Civics

Civic-focused stories covering politics, voting rights, public policy, and governance within Appalachia. This category also includes discussions on Black representation in politics and initiatives that encourage civic engagement among Appalachian and Black communities.

Young, Gifted & Black: Why Black Youth Are Stepping Into Policy Conversations Now

In West Virginia, Black youth are no longer waiting on invitations to civic spaces — they are preparing, organizing, and speaking for themselves. On February 3, Black By God – […]

Latest in Civics
Southern West Virginians have waited decades for clean water. A bold $150 million proposal could help.

A bipartisan plan would use some of the state's $1.4 billion Rainy Day Fund to address long-standing drinking water issues in nine coal field counties.

WV Senate once again advances bill to increase prison sentences and parole requirements 

SB 137 would raise minimum sentences and minimum time served before eligibility of parole for those convicted of second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. 

Morrisey wants $10 million for AI flood warning. The bill to allow it would also remove a resiliency fund’s spending requirements around poor communities & payments to homeowners.

If passed, SB 390 would loosen restrictions on how the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Trust Fund — which has never been funded — can spend its money.

WV House advances bill that would criminalize giving undocumented people a ride home 
WV House committee advances bill that could lower child labor standards

House Bill 4005 would remove the list of prohibited hazardous occupations from law and tie West Virginia law to federal Department of Labor Standards. This would lead to a loss in certain protections for sixteen and seventeen-year-olds, if the U.S. Department of Labor loosens its standards.

What Morrisey’s State of the State means for Black West Virginia

What the governor will be prioritizing in 2026 — and what's missing for our communities.

Morrisey paints a rosy, somewhat inaccurate, picture of WV’s economy

During his second State of the State address, the Governor outlined key legislative goals, including tax cuts, tourism, infrastructure and growing the workforce to strengthen the economy.

The WV legislative session starts Jan. 14. Here’s what we’ll be watching and what you should know.
There’s money available to help West Virginia’s former foster kids. Morrisey wouldn’t commit to spending it all.