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.
Read us at mountainstatespotlight.org and give us a follow to see when we publish new stories!
Read us at mountainstatespotlight.org and give us a follow to see when we publish new stories!
State lawmakers from both parties have introduced proposals that would temporarily freeze electric rate hikes, arguing it could give families relief as bills continue to rise across the state.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
As power bills rise, state lawmakers’ efforts to freeze rate hikes seem unlikely to go anywhere
Rising electric bills are straining West Virginia households as lawmakers debate whether freezing rate hikes could bring relief.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 29, 2026 at 11:41 PM
State lawmakers from both parties have introduced proposals that would temporarily freeze electric rate hikes, arguing it could give families relief as bills continue to rise across the state.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
Child care remains one of the largest barriers for working West Virginians. Here are three ways state lawmakers could help parents, businesses and providers.
buff.ly/pCNYcsA
buff.ly/pCNYcsA
January 29, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Child care remains one of the largest barriers for working West Virginians. Here are three ways state lawmakers could help parents, businesses and providers.
buff.ly/pCNYcsA
buff.ly/pCNYcsA
For some West Virginians, the local library has become an internet backup as they struggle with spotty, slow service. Residents describe using their phone hotspots or driving just to get a better internet signal.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/25/b...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/25/b...
These West Virginians are still waiting for high-speed internet
West Virginia is set to receive millions for broadband, but residents say reliable internet still hasn’t reached them.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 29, 2026 at 7:41 PM
For some West Virginians, the local library has become an internet backup as they struggle with spotty, slow service. Residents describe using their phone hotspots or driving just to get a better internet signal.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/25/b...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/25/b...
NEW: West Virginia’s child care crisis is keeping parents from working. Here are three ways lawmakers could help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/29/c...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/29/c...
West Virginia’s child care crisis is worsening. Here are three ways lawmakers could fix it.
Staffing shortages, reimbursement changes and rising costs are squeezing child care providers across the state.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 29, 2026 at 7:32 PM
NEW: West Virginia’s child care crisis is keeping parents from working. Here are three ways lawmakers could help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/29/c...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/29/c...
Other states have taken approaches to regulate internet providers. California passed its own consumer protections, while New York passed a law requiring providers offer low-cost internet plans.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
State regulators could have authority over internet service under a new bill. Here’s what to know.
Sen. Craig Hart, R-Mingo, wants the PSC to regulate internet service. Here’s what that would mean for prices, service and broadband expansion.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Other states have taken approaches to regulate internet providers. California passed its own consumer protections, while New York passed a law requiring providers offer low-cost internet plans.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
West Virginia’s school systems are facing a number of financial challenges, and more and more school districts are coming under state control. Consultants recommend lawmakers revamp the state’s school funding formula and cap the Hope Scholarship.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/28/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/28/p...
As public schools face a financial crisis, consultants urged lawmakers to rethink school funding
RAND consultants hired by the House of Delegates recommended lawmakers cap the Hope Scholarship and rethink the public school funding formula.
buff.ly
January 29, 2026 at 1:35 AM
West Virginia’s school systems are facing a number of financial challenges, and more and more school districts are coming under state control. Consultants recommend lawmakers revamp the state’s school funding formula and cap the Hope Scholarship.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/28/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/28/p...
The PSC regulates electric and gas utilities, but not internet providers. State law limits what the Commission can do, leaving internet complaints outside its reach.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
State regulators could have authority over internet service under a new bill. Here’s what to know.
Sen. Craig Hart, R-Mingo, wants the PSC to regulate internet service. Here’s what that would mean for prices, service and broadband expansion.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 28, 2026 at 9:30 PM
The PSC regulates electric and gas utilities, but not internet providers. State law limits what the Commission can do, leaving internet complaints outside its reach.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
In Bluefield, a mother of four said her electric bill last month was more than her mortgage, forcing her to make sacrifices, all while state lawmakers debate how to help lower costs.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
As power bills rise, state lawmakers’ efforts to freeze rate hikes seem unlikely to go anywhere
Rising electric bills are straining West Virginia households as lawmakers debate whether freezing rate hikes could bring relief.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 28, 2026 at 7:16 PM
In Bluefield, a mother of four said her electric bill last month was more than her mortgage, forcing her to make sacrifices, all while state lawmakers debate how to help lower costs.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
NEW: As West Virginia schools face financial crisis, House consultants recommend rethinking school funding and Hope Scholarship
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/28/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/28/p...
