And they're off...

The 78th Legislature completed its first full day Thursday, in the wake of Gov. Joe Manchin's State of the State address.

The Associated Press followed up on Manchin's proposed vehicle privilege tax credit, $10 million school safety grant program, and budget. That latter article also reflects a possible push to convert the governor's requested onetime payment to public employees into a permanent raise, which the Charleston Gazette focused on as well.

Mannix Porterfield of The Register-Herald of Beckley, meanwhile, continues to pursue MIA Delegate Ron Thompson. The Raleigh County Democrat has been a no-show at the Legislature since last year's session, and failed to attend Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony. The AP first reported a threatened lawsuit seeks to block any pay to Thompson should his absence persist.

The Legislature also offers its own summary of Day Two here (and will offer daily updates throughout the session).

UPDATE: The Charleston Daily Mail picked up on abortion- and video lottery-related bills from the minority Republicans, as well as one from Sen. Shirley Love, D-Fayette, targeting repeat parole violators.