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M.T. Pockets fundraiser features local artist Jamie Lester at 123 Pleasant Street

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, M.T. Pockets Theatre Company is producing one of the most toured plays in the contemporary history of theater. According to The Guardian, “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” is “… an absurdist adventure which sits on the boundary of comedy and drama.” On March 13, local artist Jamie Lester will perform this role at 123 Pleasant Street, which also is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. No rehearsals. No director. No set. No do-overs. No repeats. No encores. “White Rabbit” is a theatrical journey into the unknown that holds endless ...

Kroger workers reject contract, authorize strike

CHARLESTON — Union workers at nearly three dozen Kroger stores in West Virginia could be headed for the picket line after soundly rejecting the company’s contract offer and voting to authorize a strike. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 400 announced Friday ...

1,500 West Virginians lose jobs

CHARLESTON — Over the past couple of weeks, about 1,500 West Virginians have learned they’ll lose their jobs because big companies are shutting down their workplaces. Cleveland-Cliffs announced its tinplate production plant in Weirton will idle in April, resulting in potential job losses for 900 workers. Then, Allegheny Wood Products closed its doors and eliminated about 600 jobs at multiple locations. Despite all those job losses, the Senate Finance Committee on Saturday took up two bills that would significantly restrict unemployment benefits in West Virginia. The bill ...

Bill passes allowing employees to defend themselves without being fired

CHARLESTON — Employees who defend themselves from attacks in the workplace could not be fired under a bill passed Friday by the House of Delegates. House Bill 5621 says anyone who is physically attacked by a workplace intruder and responds with reasonable and proportionate force — including the potential use of deadly force — to defend themselves or others may not be punished or fired for their actions. The bill allows self-defense not just for actually being attacked but also for instances of a reasonable apprehension about being attacked. The bill passed 91-5 and now goes ...