The Legislature hits the midpoint - UPDATED

Though overshadowed by the Ron Thompson situation, Thursday also marked Day 30 of the 60-Day session.

I interviewed Speaker Rick Thompson, D-Wayne and no relation, for The Associated Press' story on the session's halfway point. We also have a glance updating the status of major bills and issues.

The AP's Tom Breen examines legislation that would revive a program once considered an international model, one that trains and then licenses drivers who need high-powered lenses to see.

The Charleston Gazette reports on progress for a bill that would allow the public financing of election campaigns.

The Daily Mail hears from critics of a proposal to mandate HPV vaccinations for the state's 6th-grade girls. The AP's Breen looked at the issue earlier this session.

And MetroNews highlights the push for West Virginia to adopt a deposit bottle law.

UPDATED: Public Broadcasting offers a take on the Legislature's progress so far. And Sen. Mike Hall, R-Putnam, will be the guest on The Legislature Today for its phone-in show this evening. 1-800-672-9672