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The dozens of independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan news organizations that make up the Rural News Network are developing the broadest news alliance reporting on rural America. These newsrooms are pursuing coverage that provides a more complete picture of what it means to live and work in these communities.
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LATEST NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
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More than 1,000 seniors are waiting for meals as Morrisey charges agencies to cut costs
March 03, 2025
Some seniors across West Virginia can’t cook for themselves or get to grocery stores. State officials didn’t ask for funding to expand Meals on Wheels as the governor charges them to do more with less.
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Trump’s halt on federal spending could cost West Virginia millions to clean up hazardous orphaned gas wells
February 15, 2025
Natural gas wells abandoned by their owners pose a health and environmental risk. West Virginia had earmarked $212 million federal dollars to plug orphaned wells, but Trump’s latest moves puts nearly $90 million of those funds in jeopardy.
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A tech future powered by coal: Five takeaways from Gov. Morrisey’s State of the State address
February 12, 2025
Gov. Morrisey said he would close a $400 million state budget gap, cut taxes and regulation, work closely with the Trump administration and power new tech industries with fossil fuels.
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A case against drug distributors over the flood of pills that ravaged West Virginia is back in court. Here’s what to know.
February 05, 2025
Cabell County and Huntington could get another chance in their fight against opioid distributors. But first, the West Virginia Supreme Court must decide if public nuisance law applies to legal products.
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‘They’re all damaged.’ Despite progress, West Virginia is still failing to get foster kids the mental health help they need
January 28, 2025
A decade after a federal investigation found West Virginia unnecessarily institutionalizes foster kids, our investigation has found the state’s most vulnerable kids are still being left behind.
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How President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs could further squeeze West Virginians’ wallets
December 16, 2024
Trump has promised to crack down on foreign manufacturing and increase tariffs on countries like China, Canada and Mexico. Here’s how that could affect West Virginians’ bank accounts.
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As Starlink faces federal scrutiny, the internet company has become a lifeline in West Virginia — for those who can afford it
November 22, 2024
Thousands of West Virginians – many in rural parts of the state – rely on the Elon Musk-owned satellite company for high-speed internet access, even as federal regulators say it can’t meet the basic requirements to be defined as “broadband.”
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Today is Election Day. Here’s how votes are tallied and secured in West Virginia.
November 05, 2024
Amid the chaos of election denials and unsubstantiated claims of rampant voter fraud, here’s everything to know about the security of our elections and how your vote is protected.
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Mountain State Spotlight talked to voters in all 55 West Virginia counties. Here’s what we learned.
November 03, 2024
West Virginians want their leaders to focus on more substance abuse treatment, clean water, roads, jobs and affordable health care. Candidates aren’t always focused on solving these problems, but voters can take back the process with better information.
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For tens of thousands of West Virginians who need clean water, a $1 billion investment is a drop in the bucket
October 31, 2024
Mountain State Spotlight reporters spoke with residents in all 55 counties, folks everywhere brought up water quality and access. Despite the increased investments from state and federal officials in recent years, the need still outweighs the available funds.
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Wages, housing and health care are top priorities for voters in Mineral, Hampshire and Morgan counties
October 18, 2024
Residents in Northeast West Virginia are concerned about the lack of well-paying jobs, affordable housing options and health care services to meet the need in the communities.
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Tourism is booming in Pocahontas County. It’s causing problems for some locals
October 17, 2024
Pocahontas County has become a leader in tourism statewide, but residents say this has led to surging housing costs as more visitors move in. They’re also looking for better public schools and local shopping options.
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‘What hope can you provide?’ Upshur County residents say rising costs are leaving people hungry and schools underfunded
October 12, 2024
Reporters asked Upshur County residents and West Virginia Wesleyan College students what they want to hear candidates talking about this election season. They said they need a stronger investment in the public school system and more help for those in need.
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As election nears, Taylor County residents look for candidates to address opioid epidemic and bring jobs
October 08, 2024
Mountain State Spotlight is asking people in all 55 of West Virginia’s counties what they would like to hear candidates talking about as they compete for votes. In Taylor County, residents said they’re concerned about drugs, crime and the rising cost of living.
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Southern Wayne and northern Mingo have been hit hard by the decline of coal. For the people left, it’s a struggle to move forward.
September 20, 2024
While tourism is billed as one avenue for economic development, people in the northern Mingo and southern Wayne counties say they need jobs.
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