Alex Milan Tracy for Underscore
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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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Low-income West Virginians could lose access to 28% of affordable housing unless lawmakers step in
February 05, 2026
About 200 subsidized housing properties in West Virginia are nearing the end of federal affordability protections within the next five to ten years, unless lawmakers step in with state support.
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Morrisey wants a $10 million flood warning system, but budgets no funds to help devastated communities recover
January 20, 2026
Gov. Morrisey proposed a $10 million pilot program for an early warning flood system. But the state’s need runs much deeper.
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Abandoned buildings are crumbling across West Virginia. A state program to clean them up is out of money.
January 06, 2026
Until this year, a state program helped communities tear these buildings down, preventing them from becoming safety hazards for neighborhoods and harming property values.
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Citizen groups challenge secrecy and pollution concerns in Tucker County data center air permit decision
November 25, 2025
Three citizen groups are appealing the Department of Environmental Protection’s decision to issue an air permit for a power plant in Tucker County.
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Already contending with health care cuts, struggling West Virginians now face food stamp delays
October 23, 2025
West Virginians relying on food stamps are hoping the government reopens. Politicians are busy blaming each other.
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In the most overweight state in the nation, Gov. Morrisey is taking the issue personally with his Mountaineer Mile
October 09, 2025
Morrisey committed to walking one mile a day and challenged West Virginians to do the same. Six months in, the “Mountaineer Mile” has gained support as the state confronts some of the worst health outcomes in the country.
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Wyoming County residents say a coal mine contaminated their creek. State regulators just approved more mining.
September 10, 2025
As the state’s Department of Environmental Protection takes over a mine residents say contaminated their water, the agency also approved a coal company’s request to expand its mining operation — sparking fears in the community over worsened water quality.
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Screened town halls and overbooked senators: Public appearances still sparse for West Virginia’s Congressional reps
August 24, 2025
Voters across West Virginia want a chance to speak directly with their representatives. But most of the state’s congressional delegation is skipping public events — or replacing them with, screened teleconferences.
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West Virginia lags behind its neighbors in sites for new businesses. The state is moving on a plan to change that.
August 22, 2025
Without ready-to-build sites, West Virginia risks losing out on major employers to neighboring states already prepared for new investment.
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From Morgantown to Kingwood, residents want more housing, health care and internet
August 17, 2025
Mountain State Spotlight partnered with the League of Women Voters of West Virginia and hosted four community listening sessions in Monongalia and Preston Counties. Here’s what we heard from residents.
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Politicians say they’re fighting Medicaid fraud. Their plan punishes patients, not the providers who steal millions.
July 29, 2025
West Virginia’s members of Congress said they voted for the “Big, Beautiful Bill” to stop Medicaid fraud and save the program for the needy. People who rely on Medicaid weren’t the problem, and now thousands will lose health care.
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Overdose deaths are finally down. But the crisis is far from over as Congress jeopardizes life-saving work.
July 20, 2025
A 42% drop in overdose deaths brings cautious hope – and a warning, as Congress’ health care cuts threaten the system that made recovery possible. West Virginia’s governor noted widespread concerns about the Trump spending bill’s impacts on Medicaid, but said a rural health care fund in the legislation will help the state continue progress on the drug problem.
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Judges warned CPS was failing kids. West Virginia ethics officials want to silence them.
July 08, 2025
Two judges went public about how the state’s child welfare system is endangering kids. A state judicial ethics watchdog warned them to not do it again.
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DOGE cuts would hurt West Virginians. Riley Moore is working to make them permanent.
June 18, 2025
A freshman Congressman is working to sustain layoffs, office closures and cuts to programming that people in West Virginia rely on.
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Morrisey targeted DEI at colleges. West Virginia’s historically black universities said they won’t change.
June 13, 2025
Founded when officials kept education segregated, West Virginia’s Black universities told the governor that they remain committed to diversity and inclusion.
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