The Daily Signal has previously reported on investment giant BlackRock and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party. But now, at least one state is taking action to distance itself from the China-friendly asset-management company.

Riley Moore, the state treasurer of West Virginia, announced Jan. 17 that his state was cutting ties with BlackRock over its ties to the Chinese Communist Party as well as over its dedication to a goal of net-zero carbon emissions, which would hurt the state's coal industry. West Virginia is the second-largest producer of coal in the country.

"It's like we're paying them with our own money to destroy us," he says, adding, "We're going to move in our direction, and ... not to continue to do business with firms like BlackRock that obviously have all the worst intentions for our industries here in West Virginia."

Moore joins the show to discuss what led him to that decision and what other states should be doing about companies such as BlackRock.

We also cover these stories:

• Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer plans to retire at the end of the court's current term in June.
• Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., calls for President Joe Biden to tap a black woman to replace Breyer.
• San Jose, California, passes an ordinance requiring gun owners to purchase liability insurance and pay an annual fee.

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