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Sunday, February 16, 2025

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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

West Virginia

A map shows West Virginia's abandoned oil and gas wells. (Ohio River Valley Institute)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

WV's abandoned wells could pose risks for planned carbon storage

West Virginia has thousands of unplugged and improperly plugged oil and gas wells that could leak and contaminate groundwater, potentially harming …

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The number of of working-age adults with degrees or professional post-high school credentials continues to grow, according to new data from Lumina Foundation. (Adobe Stock)<br />
WV’s free community college helps more residents attain degrees

West Virginia's innovative programs and a boost in state financial aid have made it possible for more people to earn a college degree or get a credent…

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Nearly half of U.S. adults said it was at least somewhat hard for them to regularly obtain and eat nutritious foods, and 54% agreed the nation is not making enough progress in making nutritious food accessible and affordable, according to a 2024 survey from Research!America and the American Heart Association. (Adobe Stock)
Revive SNAP Stretch, WV growers, consumers urge

Food advocates are calling on lawmakers to help jump-start the state's SNAP Stretch program, which was paused last year due to budget constraints…

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According to the health care advocacy group KKF, there were 9,422 people living in certified nursing home facilities in West Virginia in 2024. (Adobe Stock)<br />
Lawsuit alleges unsafe conditions in West Virginia nursing homes

Rural West Virginia counties are already facing shortages of home health care services and nursing home workers. Now, they are facing accusations of …

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Nationwide, at least 17 public universities and colleges in 2024 faced existential crises and considered merging or shutting down, according to the Hechinger Report. (Christopher Ziemnowicz/Wikimedia Commons)<br /><br />
WV communities grapple as public colleges merge, close

By Jon Marcus, Brianna Atkinson, Molly Minta and Amy Morona for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News …

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Syringe exchange programs can play an important role in reducing HIV and viral hepatitis infection, according to The Foundation for AIDS Research. (Adobe Stock)<br />
Syringe exchange fears hobble fight against West Virginia HIV outbreak

By Taylor Sisk for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Se…

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More than a half million Mountain State residents rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)
Experts: Medicaid essential for WV nursing home care

Nearly one-third of Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block as lawmakers look for ways to reduce the national deficit. A new report found …

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Appalachia could see wind and solar economic benefits over the next decade, according to the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Institute. (Adobe Stock)
What’s next for Appalachia's green energy economy?

The future looks promising for green energy and manufacturing in Appalachia, and states like West Virginia are slated to receive around $1 billion in …

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In recent years, the meat industry took out full-page ads in newspapers, and placed a $5 million Super Bowl commercial, claiming that meat is
How 'big meat' worked to rebrand in 2024 using disinformation

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service C…

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At least 75 tree species, more than 225 bird species and eight federally listed, threatened or endangered bird, bat, salamander and plant species call the Monongahela National Forest home, according to the U.S. Forest Service. (Wikimedia Commons)<br />
WV groups urge shutdown of Monongahela coal haul road

Advocates want federal regulators to shut down what they say is an illegal coal haul road in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest. South Fork …

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Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, roughly 13 bottles per month for every person in the country, according to Earthday.org. (Adobe Stock)
Advocates: Trump administration should ban vinyl chloride

As public awareness about the link between plastics and cancer risk increases, environmental groups said they want the Trump administration to make …

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The Cranberry Glades, located in the Monongahela National Forest, protects the largest area of bogs or acidic wetlands in West Virginia, according to the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau. (Adobe Stock)
Lawsuit alleges South Fork Coal violations near Cranberry Wilderness area

Environmental groups are suing South Fork Coal Company, alleging the company has repeatedly violated federal law in Greenbrier County. The lawsuit …

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