Jack Walker

1 month ago | wvpublic.org | Jack Walker

Each year, AmeriCorps pays young workers across the country to partake in service projects — in West Virginia, ranging from community farming programs to housing support to after-school services. Last year, the program connected nearly 3,000 service members with opportunities in the state. But organizers across the region say funding cuts to the federal agency place these programs at risk.

1 month ago | wvpublic.org | Jack Walker

Lymantria dispar — also known as the spongy moth or, formerly, the gypsy moth — is an insect native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. But the invasive species was introduced to North America more than a century ago, and experts say it has wreaked havoc on domestic plants. Spongy moths lay egg masses known to hatch in the early spring, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

1 month ago | wvpublic.org | Jack Walker

In 2024, more than 1 million abortions were provided across the United States, a slight increase from 2023. But marginally fewer traveled across state lines to access the procedure, a decrease of roughly 1% last year. A growing number of states have adopted restrictions on abortion, but experts say figures like these appear relatively stable. That is according to a new report released this month by the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that studies reproductive health.

1 month ago | wvpublic.org | Jack Walker

Two bills passed by the West Virginia Legislature earlier this year were signed into law Tuesday, as the governor continues traveling the Mountain State to highlight pieces of legislation taking effect. Among those is House Bill 2003, which bans students from using smartphones in public school classrooms. Under the bill, county boards of education set specific terms for when and where smartphones can be used, plus penalties for students who violate these policies.

1 month ago | wvpublic.org | Jack Walker

As the population of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle continues to grow, a major health provider is looking to expand local access to care with a $260 million investment. This year, WVU Medicine will begin development on its main hospital campuses in Berkeley and Jefferson counties as part of a sizable capital investment project. Both expansion projects are slated for completion in early 2028.