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The article provides an interview with Chief Justice Tim Armstead of the West Virginia judiciary, who reflects on the first six months of the year. Armstead discusses the implementation of remote courtrooms and video conferencing technology to improve accessibility. He also mentions the reduction in caseload for the Supreme Court due to the creation of the Intermediate Court, as well as the realignment of circuit courts and family courts based on population. The article also addresses challenges in the court system, such as the need for infrastructure improvements and the issue of abuse and neglect cases. Efforts are being made to address these challenges and improve the court system in West Virginia. [Extracted from the article]

Silling Architects received five awards from the American Institute of Architects - West Virginia, including two Merit Awards and two Citation Awards. The awarded projects include the Cabarrus County Courthouse in North Carolina, the Putnam County Sheriff's Department in West Virginia, the Young Life Gauley Lodge in West Virginia, and the Fife Street Brewing project in West Virginia. The designs of these projects were praised for their sensitivity to the surrounding context, use of locally sourced materials, and contribution to the community. [Extracted from the article]

The recent primary election in West Virginia effectively determined the outcomes of many races that will appear on the November ballot. Governor Jim Justice won the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat with over 61% of the vote, while Attorney General Patrick Morrisey secured the Republican nomination for governor with 33.38% of the vote. The Republican party continues to gain strength in the state, now making up 40.43% of registered voters. Voter turnout in the primary election was around 30%, and former President Donald Trump was the overwhelming favorite in the Republican primary for president. [Extracted from the article]

Trilogy Innovations and Iconic Air, two tech start-ups in West Virginia, are examples of the state's potential for entrepreneurship. Trilogy Innovations focuses on cybersecurity for federal agencies and has grown from a two-person team to employing 60 people. Iconic Air pivoted to carbon accounting for the energy sector and has 13 employees, including remote workers. Both companies highlight West Virginia's skilled workforce and entrepreneurial spirit. The article also mentions other successful start-ups in the state, such as Allegheny Science and Technology Corp., which provides software development for government agencies and oil and gas companies. [Extracted from the article]

Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia vetoed House Bill 5528, which aimed to increase the capacity for utility-scale solar projects in the state. The governor cited potential harm to the coal industry as the reason for his veto, expressing concerns about increased costs and job losses. Despite the veto, there is broad public support for solar energy in West Virginia, including community solar programs and residential rooftop installations. Currently, solar power only accounts for 0.08% of the state's electricity, ranking West Virginia 49th in the nation for solar energy. [Extracted from the article]

West Virginia Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin are advocating for legislation to provide guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI). They spoke at the Focus Forward conference, highlighting the potential and risks of AI. Capito emphasized the importance of broadband expansion for West Virginia's competitiveness in AI technology. West Virginia has established a task force on AI to address concerns about regulation and the need for federal leadership in AI legislation. The state is also receiving significant funds for broadband expansion, which will bring high-speed internet capabilities to over 271,000 households. [Extracted from the article]

The annual Focus Forward conference in West Virginia brings together state leaders and experts to explore emerging trends, with this year's focus being on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Kimberley Williams of Amazon Web Services discussed the evolution of AI discussions and highlighted the recent transformative role of generative AI. The conference organizers emphasized the importance of anticipating challenges and opportunities for West Virginia's advancement. The conference aims to maximize West Virginia's potential and navigate the new world of AI in the Appalachian region. [Extracted from the article]

West Virginia's solar energy industry is growing, although coal still dominates the state's electricity generation. Only 0.08% of the state's electricity comes from solar power, ranking West Virginia 49th in the nation for solar energy. Toyota Manufacturing West Virginia has the largest solar array in the state, consisting of SmartFlower arrays and traditional solar panels capable of generating 2.6 megawatts of power. FirstEnergy also has a solar site with nearly 50,000 solar panels capable of producing up to 18.9 megawatts per hour. The U.S. solar industry as a whole is booming, with solar accounting for 53% of all new electric generating capacity added to the grid in 2023. A recent poll showed general support among West Virginia residents for various solar initiatives, including community solar programs and residential rooftop solar usage. [Extracted from the article]

