Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 11hAdam Searing, a researcher at Georgetown, said that millions of dollars earmarked for rural health projects won’t make up for the loss of Medicaid coverage. “Medicaid cuts are going to mean ultimately there are going to be fewer people who can pay their bills. 000
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 17hNEW: As Morrisey doles out federal healthcare funding, thousands of West Virginians stand to lose their Medicaid coverage mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/29/m...mountainstatespotlight.orghttps://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/29/medicaid-rural-health/ 011
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 28/09/2026A class-action complaint alleges PFAS and other hazardous chemicals from Chemours’ Washington Works landfill reached neighboring properties in Wood County, lowering their value and interfering with residents’ use of their land. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/19/c...mountainstatespotlight.orghttps://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/19/chemours-class-action-complaint/ 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 28/09/2026A battle brewing over who controls education policy in West Virginia was heard by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals last week. Here’s what you need to know. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/25/b...mountainstatespotlight.orgLawmakers and the Board of Education are arguing in court over school rules. Here’s what to know.WV Board of Education and lawmakers battle for control over education policy. 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 27/09/2026The West Virginia Board of Education’s independence has long been challenged: In 1988, the state supreme court struck down a law that would’ve put the Legislature deciding on the department’s rules. Here’s what to know about the latest court battle. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/25/b... nmountainstatespotlight.orgLawmakers and the Board of Education are arguing in court over school rules. Here’s what to know.WV Board of Education and lawmakers battle for control over education policy. 020
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 26/09/2026The West Virginia Board of Education says lawmakers overstepped their bounds when they passed a law that required review of its policies. Now, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals will decide who sets the rules. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/25/b...mountainstatespotlight.orgLawmakers and the Board of Education are arguing in court over school rules. Here’s what to know.WV Board of Education and lawmakers battle for control over education policy. 110
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Why is the state Board of Education suing the Secretary of State? It all goes back to a law passed last year by the Legislature. Here’s a catch-up. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/25/b...mountainstatespotlight.orgLawmakers and the Board of Education are arguing in court over school rules. Here’s what to know.WV Board of Education and lawmakers battle for control over education policy. 000
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 25/09/2026NEW: Lawmakers have long sought to weaken the Board of Education’s independence. Here’s what to know about the latest court battle. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/25/b...mountainstatespotlight.orghttps://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/25/board-of-education-rules/ 020
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Mountain State Spotlight is pleased to announce that Kat Ramkumar has joined to the organization as audience manager. Welcome, Kat! 001
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 23/09/2026While governments and organizations settle with chemical company Chemours, residents have filed their own complaint, hoping to receive compensation for PFAS contamination. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/19/c...mountainstatespotlight.orgChemours must cut back on PFAS discharge. Wood County residents say the damage is already done.As the government and citizen groups settle their cases against Chemours, residents are taking the fight against PFAS contamination into their own hands. 000
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 22/09/2026"A damage control session behind closed doors is no substitute for providing on the record response," Del. Tristan Leavitt warned Flock Safety to answer questions — or face a subpoena. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/21/f...mountainstatespotlight.orgFlock Safety faces scrutiny from lawmakers over dodged questions about its surveillance technologyLawmakers asked Flock for details on digital security, accuracy and data sharing. So far, the company has sidestepped most of those concerns. 021
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Three months after Chemours settled legal challenges over pollution from its Wood County plant, nearby residents have filed a new class-action complaint alleging the company contaminated their properties for years. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/19/c...mountainstatespotlight.orgChemours must cut back on PFAS discharge. Wood County residents say the damage is already done.As the government and citizen groups settle their cases against Chemours, residents are taking the fight against PFAS contamination into their own hands. 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 21/09/2026As West Virginia law enforcement rapidly adopts Flock license plate cameras, lawmakers are demanding answers on data security and accuracy. So far, the company has sidestepped their questions. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/21/f... 100