As public schools face a financial crisis, consultants urged lawmakers to rethink school funding
RAND consultants hired by the House of Delegates recommended lawmakers cap the Hope Scholarship and rethink the public school funding formula.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 28, 2026 at 7:01 PM
NEW: As West Virginia schools face financial crisis, House consultants recommend rethinking school funding and Hope Scholarship
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/28/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/28/p...
In Morgantown, Courtney Ostaff pays about $100 a month for cable-based internet service. But, she still worries about outages, impacting her remote job.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/25/b...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/25/b...
These West Virginians are still waiting for high-speed internet
West Virginia is set to receive millions for broadband, but residents say reliable internet still hasn’t reached them.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 28, 2026 at 12:35 PM
In Morgantown, Courtney Ostaff pays about $100 a month for cable-based internet service. But, she still worries about outages, impacting her remote job.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/25/b...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/25/b...
West Virginians pay high prices for internet that can be slow and unreliable. Sen. Craig Hart, R-Mingo, wants the PSC to regulate internet providers. Here’s what could change.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
State regulators could have authority over internet service under a new bill. Here’s what to know.
Sen. Craig Hart, R-Mingo, wants the PSC to regulate internet service. Here’s what that would mean for prices, service and broadband expansion.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 28, 2026 at 1:35 AM
West Virginians pay high prices for internet that can be slow and unreliable. Sen. Craig Hart, R-Mingo, wants the PSC to regulate internet providers. Here’s what could change.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
While West Virginians continue to face unaffordable power bills, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are debating whether a rate hike freeze could help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
As power bills rise, state lawmakers’ efforts to freeze rate hikes seem unlikely to go anywhere
Rising electric bills are straining West Virginia households as lawmakers debate whether freezing rate hikes could bring relief.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 27, 2026 at 9:30 PM
While West Virginians continue to face unaffordable power bills, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are debating whether a rate hike freeze could help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
NEW: State regulators could have authority over internet service under a new bill. Here’s what to know.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
State regulators could have authority over internet service under a new bill. Here’s what to know.
Sen. Craig Hart, R-Mingo, wants the PSC to regulate internet service. Here’s what that would mean for prices, service and broadband expansion.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 27, 2026 at 8:38 PM
NEW: State regulators could have authority over internet service under a new bill. Here’s what to know.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/27/p...
Prior to the legislative session, the AARP-WV surveyed members about what the group should advocate for this legislative session. 90% ranked support for family caregivers providing care for seniors as their number one issue.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
West Virginia seniors are pushing for a bill to help ease financial strain on caregivers
A bill to ease financial strain on senior caregivers failed last year. The AARP thinks it deserves another look.
buff.ly
January 27, 2026 at 7:09 AM
Prior to the legislative session, the AARP-WV surveyed members about what the group should advocate for this legislative session. 90% ranked support for family caregivers providing care for seniors as their number one issue.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
NEW: Southern West Virginians have waited decades for clean water. A bold $250 million proposal could help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/26/l...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/26/l...
Bipartisan duo of lawmakers plan bold bid to get southern West Virginia $250 million for drinking water
A bipartisan plan to take $250 million from the $1.4 billion Rainy Day Fund for long-standing drinking water issues may be dead on arrival.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 26, 2026 at 7:09 PM
NEW: Southern West Virginians have waited decades for clean water. A bold $250 million proposal could help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/26/l...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/26/l...
People who care for family members spend an average of $7,200 out of pocket each year on expenses like medical equipment, health care and home modifications. A bill sponsored by Sen. Laura Chapman, R-Ohio, seeks to give them some financial relief.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
West Virginia seniors are pushing for a bill to help ease financial strain on caregivers
A bill to ease financial strain on senior caregivers failed last year. The AARP thinks it deserves another look.
buff.ly
January 26, 2026 at 12:09 PM
People who care for family members spend an average of $7,200 out of pocket each year on expenses like medical equipment, health care and home modifications. A bill sponsored by Sen. Laura Chapman, R-Ohio, seeks to give them some financial relief.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
State lawmakers from both parties have introduced proposals that would temporarily freeze electric rate hikes, arguing it could give families relief as bills continue to rise across the state.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
As power bills rise, state lawmakers’ efforts to freeze rate hikes seem unlikely to go anywhere
Rising electric bills are straining West Virginia households as lawmakers debate whether freezing rate hikes could bring relief.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 25, 2026 at 6:31 PM
State lawmakers from both parties have introduced proposals that would temporarily freeze electric rate hikes, arguing it could give families relief as bills continue to rise across the state.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
Approximately 375,000 West Virginians provide about $3 billion in unpaid care for loved ones annually, helping with tasks like cooking, bathing and transportation. A proposed tax credit could provide some help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
West Virginia seniors are pushing for a bill to help ease financial strain on caregivers
A bill to ease financial strain on senior caregivers failed last year. The AARP thinks it deserves another look.
