From The Well

At the center of the West Virginia state capitol is an area known as “The Well.” It is the informal gathering place for lobbyists, reporters, constituents and lawmakers. Centrally located between the chambers of the House of Delegates and Senate, The Well is often where information is shared, alliances are formed and deals are made.

From The Well

Republicans Maintain Advantage in Control of State Legislative Chambers

Brian Skinner Elections, State Legislatures

Route Fifty — By Kate Elizabeth Queram, Staff Correspondent — November 4, 2020 Democrats in several state legislatures saw their hopes for claiming majorities in more chambers slip away Wednesday as early election returns indicated that Republicans largely maintained or increased their legislative power.  “I think the overall results are a big disappointment for the …Read More

Elections Are Not Just About Candidates

Brian Skinner Elections

By Brian J. Skinner Although most of the discussion following yesterday’s voting is focused on the Presidential race, several states also had referendums on the ballot. Some of the more notable referendums include: Marijuana — New Jersey and Arizona legalized recreational marijuana use, while South Dakota and Mississippi approved medical marijuana. Now, one in three Americans live in …Read More

EPEC director awarded advocacy award by W.Va. Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Brian Skinner Domestic Violence

The Journal — By Breanna Francis — Oct 28, 2020  MARTINSBURG — Awarded for her dedication to raising awareness and advocating for the rights of every person regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or financial status, Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center Director Katie Spriggs was named one of two Diane Reese Advocacy Award winners statewide. According to …Read More

Gov. Justice Awards $17.3 Million in Victims of Crime Act Grants to 84 Agencies Across West Virginia

Brian Skinner Domestic Violence

10/23/2020 CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today at the beginning of his COVID-19 briefing that he has awarded $17,301,804 in Victims of Crime Act Assistance (VOCA) sub-grant funds to 84 public and private non-profit agencies throughout the state. “We need to help victims of violent crime in every way we possibly can,” Gov. Justice said. …Read More

Monongalia health board approves permits for medical marijuana dispensaries

Brian Skinner Medical Cannabis

WV Metro News — By Mike Nolting  — October 25, 2020 MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Health has approved 20 permits for medical cannabis dispensaries. The board’s approval last week was part of a 10-month process; members began reviewing applications last December and met with medical marijuana representatives and state health officials until the …Read More

WV Medical Cannabis Program Selects Seed to Sale Vendor

Brian Skinner Medical Cannabis

10/21/2020 The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC) today announced Metrc as the new state Seed to Sale system provider. “This is an important step to make certain medical cannabis is available only to West Virginians with serious medical conditions and to prevent diversion …Read More

It is Time For West Virginia to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis

Brian Skinner Government & Policy, Racism

By Brian Skinner, Esq. On October 6, 2020, the Wheeling city council and mayor unanimously approved a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. The resolution cites several national institutions, such as the American Public Health Association, the American Medical Association, the American Association of Pediatrics, the National Partnership for Women and Families, and the …Read More

The Healing Hearts Podcast goes in-depth on Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program

Brian Skinner Medical Cannabis

  POINT PARK UNIVERSITY – All seven first-season episodes of the Healing Hearts Podcast, created to provide education, innovation and information about Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program, are now available on Apple Podcasts and other platforms. The podcast is a product of The Healing Center, Western Pennsylvania’s premier medical cannabis dispensary group, and was produced in …Read More

Glenville State College prioritizes health, academics and experience under new leadership

Brian Skinner Higher Education

The State Journal — by Kailee Kroll  — October 19, 2020 GLENVILLE — A transition of leadership isn’t the only thing happening at Glenville State College this year as the campus’s administration works to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, expand the college’s reach, and strengthen and implement academic programs. Since becoming Glenville State College’s president …Read More