U.S. Capitol

On this West Virginia Morning, the tourism industry is a growing part of West Virginia’s economy, but what happens to the towns that are now the destination for out-of-state visitors? Also, in this show, we have an update on a former West Virginia lawmaker who was involved in the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol, and we listen to this week’s Mountain Stage Song of the Week, brought to us by Patti Smith.

In a hearing Wednesday, former West Virginia House of Delegates member Derrick Evans, pleaded not guilty for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

According to a federal information filed Monday, 36-year-old Derrick Evans, of Wayne County, now faces four counts. Charges include entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct, violent entry and demonstrating in a Capitol building.

On this West Virginia Morning, we bring you a few updates on the news around the state. Then, our main story involved teens from Wales and Appalachia, two places with a lot in common. For the past year, they have been sending each other audio letters, sharing their experiences with the quarantine. They are using this opportunity to learn about each other’s lives.

George Tanios, the owner and operator of Sandwich University restaurant in Morgantown, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in federal court on a number of charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.Tanios and Julian Khatar of Pennsylvania face 10 counts, including conspiring to injure police. They were arrested by federal law enforcement last month and have now both pleaded not guilty.

On this West Virginia Morning, home prices in much of Appalachia are on the rise as people leave larger cities to get away during the coronavirus pandemic. We explore this trend. Also, we have the latest news from West Virginia’s statehouse and other news from around the state.

A third West Virginian has been charged and arrested for taking part in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

On this West Virginia Morning, we speak with an organization that surveyed workers in southern West Virginia to find out the challenges they face in the gig economy as the coal industry has declined. Also, we have the latest news on a West Virginia man who was arrested near the U.S. Capitol this week, a report on an extended sign up period with the Affordable Care Act, and this week’s Mountain Stage Song of the Week.

A 23-year-old University of Kentucky student Gracyn Courtright of West Virginia made her first court appearance and was released on bond Tuesday after being charged for her role in the Jan. 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.

Court records show Gracyn Courtright — who is from Hurricane, West Virginia but attends the University of Kentucky in Lexington — was charged over the weekend with four misdemeanors in connection with the riots on the capitol grounds. The 23-year-old has been charged with entering a restricted building, disruptive conduct in a restricted building, disorderly conduct and theft of government property under $1,000.