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 21/09/2026A class-action complaint alleges PFAS and other hazardous chemicals from Chemours’ Washington Works landfill reached neighboring properties in Wood County, lowering their value and interfering with residents’ use of their land. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/19/c...mountainstatespotlight.orgChemours must cut back on PFAS discharge. Wood County residents say the damage is already done.As the government and citizen groups settle their cases against Chemours, residents are taking the fight against PFAS contamination into their own hands. 022
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 21/09/2026NEW: Law enforcement across the state have adopted Flock Safety cameras. Lawmakers say the company is dodging their questions. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/21/f...mountainstatespotlight.orghttps://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/21/flock-security-questions/ 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 19/09/2026NEW: Chemours settled major pollution cases. In a new lawsuit, Wood County residents say contamination damaged their homes for years. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/19/c...mountainstatespotlight.orghttps://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/19/chemours-class-action-complaint/ 040
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Today marks 6 years of Mountain State Spotlight! 🥳 Help us celebrate by donating: mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.orgJoin | Mountain State SpotlightMountain State Spotlight is supported by people like you. Support Mountain State Spotlight today. 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 16/09/2026Gov. Patrick Morrisey has made attracting data center developments a key component of his economic development strategy. So, what does that mean for West Virginians? buff.ly/DQNdh7Ibuff.lyWhy do politicians want data centers to come to West Virginia? Mountain State Spotlight explainsGov. Patrick Morrisey and lawmakers want to bring data center developments to West Virginia. So, what does that mean for the state? 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 16/09/2026Here’s something to celebrate: We turn 6 tomorrow! 🎂 If you believe that nonprofit investigative journalism makes West Virginia a better place, you’re invited to join the party by making a donation today! mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.orgJoin | Mountain State SpotlightMountain State Spotlight is supported by people like you. Support Mountain State Spotlight today. 011
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 15/09/2026 Mason County Commission President Rick Handley isn’t against data centers, but he said county officials have no say in the process: “They can put them where they want to. They can put as many as they want to. And we can’t do anything.” mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/13/d...mountainstatespotlight.orgMorrisey’s data center plan promises communities a voice in the process. Locals say they’re still shut out.Morrisey’s data center law promises local input and protections, but key principles aren’t backed by law. 011
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Governor Morrisey’s new data center development plan promises a collaborative relationship between citizens and the state, but multiple data center projects have been certified before communities had a say. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/13/d...mountainstatespotlight.orgMorrisey’s data center plan promises communities a voice in the process. Locals say they’re still shut out.Morrisey’s data center law promises local input and protections, but key principles aren’t backed by law. 110
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 14/09/2026🎂 This week, Mountain State Spotlight celebrates 6 years of independent, reader-supported journalism! Help us get to 7 years by donating today: 🎁 mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.orgJoin | Mountain State SpotlightMountain State Spotlight is supported by people like you. Support Mountain State Spotlight today. 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 13/09/2026NEW: Morrisey’s data center plan includes local involvement. West Virginia communities are still in the dark. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/13/d...mountainstatespotlight.orghttps://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/13/data-center-plan/ 021
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Only about 8,000 West Virginians received cash assistance through WV Works as of this spring. But TANF dollars support far more, including childcare, food assistance, parenting classes, transportation help and family support centers. buff.ly/GQn2D82buff.lyGov. Patrick Morrisey says TANF is running out of money. Here’s what that means for West Virginia.Thousands of West Virginians rely on TANF. Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state is spending too much on it. Here’s what you need to know. 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 08/09/2026The WV Supreme Court of Appeals is about hear arguments this morning regarding the state’s request to limit legal recourse for families of deceased inmates. The outcome could significantly impact accountability within the state’s jail system mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/06/d...mountainstatespotlight.orghttps://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/06/deliberate-indifference/ 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 07/09/2026“It’s not supposed to be there to torture people and ignore their medical needs until they die.” Attorney Jesse Forbes warns that the state's move to block these lawsuits could make holding jail officials accountable much harder. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/06/d... 021
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 06/09/2026West Virginia jail officials are asking the state’s highest court to block families from suing over deaths in custody using "deliberate indifference" claims. This move could strip families of a key legal tool used to hold the corrections system accountable. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/06/d... 031
