Wilbur Radio | radioNOVO News WV News Roundup for 05-15-26

Good morning,West Virginia is waking up to a significantly altered political landscape this morning following a primary election that saw voters reject the status quo. In a major shake-up for the state’s high courts, all three judges appointed by the Governor to the Supreme Court and Intermediate Court of Appeals were ousted by voters. Retired Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick and former Delegate Bill Flanigan secured seats on the Supreme Court, while Judge Jim Douglas unseated the incumbent for the Intermediate Court. Political analysts say the results send a clear message, as voters chose local experience over candidates backed by significant out-of-state spending.The "incumbent purge" extended to the Statehouse as well. In a stunning series of upsets, high-ranking GOP leaders—including House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss and long-serving Delegate Bill Anderson—fell to primary challengers. Many of the victors were aligned with Governor Patrick Morrisey, signaling a shift toward a more populist-conservative wing of the Republican party as we head toward the general election in November.In Charleston, the legal community is mourning the loss of a true giant of the bench. Judge John Copenhaver has passed away at the age of 100. Copenhaver served as a United States District Judge for nearly five decades, first appointed by President Gerald Ford in 1976. Chief Judge Frank Volk called him the "cornerstone of the federal judiciary in West Virginia," noting his remarkable record of fairness and his dedication to the law that spanned six decades.Turning to the economy, a major new investment is coming to the Mountain State’s coalfields. Governor Morrisey has announced a 25-million-dollar manufacturing facility focused on mining materials. Global engineering group Sandvik and Alpha Metallurgical Resources are teaming up to build the 100-thousand-square-foot plant, which will produce rock bolts and resin capsules. While the exact location hasn't been named, the project is expected to bring at least 120 new jobs to the region.The news isn't as bright for your wallet, however. Appalachian Power customers should prepare for a rate hike starting June 1st. The Public Service Commission has approved a monthly base rate increase of nearly five dollars for the average residential user. While the company says the four-percent increase is necessary for infrastructure, State Treasurer Larry Pack is looking for other ways to provide relief. Pack is calling for a special legislative session to suspend the state’s 35-cent-per-gallon gas tax, citing average pump prices that have climbed past four-dollars-and-40-cents.And finally, if you're in Morgantown this weekend, you can help a good cause and grab a bargain. West Virginia University is hosting its annual "Blue and Gold Mine Sale" tomorrow at Milan Puskar Stadium. The massive yard sale features everything from home decor to electronics, with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties.More news on our radioNOVO app -- Codi Gaboff, radioNOVO News, a service of Seven Mountains Media.