Mountain State Spotlight
@mtnstspotlight.bsky.social
Our mission is to help West Virginians improve our state by producing “sustained outrage” journalism that exposes abuses of power by government, business and other institutions.
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Mountain State Spotlight: West Virginia News and Reporting
An independent, civic news organization telling stories of importance to West Virginians about the issues and challenges facing their communities.
mountainstatespotlight.org
Hello Bluesky, we're Mountain State Spotlight, a reader-supported independent newsroom covering West Virginia.
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Read us at mountainstatespotlight.org and give us a follow to see when we publish new stories!
The two-day hearing on the merits of the appeal wrapped up Thursday. Now, the West Virginia Air Quality Board has 60 days to make a decision.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
December 8, 2025 at 11:29 PM
The two-day hearing on the merits of the appeal wrapped up Thursday. Now, the West Virginia Air Quality Board has 60 days to make a decision.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
About 850 West Virginians, often seniors, have little or no income due to serious disabilities. They’re set to lose their homes and return to homelessness following a recent HUD cut to a successful housing program.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
buff.ly
December 8, 2025 at 7:03 PM
About 850 West Virginians, often seniors, have little or no income due to serious disabilities. They’re set to lose their homes and return to homelessness following a recent HUD cut to a successful housing program.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
The Trump administration is cutting funding for an anti-homelessness program that has been effective in keeping people who have been homeless housed. An estimated 850 West Virginians will lose their homes.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
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December 7, 2025 at 11:01 PM
The Trump administration is cutting funding for an anti-homelessness program that has been effective in keeping people who have been homeless housed. An estimated 850 West Virginians will lose their homes.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
The WVDEP gave a proposed Tucker County power plant an air permit designating it as a “minor” polluter. But an air pollution expert said the plant’s emissions could exceed the limit.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
December 7, 2025 at 9:29 PM
The WVDEP gave a proposed Tucker County power plant an air permit designating it as a “minor” polluter. But an air pollution expert said the plant’s emissions could exceed the limit.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
NEW: HUD helped this disabled West Virginian get housing. Funding cuts could send people like him back into homelessness.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
December 7, 2025 at 11:12 AM
NEW: HUD helped this disabled West Virginian get housing. Funding cuts could send people like him back into homelessness.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/07/h...
Dr. Ron Sahu, an expert in air pollution and emissions, testified on Wednesday to the West Virginia Air Quality Board that a Tucker County power plant will likely emit more pollution than it’s currently designated: “This is not a minor source.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
December 6, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Dr. Ron Sahu, an expert in air pollution and emissions, testified on Wednesday to the West Virginia Air Quality Board that a Tucker County power plant will likely emit more pollution than it’s currently designated: “This is not a minor source.”
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
The Trump administration cut funding for two of the hydrogen hubs earlier this year. The remaining five hydrogen projects, including the Appalachian-based hub, were spared. But the federal Department of Energy is considering canceling them too.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
Future of Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in doubt as Trump administration considers funding cut
The Appalachian hydrogen hub is now on the DOE’s list of potential grant cuts, casting doubt on its clean energy future.
mountainstatespotlight.org
December 6, 2025 at 6:35 PM
The Trump administration cut funding for two of the hydrogen hubs earlier this year. The remaining five hydrogen projects, including the Appalachian-based hub, were spared. But the federal Department of Energy is considering canceling them too.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
NEW: Air pollution expert says Tucker County power plant would likely exceed emission limits in permit issued by the state
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
December 6, 2025 at 11:02 AM
NEW: Air pollution expert says Tucker County power plant would likely exceed emission limits in permit issued by the state
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/06/t...