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 06/09/2026NEW: West Virginians are dying of neglect in jails and prisons. The state wants to limit how families can pursue justice. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/06/d...mountainstatespotlight.orghttps://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/06/deliberate-indifference/ 130
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 05/09/2026The Morrisey administration said they conducted an audit of TANF and found it lacked money. When we asked about it, state health officials said there was no formal written audit to provide. Here’s what we do know. buff.ly/GQn2D82buff.lyGov. Patrick Morrisey says TANF is running out of money. Here’s what that means for West Virginia.Thousands of West Virginians rely on TANF. Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state is spending too much on it. Here’s what you need to know. 020
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 04/09/2026When you hear “TANF,” do you think of the cash assistance program for the very low-income? The program involves many other services, such as the United Way, Legal Aid and services to prevent child removals. buff.ly/GQn2D82buff.lyGov. Patrick Morrisey says TANF is running out of money. Here’s what that means for West Virginia.Thousands of West Virginians rely on TANF. Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state is spending too much on it. Here’s what you need to know. 020
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Mountain State Spotlight is pleased to announce that Josephine Johnson has joined the organization as our environment and energy reporter. Welcome, Josie! mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/09/03/e...mountainstatespotlight.orgMountain State Spotlight's new energy and environment reporterMountain State Spotlight is pleased to announce that Josephine Johnson has joined the organization as our environment and energy reporter. 142
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 02/09/2026Most West Virginians living in poverty still make too much to qualify for WV Works cash assistance. A family of three can earn no more than $991 a month. Here’s how TANF works — and the choices state leaders must make over its future. buff.ly/GQn2D82buff.lyGov. Patrick Morrisey says TANF is running out of money. Here’s what that means for West Virginia.Thousands of West Virginians rely on TANF. Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state is spending too much on it. Here’s what you need to know. 000
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 02/09/2026West Virginia officials say they are evaluating state-level models from across the country to prepare for changes at FEMA. But there’s no firm, funded plan in place to handle the shifting landscape of disaster recovery and public assistance. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/27/f...mountainstatespotlight.orgTrump and Congress want states to take on more responsibility for disaster recovery. Is West Virginia ready?Proposed changes to FEMA would leave states more responsible for disaster recovery. West Virginia lawmakers have left the state ill-prepared. 000
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 01/09/2026This summer, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state is running out of money for a program that provides aid to low-income families. Here’s what TANF is and what could come next for the program. buff.ly/GQn2D82buff.lyGov. Patrick Morrisey says TANF is running out of money. Here’s what that means for West Virginia.Thousands of West Virginians rely on TANF. Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state is spending too much on it. Here’s what you need to know. 000
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 01/09/2026There's still time to take our reader survey to be entered into a giveaway for a $25 credit to J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile. Help improve our journalism — take the survey! mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/25/2...mountainstatespotlight.orgImprove West Virginia journalism — take our 2026 read survey - Mountain State SpotlightBy completing our reader survey, you will help us better understand who you are so that we can provide more reporting that focuses on the news and information you want and need to make your community… 000
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 31/08/2026NEW: Morrisey has said a family aid program is running out of money. Here’s what TANF is, what it pays for and why it matters. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/31/t...mountainstatespotlight.orgGov. Patrick Morrisey says TANF is running out of money. Here’s what that means for West Virginia.Thousands of West Virginians rely on TANF. Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the state is spending too much on it. Here’s what you need to know. 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 30/08/2026Policy advocates are warning that future FEMA disaster declarations could be harder to secure. If West Virginia fails to prepare its own budget, the financial burden of future flooding events will fall on the communities least able to afford it. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/27/f...mountainstatespotlight.orgTrump and Congress want states to take on more responsibility for disaster recovery. Is West Virginia ready?Proposed changes to FEMA would leave states more responsible for disaster recovery. West Virginia lawmakers have left the state ill-prepared. 112
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 28/08/2026Federal disaster recovery policy is shifting, and West Virginia is at a crossroads. As FEMA asks states to take on more financial responsibility, the state lacks a clear plan or the dedicated funding to handle the costs of frequent flooding on its own. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/27/f...mountainstatespotlight.orgTrump and Congress want states to take on more responsibility for disaster recovery. Is West Virginia ready?Proposed changes to FEMA would leave states more responsible for disaster recovery. West Virginia lawmakers have left the state ill-prepared. 010