buff.ly
January 25, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Approximately 375,000 West Virginians provide about $3 billion in unpaid care for loved ones annually, helping with tasks like cooking, bathing and transportation. A proposed tax credit could provide some help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
McDowell County is still recovering from its flood 11 months ago. Pastor Brad Davis, who oversees congregations in the area, said while progress has been made, it’s still a long way from getting back to normal.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/20/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/20/m...
Morrisey budgets funds for a flood warning pilot, but none for recovery
Gov. Morrisey proposed a $10 million pilot program for an early warning flood system. But the need goes deeper than that in the state.
buff.ly
January 24, 2026 at 8:27 PM
McDowell County is still recovering from its flood 11 months ago. Pastor Brad Davis, who oversees congregations in the area, said while progress has been made, it’s still a long way from getting back to normal.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/20/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/20/m...
Last year, a bill to provide a tax credit for West Virginians who help their loved ones stay at home instead of in nursing homes failed in the state Legislature. Supporters want lawmakers to give it another chance.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
West Virginia seniors are pushing for a bill to help ease financial strain on caregivers
A bill to ease financial strain on senior caregivers failed last year. The AARP thinks it deserves another look.
buff.ly
January 24, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Last year, a bill to provide a tax credit for West Virginians who help their loved ones stay at home instead of in nursing homes failed in the state Legislature. Supporters want lawmakers to give it another chance.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
The Treasurer’s Office confirmed a recent announcement by the Trump Administration to reclassify marijauna could affect the fate of millions in medical marijuana revenue the state is not spending.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/19/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/19/m...
Months after initial report, West Virginia still has not released $34 million in medical cannabis revenue
Marijuana money stash, supposed to be used for research, law enforcement and substance treatment, is still untapped at the state treasurer’s office.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 24, 2026 at 6:52 PM
The Treasurer’s Office confirmed a recent announcement by the Trump Administration to reclassify marijauna could affect the fate of millions in medical marijuana revenue the state is not spending.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/19/m...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/19/m...
In Bluefield, a mother of four said her electric bill last month was more than her mortgage, forcing her to make sacrifices, all while state lawmakers debate how to help lower costs.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
As power bills rise, state lawmakers’ efforts to freeze rate hikes seem unlikely to go anywhere
Rising electric bills are straining West Virginia households as lawmakers debate whether freezing rate hikes could bring relief.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 24, 2026 at 12:08 AM
In Bluefield, a mother of four said her electric bill last month was more than her mortgage, forcing her to make sacrifices, all while state lawmakers debate how to help lower costs.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
ICYMI: The West Virginia Board of Education has taken over six local school districts, citing administrative and financial mismanagement. The move strips local school boards of decision-making power. Here’s what that means.
Here’s why West Virginia is taking over local school systems — and what it means for students
Citing administrative and financial mismanagement, the West Virginia Board of Education has taken over six school districts across the state.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 23, 2026 at 9:30 PM
ICYMI: The West Virginia Board of Education has taken over six local school districts, citing administrative and financial mismanagement. The move strips local school boards of decision-making power. Here’s what that means.
While West Virginians continue to face unaffordable power bills, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are debating whether a rate hike freeze could help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
As power bills rise, state lawmakers’ efforts to freeze rate hikes seem unlikely to go anywhere
Rising electric bills are straining West Virginia households as lawmakers debate whether freezing rate hikes could bring relief.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 23, 2026 at 3:31 PM
While West Virginians continue to face unaffordable power bills, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are debating whether a rate hike freeze could help.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/21/p...
An estimated one-quarter of adults in West Virginia are caregivers for friends and family members, providing about $3 billion in unpaid care annually. The AARP-WV wants to see legislation pass to ease their financial burden.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
West Virginia seniors are pushing for a bill to help ease financial strain on caregivers
A bill to ease financial strain on senior caregivers failed last year. The AARP thinks it deserves another look.
mountainstatespotlight.org
January 23, 2026 at 12:31 AM
An estimated one-quarter of adults in West Virginia are caregivers for friends and family members, providing about $3 billion in unpaid care annually. The AARP-WV wants to see legislation pass to ease their financial burden.
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...
mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/01/22/s...