The Appalachian hydrogen hub is one of more than 600 grants the U.S. Department of Energy is considering cancelling.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
Future of Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in doubt as Trump administration considers funding cut
The Appalachian hydrogen hub is now on the DOE’s list of potential grant cuts, casting doubt on its clean energy future.
mountainstatespotlight.org
December 5, 2025 at 12:35 PM
The Appalachian hydrogen hub is one of more than 600 grants the U.S. Department of Energy is considering cancelling.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub was selected to get almost $1 billion in federal funding. Now, the U.S. Department of Energy is considering cutting that funding.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
Future of Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in doubt as Trump administration considers funding cut
The Appalachian hydrogen hub is now on the DOE’s list of potential grant cuts, casting doubt on its clean energy future.
mountainstatespotlight.org
December 4, 2025 at 6:34 PM
The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub was selected to get almost $1 billion in federal funding. Now, the U.S. Department of Energy is considering cutting that funding.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
In 2023, the federal government allocated nearly $1 billion in funding to the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub. But now, the hydrogen hub’s future is uncertain as the Trump administration considers cutting funding.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
Future of Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in doubt as Trump administration considers funding cut
The Appalachian hydrogen hub is now on the DOE’s list of potential grant cuts, casting doubt on its clean energy future.
mountainstatespotlight.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:30 PM
In 2023, the federal government allocated nearly $1 billion in funding to the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub. But now, the hydrogen hub’s future is uncertain as the Trump administration considers cutting funding.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
📣 Exciting announcement: Now through 12/31, your donation will be TRIPLED by the Rural Partner Fund and the Henry L. Kimelman Family Foundation.
Donate today to support news for West Virginia, powered by West Virginians: mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Donate today to support news for West Virginia, powered by West Virginians: mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
December 3, 2025 at 7:16 PM
📣 Exciting announcement: Now through 12/31, your donation will be TRIPLED by the Rural Partner Fund and the Henry L. Kimelman Family Foundation.
Donate today to support news for West Virginia, powered by West Virginians: mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
Donate today to support news for West Virginia, powered by West Virginians: mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
NEW: Future of Appalachian Hydrogen Hub in doubt as Trump administration considers funding cut
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
buff.ly
December 3, 2025 at 11:16 AM
NEW: Future of Appalachian Hydrogen Hub in doubt as Trump administration considers funding cut
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/12/03/a...
There's still time to make your #GivingTuesday donation to Mountain State Spotlight! If you’ve found our news valuable, we hope you’ll donate to help us keep writing in-depth reporting that serves West Virginians:
Join | Mountain State Spotlight
Mountain State Spotlight is supported by people like you. Support Mountain State Spotlight today.
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December 3, 2025 at 12:38 AM
There's still time to make your #GivingTuesday donation to Mountain State Spotlight! If you’ve found our news valuable, we hope you’ll donate to help us keep writing in-depth reporting that serves West Virginians:
“There’s just very little information out there. It’s almost like it’s a done deal before people even find out about it,” a Charleston resident said about data center projects so far proposed in West Virginia.
Tucker County data center case tests WVDEP’s transparency on air pollution permit
Citizen groups are challenging the DEP’s decision to issue a permit for a power plant in Tucker County amid transparency and environmental concerns
mountainstatespotlight.org
December 2, 2025 at 8:09 PM
“There’s just very little information out there. It’s almost like it’s a done deal before people even find out about it,” a Charleston resident said about data center projects so far proposed in West Virginia.
Nonprofit news is a vital public service. If you agree, will you show some love today, on #GivingTuesday? Help us meet our goals by donating here: mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/join/?campai...
Join | Mountain State Spotlight
Mountain State Spotlight is supported by people like you. Support Mountain State Spotlight today.
mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org
December 2, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Nonprofit news is a vital public service. If you agree, will you show some love today, on #GivingTuesday? Help us meet our goals by donating here: mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/join/?campai...
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said that “the Make America Healthy Again movement starts right here in West Virginia.” Here are five ways state officials could commit to helping all West Virginians be healthier.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...
Morrisey wants West Virginians to get healthy. Here are 5 ways the state can make that happen.
The Mountaineer Mile is one initiative. Officials could help with nutrition and exercise with several strategies researched for years.
mountainstatespotlight.org
December 1, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said that “the Make America Healthy Again movement starts right here in West Virginia.” Here are five ways state officials could commit to helping all West Virginians be healthier.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...
Earlier this month, a seven-member board heard initial legal motions in a case brought by three citizen groups trying to block the data center proposed for Tucker County. Here’s what you need to know.
