Mountain State Spotlight

Mountain State Spotlight is a standalone news organization dedicated to covering important stories that matter to the people of West Virginia. When we launch, we will have one of the largest newsrooms in the state, staffed by experienced editors and proactive reporters. Our focus will be on key topics such as public health concerns, economic growth obstacles, environmental challenges, and holding the government accountable.

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Gov. Morrisey directs overworked and understaffed CPS workforce to do better without more resources

1 week ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Erin Beck

Gov. Patrick Morrisey vowed to transform West Virginia’s system meant to keep kids safe from abuse and neglect. In a press release last month, he promoted “sweeping reforms” that included child protective services workers and their supervisors spending more time on cases — even though they don’t have enough time to do the work they’re tasked with now. But the governor conceded that his plans were a first step. “This is not a comprehensive solution,” he said.
DOGE cuts would hurt West Virginians. Riley Moore is working to make them permanent.

1 week ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Henry Culvyhouse

Rep. Riley Moore, R-West Virginia, is leading the effort to make budget cuts, initiated by the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, legal. Moore, a freshman Congressman who represents the northern half of the state, was tapped to lead the new work group billed as the “tip of the spear” for getting the cuts approved by Congress. Last week, Moore helped usher through a bill that cut $9.4 billion from foreign aid and public broadcasting.
Verizon wants to take over Frontier. Here’s what’s at stake for West Virginians

2 weeks ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Tre Spencer

Fifteen years ago, Verizon handed over its network of wired internet and phone lines to Frontier Communications in West Virginia. Now, the company wants it back. If Verizon’s deal to acquire the original network and its expansion is approved by state regulators, it would make the telecommunications giant the largest internet and phone provider in the state.
West Virginia’s historically Black universities won’t change under Morrisey’s DEI ban

2 weeks ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Duncan Slade

Flanked by state lawmakers in an auditorium last month, Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a law to stamp out what he called “that woke virus that’s invaded West Virginia.”Since day one, the governor has purged state government of policies promoting fair and full participation of all people — particularly those historically excluded.
A fight over utility pole upgrades threatens West Virginia’s billion-dollar broadband plan

2 weeks ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Tre Spencer

Jim Martin was fed up. Inside a hearing room, the CEO of Bridgeport-based internet provider CityNet pointed a finger at lawyers for the state’s public utilities. “They’ve held a gun to our heads,” he said, raising his voice.
How West Virginians in mostly white, rural communities lose in DEI cuts

2 weeks ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Henry Culvyhouse

During his inaugural address, President Donald Trump said he would end practices that lift up Americans who need a hand, calling them an attempt to “socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life.” “We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based,” Trump said. Hours later, he signed an executive order ending DEI programs in the federal government. It was the first of many that would also target education, sports and the military.
A West Virginia program helped kids grow healthy food. Now Congress is pulling out its roots.

2 weeks ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Erin Beck

For years, West Virginia kids have been screened for risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease, families have spent food stamp money on locally grown fruits and vegetables and people with health problems have learned how food and exercise could heal their bodies.
Proposed federal cuts could strip West Virginia of millions for water and sewer system improvements

3 weeks ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Sarah Elbeshbishi

West Virginia could lose out on millions of dollars for drinking water and sewer systems under a Trump administration proposal to slash the federal funding for clean and drinking water programs in the state by 89%. The two funds help states provide loans to communities at low or no interest to fund a variety of water quality infrastructure projects, including drinking water and sewer systems.
Morrisey called satellite internet a smart investment for West Virginia. His broadband team disagrees.

3 weeks ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Tre Spencer

Earlier this year, West Virginia broadband officials had finally prepared a plan to bring high-speed internet to every home and business. The state was on track to serve 110,220 locations with broadband, invest millions to improve cell service and train local broadband technicians, according to a draft final proposal obtained by Mountain State Spotlight.
Meet five West Virginians who depend on Social Security

3 weeks ago | mountainstatespotlight.org | Erin Beck

President Donald Trump’s administration has cut jobs weakening Social Security, a poverty-prevention program, and proposed numerous other changes that threaten to dismantle it. More than one quarter of West Virginians rely on Social Security. Here’s what some of them, including retirees, former foster kids and people with disabilities told us they’re thinking about and what they stand to lose, from health care to housing to dignity:Patty Hoffman, 59, is raising her grandkids.