Setting the Stage for West Virginia's Session (Updated)

The House of Delegates and state Senate each expect to gavel in at noon to launch the year's 60-day regular session. Wednesday marks the start of the second session of West Virginia's 79th Legislature.

The Associated Press (updated) noted the session's opening, and with others will stick around for the 7 p.m. speech that sets the stage for the next 60 days: the State of the State address from Gov. Joe Manchin.

The governor's Web site plans to host video of the speech, while Public Broadcasting is scheduled to televise it.

AP (updated) and The Charleston Gazette offer a preview of likely speech topics. The Herald-Dispatch also has details.

The Huntington newspaper also reports that the House will start streaming audio online of its floor sessions and major committee meetings Wednesday.'

AP had earlier offered an overview of the session's dueling agendas, including that of the House's minority Republicans. The caucus unveiled details Tuesday, and garnered coverage from AP, The Gazette, the Charleston Daily Mail, The Register-Herald of Beckley and MetroNews (with audio).

The Daily Mail also checks in with Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, and House Speaker Rick Thompson, D-Wayne. The Gazette, meanwhile, also reports on vows from various lawmakers that "protecting the coal industry will be their priority" during the session.