Rev. Matthew J. Watts testifies to Senate Workforce Committee

Community leader wants funds used to improve housing, health, workforce, economic and social service coordination

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Reverse Robin Hood: Will West Virginia Governor Use ARPA Funds to Cover Tax Revenue Shortfalls?

Taking from the poor to give to the rich.

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Second Look Sentencing

House Bill 2962 could help release many incarcerated West Virginians

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Visit the Clay Center on Friday, February 17 at 5:30 pm as they present a panel discussion of historic landscape painting and issues of race in 19th century American art. A new exhibit on display in the Clay Center’s Juliet Art Museum, “More than a Passing Observation: William Louis Sonntag and Landscape Mania in the United States,” explores paintings by William Sonntag and his peers; including landscape painter Robert Duncanson, the first African American artist to earn an international reputation. Art historians Dr. Julia Sienkewicz, guest curator, and Dr. Wendy Casntenell, Assistant Professor at Washington & Lee University, will discuss Sonntag and Duncanson’s working relationship. Using paintings by the artists and archival documents, the Sienkewicz and Castenell will consider the status of race as an element of the careers of Sonntag, Duncanson, and other 19th century American artists.

Admission to this event is free, and access to the exhibition in the Juliet Art Museum will be open for viewing before and after the panel. The discussion will take place in the Caperton Planetarium & Theater. To learn more about the Clay Center’s offerings, please visit online at www.theclaycenter.org. 

Poll: Most West Virginians concerned Legislature is too focused on social issues

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WV News) — A recent scientific poll indicates young West Virginians are unhappy with the Legislature’s focus on divisive social issues to the point that a majority would at least consider leaving the state if the restrictive bills are passed and the trend continues.

It was released Wednesday by the West Virginia Coalition for Truth in History, a statewide group of mostly individuals who support teaching all aspects of history to ensure critical thinking skills for the future, according to a press release.

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2 DHHR Disputes Report That $173M Spent on Databases That Aren’t Working

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources contracted with a company in 2017 to develop a system, known as WV PATH, to help the agency better manage programs including Medicaid, food assistance and its child welfare system.

With less than four years left on the contract, the project still isn’t complete. Senate Finance Committee Chair Eric Tarr, who has questioned DHHR about the missing database, said the project has cost $173 million as of July 2022 based on information from DHHR.

Read The Register-Herald story by Amelia Ferrell Knisely

As WVU Students Face a Mental Health Crisis, Lawmakers Want to Legalize Guns on Campus

Suicide threats and attempts have increased at West Virginia University in recent years. Students have repeatedly asked lawmakers and Gov. Justice for mental health funding but got none. Now, lawmakers want to allow guns on campus.

Read the Mountain State Spotlight story by Ian Karbal

West Virginia Native and Professional Ballerina Graces the Cover of People Magazine’s Health Issue

Alicia Mae Holloway first came to the attention of Bachelor Nation fans on Season 25 of “The Bachelor.” She began her dance career in Morgantown at the young age of three, training at local dance studios such as Kat and Company Dance Studio and Morgantown Dance Studio.

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Four Black Historical Sites and Cemeteries in West Virginia

Learn about the state’s Black history at these landmarks around the state

Want to Work in the Film Industry?

The West Virginia Filmmakers Guild and West Virginia Film Office Teaming Up to Host a Film Industry Workshop for Grip and Electric

Actually, it’s a Twitter thread, roughly edited. Follow me @cgoodwoman

Welp. 

I’m in Welch, WV. 

In this cute little hotel where Anthony Bourdain tweeted out…..

"This place moves me like very, very few other places. And I been everywhere. #WestVirginia"

Here in West Vatucky as @WilliamHTurner1 explains, the heart of Appalachians coal story, Black History stories and ground zero for hope and despair. 

Delight yourself and learn some STUFF from Dr. T’s speech tonight on the City of Welch FB page

Before we left my Dad’s house in Princeton to hear Dr. Turner speak in the hometown of @SteveHarveyFM

 — I took this picture. 

Side note and important, Dr. Turner is a masterful comic! 

Would love to see him interview Steve one day.

Ms. Loretta Young was her usual fantastic and helped organize the occasion w/ Race Matters and the Mennonite’s to celebrate Dr. Turners Book “Harlan Renaissance.”

She came bearing accolades from Book Lovers, a 100-year-old invite-only book club of Black women in West Virginia.

I got to meet @nestergirl2 in person and hear so many residents cry for the State to FIX THE DAMN ROADS and bridges. 

Welch citizens are trapped with no way in/out when the train blocks the only entrance/exit. 

This includes emergency vehicles.

The @ReconnectMcD teachers building is hope — after you pass a hauntingly empty Walmart & food pantry that runs on solar power.

The need takes your breath as the mountains suspend you in this ancient awe. 

Four words from Dr. Turners talk tonight:

Watch For Falling Rock

— Crystal