Tucker County data center case tests WVDEP’s transparency on air pollution permit
Citizen groups are challenging the DEP’s decision to issue a permit for a power plant in Tucker County amid transparency and environmental concerns
mountainstatespotlight.org
December 1, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Earlier this month, a seven-member board heard initial legal motions in a case brought by three citizen groups trying to block the data center proposed for Tucker County. Here’s what you need to know.
The company, through the protective order, has agreed to share a portion of the omitted information with the attorney representing the three citizens groups and their expert witness. But the redacted information will remain hidden from the public.
Tucker County data center case tests WVDEP’s transparency on air pollution permit
Citizen groups are challenging the DEP’s decision to issue a permit for a power plant in Tucker County amid transparency and environmental concerns
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 30, 2025 at 8:07 PM
The company, through the protective order, has agreed to share a portion of the omitted information with the attorney representing the three citizens groups and their expert witness. But the redacted information will remain hidden from the public.
This Small Business Saturday, be sure to support local and remember your dollars can help move mountains. Small businesses — like Mountain State Spotlight — rely on folks like you to help us keep our doors open. Thanks for your generosity! mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
November 29, 2025 at 7:34 PM
This Small Business Saturday, be sure to support local and remember your dollars can help move mountains. Small businesses — like Mountain State Spotlight — rely on folks like you to help us keep our doors open. Thanks for your generosity! mountainstatespotlight.fundjournalism.org/donate/?camp...
As developers propose — and political leaders back — large data center complexes in Tucker, Mason and Mingo counties, those communities have grown frustrated about the lack of transparency.
Tucker County data center case tests WVDEP’s transparency on air pollution permit
Citizen groups are challenging the DEP’s decision to issue a permit for a power plant in Tucker County amid transparency and environmental concerns
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 28, 2025 at 8:07 PM
As developers propose — and political leaders back — large data center complexes in Tucker, Mason and Mingo counties, those communities have grown frustrated about the lack of transparency.
What's next for WV's vaccine law? After former Gov. Jim Justice vetoed a bill that would have added an exemption, Gov. Morrisey says he would sign a similar measure, setting up another legislative fight in January.
West Virginia’s strong vaccine law is under fire. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters.
Lawsuits and politics threaten West Virginia’s vaccine protections. Public health experts warn of potential outbreaks.
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 27, 2025 at 8:41 PM
What's next for WV's vaccine law? After former Gov. Jim Justice vetoed a bill that would have added an exemption, Gov. Morrisey says he would sign a similar measure, setting up another legislative fight in January.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey's executive order allowing religious exemptions led to court battles after the state board of education refused to recognize it. One class-action lawsuit is still active in Raleigh County.
West Virginia’s strong vaccine law is under fire. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters.
Lawsuits and politics threaten West Virginia’s vaccine protections. Public health experts warn of potential outbreaks.
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 26, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Gov. Patrick Morrisey's executive order allowing religious exemptions led to court battles after the state board of education refused to recognize it. One class-action lawsuit is still active in Raleigh County.
With $1.2 billion on the line for West Virginia’s internet expansion, Evan Feinman, who led the federal broadband program, shares his thoughts on the state’s plan and when we can expect projects to be completed.
Q&A: Broadband chief under Biden shares his thoughts on West Virginia’s high-speed internet rollout plan
Former BEAD chief Evan Feinman explains what West Virginia’s $1.2B broadband plan means for residents waiting for high-speed internet.
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:01 AM
With $1.2 billion on the line for West Virginia’s internet expansion, Evan Feinman, who led the federal broadband program, shares his thoughts on the state’s plan and when we can expect projects to be completed.
In September, three citizen groups appealed an air permit issued for the power plant proposed in Tucker County. The Air Quality Board held the first hearing in the case earlier this month. Here’s what you need to know.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/25/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/25/t...
Tucker County data center case tests WVDEP’s transparency on air pollution permit
Citizen groups are challenging the DEP’s decision to issue a permit for a power plant in Tucker County amid transparency and environmental concerns
mountainstatespotlight.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
In September, three citizen groups appealed an air permit issued for the power plant proposed in Tucker County. The Air Quality Board held the first hearing in the case earlier this month. Here’s what you need to know.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/25/t...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/11/25/t...