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.
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New data shows racial, economic disparities persist in West Virginia school discipline practices

Stark disparities continue to exist in how Black students and low-income students are disciplined in West Virginia schools, according to data released Wednesday by the state Department of Education.
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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 ...
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‘An ecosystem of dysfunction:’ West Virginia still has a child welfare worker shortage, and it’s taking a toll on foster kids and families

As West Virginia’s foster care system struggles to hire and retain workers amid low pay and overwhelming caseloads, it stresses foster families and keeps kids from getting the attention they need.
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To land green energy plant, West Virginia lawmakers bypassed their own utility regulators

Gov. Jim Justice signs a bill that will bring a Berkshire Hathaway solar plant to Jackson County, as well as a related manufacturing plant. Photo courtesy Governor's office. When developers joined ...
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The “death penalty” of child welfare: in six months or less, some parents lose their kids forever

Jackie Snodgrass in her younger daughter’s bedroom in Charleston, West Virginia. Photo by Stephanie Mei-Ling, special to ProPublica and NBC News. This article was originally published by ProPublica, a ...
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Locals fought for details about a planned data center complex. Lawmakers took away their power to do anything about it.

A yard sign protesting the data center project is staked in a planter outside of Trailhead Coffee Shop in downtown Davis. Photo by Sarah Elbeshbishi / Mountain State Spotlight TUCKER COUNTY — In late ...
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West Virginians could get stuck cleaning up the coal industry’s messes

An excavated mountain and highwalls on the western side of the Twilight mining complex owned by Lexington Coal Company in Lindytown, West Virginia (Dane Rhys, special to ProPublica) This article was ...
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As coal companies point fingers, Wyoming County residents say they’re being poisoned by a contaminated creek

James Christian holds up a jug of another Wyoming County community member's discolored well water. The water has already been filtered multiple times. Photo by Erin Beck / Mountain State Spotlight ...