Mountain State Spotlight

Citizen groups challenge secrecy and pollution concerns in Tucker County data center air permit decision

Citizen groups are challenging the DEP’s decision to issue a permit for a power plant in Tucker County amid transparency and ...
Mountain State Spotlight

Here’s how West Virginia’s childhood vaccine law is being threatened and why it matters

Lawsuits and politics threaten West Virginia’s vaccine protections. Public health experts warn of potential outbreaks.
Mountain State Spotlight

Q&A: Evan Feinman led broadband expansion under Biden. Here’s what he thinks of West Virginia’s high-speed internet plan.

Former BEAD chief Evan Feinman explains what West Virginia’s $1.2B broadband plan means for residents waiting for high-speed ...
mountainstatespotlight

West Virginia’s broadband plan wins federal approval, but defers support for libraries, schools and workforce development

Gov. Morrisey announces federal approval of West Virginia's broadband plan on Nov. 21. Courtesy photo. West Virginia’s broadband plan had been approved by federal officials, clearing the way to bring ...
mountainstatespotlight

West Virginians need medical cannabis. Restrictions on the industry make it too expensive.

Deborah Boggs uses medical cannabis for her Crohn's disease and has gotten back her appetite. Photo by Duncan Slade / Mountain State Spotlight The smell of sausage frying in a pan filled Deborah Boggs ...
mountainstatespotlight

West Virginia’s reliance on out-of-state group homes leaves some foster kids in unsafe, abusive situations

George Junior Republic in Grove City, PA. Photo by Duncan Slade. In early 2015, West Virginia state inspectors visited an all-boys group home in Grove City, Pennsylvania. There were West Virginia ...
mountainstatespotlight

In West Virginia’s ‘Poultry Capital,’ immigrant workers struggle to find the help and support they need

Lea en español. Li an Kreyòl. MOOREFIELD — Tatiana had two options after she lost her job in 2020, and both of them broke her heart. The first was to stay in Honduras, a country where more than half ...
mountainstatespotlight

Steel-making coal upturn brings new mine, old problems to WV community

Rick and Anita Jones stand on the back porch of their house, facing the Black Eagle mine. Photo by Mason Adams. This story was co-published with Southerly, a nonprofit journalism organization that ...