Specialized tradespeople, such as small engine repair technicians, locksmiths, and watch repairers, are becoming increasingly difficult to find in West Virginia, even in rural communities. Many trades that were once common have declined, leading consumers to replace rather than repair their items. The lack of certified technicians and limited training opportunities contribute to the shortage of tradespeople. Additionally, the transition to electric motors in small machines and the lack of regulations in locksmithing further impact the availability of these services. Despite the challenges, those who pursue these trades find them rewarding and in high demand. [Extracted from the article]

West Virginia bankers recently discussed industry trends, highlighting the stability of West Virginia banks despite increased regulation. They emphasized the importance of maintaining low failure rates and a relationship-focused service model. Unregulated financial institutions are challenging traditional banks, but West Virginia banks are adapting by adopting technology to enhance efficiency. The economic outlook in West Virginia is positive, with investments in natural resources and a cautiously optimistic future for manufacturing job growth. The personal services and personal touch provided by local banks have contributed to their success and low failure rate. [Extracted from the article]

According to the 2024 Kids Count Data Book analysis, West Virginia ranks 35th nationally in child health. The state has seen improvements in child health due to lower rates of uninsured children and Medicaid expansion. However, child poverty in West Virginia has increased from 20% to 25% from 2019 to 2022, which has impacted health outcomes like asthma and obesity. Efforts to support children's health extend beyond medical care to include stable environments, community resources, and access to nutritious food and clean living conditions. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the political landscape in West Virginia, highlighting the dominance of the Republican Party in recent years. However, it also acknowledges that the Democratic Party has the potential to make headway in the upcoming elections by appealing to independent and disenfranchised Republican voters. The article mentions the popularity of Republican Governor Jim Justice, who was originally elected as a Democrat, as an example of a candidate who was able to unite different groups of voters. It also discusses the importance of bipartisan legislation, such as the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, in addressing child poverty and stimulating economic growth. The author urges Senators Joe Manchin and Shelly Moore Capito to endorse and support this legislation. [Extracted from the article]

West Virginia hospitals are well-prepared for disease outbreaks, with systems and specialists in place to identify and respond to emerging viruses. Hospitals use real-time updates and a unified electronic medical record to provide immediate alerts and educational content to staff. Continuous training, including tabletop exercises and drills, ensures that hospitals are ready to handle outbreaks effectively. Infection preventionists support risk mitigation efforts, such as patient isolation and the use of personal protective equipment. Collaboration with health departments and access to real-time information from national and international networks help hospitals stay updated on emerging health threats. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the steps taken by Governor Jim Justice to help West Virginia students overcome issues with college financial aid caused by the federal government's new application process. The governor has declared a State of Emergency, allowing students who apply for and qualify for the PROMISE Scholarship to receive up to $5,500 for the 2024-25 academic year. The state will also use last year's FAFSA to award needs-based money through the West Virginia Higher Education Grant. However, FAFSA applications for freshmen are down 40% in West Virginia, highlighting the failures of the Biden Administration in this area. The article emphasizes the importance of eliminating obstacles for those wanting to advance in a state like West Virginia, which is already working to improve workforce training and educational levels. The author urges the federal government to do its job and address the issues with college financial aid. The article also briefly mentions the upcoming West Virginia primary election and encourages voters to focus on candidates who prioritize common purpose and the issues that connect us. The author, Retired Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, emphasizes the importance of voting and urges readers to make their voices heard. The article concludes by mentioning the surplus in severance tax collections and the plans of the Legislature to restore some budget line items and surplus appropriations requests. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides profiles of two Republican candidates running for governor of West Virginia. Patrick Morrisey, the current attorney general, highlights his conservative values and accomplishments in fighting federal overreach. He supports the elimination of the personal income tax and aims to attract investments and promote job creation through business-friendly policies. Mac Warner, the current Secretary of State, emphasizes his military and public service background. He also supports the elimination of the personal income tax and advocates for infrastructure development and local control in economic development. Warner aims to streamline the foster care system and ensure quality assurance for foster parents. [Extracted from the article]