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 27/08/2026NEW: Trump and Congress want states to take the lead on disaster recovery. West Virginia isn’t ready. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/27/f... 020
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 26/08/2026We're launching a reader survey asking about your news habits, a bit about who you are, and why you choose to read us. Help us better serve you through our journalism! mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/25/2...mountainstatespotlight.orgImprove West Virginia journalism — take our 2026 read survey - Mountain State SpotlightBy completing our reader survey, you will help us better understand who you are so that we can provide more reporting that focuses on the news and information you want and need to make your community… 000
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 26/08/2026A commitment to saving severance tax revenue could have transformed West Virginia's long-term budget health. Instead, legislative hurdles and a lack of political will meant the state squandered its chance to save for the future. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/16/f...mountainstatespotlight.orgA decade ago, lawmakers created a Future Fund to save coal and gas wealth. It never saved a penny.West Virginia legislators created the Future Fund to save severance tax revenues for the future. It never received a deposit. 020
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 24/08/2026Have you or your family members tried to get care at one of Majestic Care's facilities or had other experiences you would like to share with us about Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow Hospital, Lakin Hospital or John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center? Please share your experience: buff.ly/npUIqSbmountainstatespotlight.orgShare your experience with Majestic Care facilitiesShare your experience at Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow Hospital, Lakin Hospital or John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center. 001
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 24/08/2026Former Senate President Jeff Kessler compared the Future Fund to starting a 401k, arguing that starting late is better than never. West Virginia never made that initial deposit, missing the opportunity to build a sustainable fiscal cushion. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/16/f...mountainstatespotlight.orgA decade ago, lawmakers created a Future Fund to save coal and gas wealth. It never saved a penny.West Virginia legislators created the Future Fund to save severance tax revenues for the future. It never received a deposit. 111
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 20/08/2026Politicians want data center developers to come to West Virginia. Here’s what that means for the state. buff.ly/DQNdh7Ibuff.lyWhy do politicians want data centers to come to West Virginia? Mountain State Spotlight explainsGov. Patrick Morrisey and lawmakers want to bring data center developments to West Virginia. So, what does that mean for the state? 031
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 20/08/2026Budget analysts estimate that interest from a fully funded Future Fund could have addressed pressing needs in West Virginia, including keeping schools open that are currently slated for closure. Instead, the fund remained empty before being abolished. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/16/f...mountainstatespotlight.orgA decade ago, lawmakers created a Future Fund to save coal and gas wealth. It never saved a penny.West Virginia legislators created the Future Fund to save severance tax revenues for the future. It never received a deposit. 011
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 18/08/2026Alaska, New Mexico, and North Dakota use resource extraction wealth to fund childcare, infrastructure, and resident stipends. West Virginia had a similar plan for its severance tax, but lawmakers killed the Future Fund in 2023 without ever funding it. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/16/f...mountainstatespotlight.orgA decade ago, lawmakers created a Future Fund to save coal and gas wealth. It never saved a penny.West Virginia legislators created the Future Fund to save severance tax revenues for the future. It never received a deposit. 030
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 17/08/2026West Virginia had a chance to build a financial cushion for when coal and gas resources run out. The state's Future Fund was designed to save severance tax revenue for long-term investments, but the money was never actually deposited. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/16/f...mountainstatespotlight.orgA decade ago, lawmakers created a Future Fund to save coal and gas wealth. It never saved a penny.West Virginia legislators created the Future Fund to save severance tax revenues for the future. It never received a deposit. 032
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 17/08/2026After a chemical leak in Kanawha County led to two deaths and dozens of injuries at a metal refining plant, investigators discovered gaps in safety protocols for workers. mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/08/13/c...mountainstatespotlight.orgAmes Goldsmith workers lacked safety protections before deadly plant leak, federal investigation findsFederal investigators found workers lacked required respirators and gas monitors before an Institute chemical leak killed two employees. 020
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 16/08/2026After a chemical leak in Kanawha County led to two deaths and dozens of injuries at a metal refining plant, investigators discovered gaps in safety protocols for workers. buff.ly/UZuB1W2buff.lyAmes Goldsmith workers lacked safety protections before deadly plant leak, federal investigation findsFederal investigators found workers lacked required respirators and gas monitors before an Institute chemical leak killed two employees. 011
Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 16/08/2026NEW: A decade ago, lawmakers created a Future Fund to bank coal and gas wealth. It never saved a penny. buff.ly/pcVZ0Ncbuff.lyhttps://buff.ly/pcVZ0Nc 011