians continue to hear about inflation from candidates — mainly Republicans running for local and state offices, who have blamed national Democrats for higher prices and overspending. “Under Bidenomics, hard-working Americans are facing higher inflation, rising gas prices, and an uncertain economic future,” Gov. Jim Justice posted on X […] Inflation: What West Virginians need to know about rising costs and what politicians say they will do about it appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
As West Virginians head to early voting, here are key details to help you plan to vote
In West Virginia, you can cast your vote several ways: in-person early voting, mailing an absentee ballot or voting in-person on Election Day. With early voting now underway, here’s a quick rundown of questions you might have as you head to the polls: Besides the president, who’s on my ballot? While the presidential election at […] As West Virginians head to early voting, here are key details to help you plan to vote appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Q&A: Huntington Mayor Steve Williams talks opioid epidemic response in run for Governor
Huntington mayor Steve Williams sat down with Mountain State Spotlight for an interview regarding the opioid crisis. Williams, now in his third-term, is running as the Democratic candidate for West Virginia governor. Below are some of his responses regarding policy to address the epidemic. It has been edited for length and clarity. What did you […] Q&A: Huntington Mayor Steve Williams talks opioid epidemic response in run for Governor appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Q&A: West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey talks opioids in run for Governor
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey answered several questions posed by Mountain State Spotlight regarding the opioid epidemic. Morrisey, now in his third term, is running as the Republican candidate for governor. The following are the responses he wrote in an email on Oct. 21. The opioid lawsuits have brought back over $1 billion to the state. […] Q&A: West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey talks opioids in run for Governor appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Dope, dollars and despair: Two men vying to be West Virginia’s governor traveled very different roads in the overdose crisis
During a national taskforce meeting about opioids in August 2016, an aide whispered into Huntington Mayor Steve Williams’ ear. The top federal drug control official wanted to meet privately with Williams. Just five days earlier, 27 people had overdosed in the span of four hours in Huntington. Twenty-six were brought back to life. Another died. […] Dope, dollars and despair: Two men vying to be West Virginia’s governor traveled very different roads in the overdose crisis appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Here’s what to know about the constitutional amendment prohibiting physician-assisted suicide
This election, West Virginians will decide whether to amend the state constitution to ban medically assisted suicide, euthanasia and mercy killing. Here’s what you need to know to decide whether to vote for or against the amendment. What is the difference between medically assisted suicide, euthanasia and mercy killing? Physician-assisted suicide is sometimes referred to as […] Here’s what to know about the constitutional amendment prohibiting physician-assisted suicide appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
A political power play overruled West Virginians in the path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. They still feel betrayed.
Randy DuPre built the workshop on his Monroe County property by hand. He feeds and cares for the three dogs and two horses that quietly roam and graze on the land near the home he has shared with his wife for 23 years. While there’s much Randy enjoys about his home, the peacefulness is his […] A political power play overruled West Virginians in the path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. They still feel betrayed. appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Q&A: Jon Dodds and Stephanie Spears Tomana, candidates running to represent Fairmont, respond to community concerns
In Fairmont, residents said the main challenges their community faces include finding work, homelessness and substance use disorder. Additionally, even though the area has more health care providers than much of West Virginia, they said they struggle to find affordable health care. As part of Mountain State Spotlight’s “Citizens Agenda” approach to covering this year’s […] Q&A: Jon Dodds and Stephanie Spears Tomana, candidates running to represent Fairmont, respond to community concerns appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Wages, housing and health care are top priorities for voters in Mineral, Hampshire and Morgan counties
KEYSER — Inside S & H Variety, a thrift store right off Main Street, Vanessa Broadwater, a longtime Mineral County resident, emerged through the narrow aisle lined with racks of clothes, cabinets of dainty china and packed bookshelves. As she walked, Broadwater reflected on the loss of Luke Paper Mill in 2019. She said the […] Wages, housing and health care are top priorities for voters in Mineral, Hampshire and Morgan counties appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Tourism is booming in Pocahontas County. It’s causing problems for some locals
MARLINTON — Tourism is rapidly growing in Pocahontas County, where the headwaters of eight rivers flow and miles of trails attract hikers and bikers. But, while many locals embrace the influx of visitors, it has created some challenges. Mountain State Spotlight visited Pocahontas County as part of our initiative to talk to voters in all […] Tourism is booming in Pocahontas County. It’s causing problems for some locals appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Q&A: Upshur County House candidate Matthew Kerner talks poverty, politics and education
In September, Mountain State Spotlight traveled to Upshur County to find out what challenges residents were facing and wanted to be addressed. Based on those conversations, we asked incumbent Del. Carl Martin and challenger Matthew Kerner how they intend to address those concerns as they run for election. Democratic challenger Kerner currently serves as Opportunity […] Q&A: Upshur County House candidate Matthew Kerner talks poverty, politics and education appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
In the Potomac Highlands region, residents say housing prices have skyrocketed, hurting seniors and the job market
The Potomac Highlands region is nestled between scenic mountain overlooks, ski resorts and trout-filled lakes near the Virginia and Maryland border. It is a melting pot of tourists, those traveling for work and residents who call it home. In Hardy, Grant and Pendleton Counties, residents said they need more public transit options, a stronger and […] In the Potomac Highlands region, residents say housing prices have skyrocketed, hurting seniors and the job market appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
‘What hope can you provide?’ Upshur County residents say rising costs are leaving people hungry and schools underfunded
BUCKHANNON — A flurry of visitors and volunteers entered the Upshur County Parish House as early autumn sunlight warmed the white rocking chairs on the porch. It’s just after 8 a.m., and it’s busy. Inside, a bustling waiting room held those seeking help with their bills. Back in the kitchen, volunteers prepared lunches for residents […] ‘What hope can you provide?’ Upshur County residents say rising costs are leaving people hungry and schools underfunded appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Q&A: Candidates Jeff Disibbio and Craig Hart talk water, roads and more for Southern West Virginia
Residents of the region which stretches from Mercer County up to southern Wayne County said they want to address basic needs, like water, roads, EMS service and making a living. This rural region, one of the hardest hit by the downturn in the coal economy, is the 6th Senate District, and whoever wins in the […] Q&A: Candidates Jeff Disibbio and Craig Hart talk water, roads and more for Southern West Virginia appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Q&A: Clarksburg House candidates Mickey Petitto and Shannon Welsh talk wages, homelessness, addiction and health care
Clarksburg residents said the main challenges their community faces include finding work, homelessness and substance use disorder. Additionally, even though the area has more health care providers than much of West Virginia, they said they struggle to find affordable health care. As part of Mountain State Spotlight’s “Citizens Agenda” approach to covering this year’s elections, […] Q&A: Clarksburg House candidates Mickey Petitto and Shannon Welsh talk wages, homelessness, addiction and health care appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
Harrison and Marion County residents struggle with homelessness, substance use disorder and low wages
A retired Clarksburg bus driver, Jeff Davisson didn’t turn people down who didn’t have the 50 cents for a ride. Before he retired in January, he often gave rides to people experiencing homelessness and to low-income families. Although he was compassionate, he’d call people out when they pretended to put money in the cash box. […] Harrison and Marion County residents struggle with homelessness, substance use disorder and low wages appeared first on Mountain State Spotlight, West Virginia's civic newsroom.
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