Patrick Morrisey, a Republican candidate for governor of West Virginia, is running for the GOP nomination. He has served as attorney general since 2012 and is known for his conservative values and fight against federal overreach. Morrisey supports the elimination of West Virginia's personal income tax and aims to create a business-friendly environment by cutting regulations and lowering taxes. He also emphasizes strengthening families and promoting traditional Christian values to address issues with the state's foster care system. Mac Warner, another Republican candidate for governor, is also running for the GOP nomination. He has a background in public service and military experience. Warner supports the elimination of the personal income tax and plans to focus on building infrastructure and improving local schools to attract businesses. He also aims to streamline the foster care system and ensure quality assurance for foster care parents. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides profiles of two Republican candidates running for the governorship of West Virginia. Moore Capito, a sixth-generation West Virginian, highlights his experience as a former all-state athlete and his success in electing a Republican supermajority in the House of Delegates. He supports the elimination of West Virginia's personal income tax and aims to continue the state's economic development projects. Chris Miller, a businessman from Huntington, emphasizes his experience in the private sector and his ability to create jobs. He also supports the elimination of the income tax and focuses on attracting talent and capital to the state. Both candidates address the ongoing issues with the state's foster care system and propose solutions related to rehabilitation, economic development, and strengthening the family unit. [Extracted from the article]

Moore Capito, a Republican candidate for West Virginia governor, is a sixth-generation West Virginian and former all-state athlete. He aims to eliminate the state's personal income tax and continue the state's economic development projects. Capito also plans to address the ongoing issues with the state's foster care system by focusing on transparency and protecting children's privacy. Another Republican candidate, Chris Miller, is a businessman who supports the full elimination of the state's personal income tax and aims to attract talent and capital to West Virginia. Miller also emphasizes the importance of addressing the opioid epidemic and strengthening the family unit. [Extracted from the article]

Microbusinesses in West Virginia face unique challenges in staying afloat, according to an article in the State Journal. Most businesses in the state qualify as small businesses, with 10 or fewer employees. These microbusinesses are often retail or service providers, such as barber shops and auto repair garages. While West Virginia lacks small agricultural businesses due to its steep terrain, it has many services related to mining. Small businesses make up nearly half of all job opportunities in the state and are considered the backbone of the economy. However, they often struggle with limited buying power, access to credit, and the ability to weather economic downturns. Many microbusiness owners work multiple roles to keep overhead costs down, and the first year into the second year is a crucial time for their survival. Despite the challenges, some microbusinesses are expanding and hiring more employees. The article emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses and recognizing their needs as priorities for decision-makers. [Extracted from the article]

West Virginia officials are closely monitoring cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the United States. The virus has been detected in cattle, humans, and poultry, with a case in Texas showing conjunctivitis as a symptom. The virus is believed to have spread to dairy cows through contaminated water and food sources. Despite the spread of HPAI, the supply of pasteurized milk remains safe, and emphasis is being placed on biosecurity and proper food handling to mitigate the risk. West Virginia is implementing strict inspections for interstate cow transport to prevent the virus from entering the state. There is currently no major threat to humans, and the commercial supply of pasteurized milk remains safe. Precautions such as proper hand hygiene and cooking poultry and eggs to the recommended temperature can help prevent contamination. [Extracted from the article]

The document titled "West Virginia Health Insurance Companies" provides a list of active health insurance companies in West Virginia. The list includes various organizations such as Agri General Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Geico Insurance Agency, and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, among others. The document also includes the effective dates and charter information for each organization. This resource can be useful for library patrons conducting research on health insurance options in West Virginia. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the need for child care assistance in West Virginia. Many families in the state are facing financial strain due to high child care costs, which is pushing them towards poverty and keeping parents out of the workforce. The lack of affordable and accessible child care is perpetuating the cycle of poverty for these families. The author suggests that investing in child care services would not only create a safety net for families but also enhance school readiness, reduce dependency on welfare programs, and improve children's development and economic stability. The author calls for the state to allocate funding for child care assistance programs to address these challenges and make high-quality child care more affordable and accessible for all families. [Extracted from the article]

West Virginia has expanded Medicaid adult dental benefits, which is seen as a positive development for the state. The expansion includes two new bills that aim to increase dental coverage and eliminate barriers to oral health care. This change is significant because oral health care is often undervalued in the US, and many adults lack dental insurance and face difficulties accessing care. Studies show that Medicaid adult dental coverage can lower overall health care spending and improve oral health outcomes. It is important to prioritize oral health and provide comprehensive care for all individuals. [Extracted from the article]