Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom

Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom
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Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom
Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom
NPR and Member stations in Appalachia and the Mid-South have launched a collaboration aimed at strengthening local news coverage and bringing more stories from this region to the rest of the country. The new Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom is a collaboration between
West Virginia Public Broadcasting
WPLN
and
WUOT
in Tennessee,
LPM
WEKU-Lexington/Richmond
WKMS-Murray
and
WKU Public Radio
in Kentucky.
WVPB Stories
Curtis Tate,Apr. 09, 2026
After Trump EPA Visited Kentucky, Solar Almost Caught Up To Coal
In March, solar came as close as it ever has to generating as much power nationwide as coal.
WVPB Staff,Apr. 08, 2026
The Connection Between A Mineral And Data Centers, This West Virginia Morning
Fluorspar is a little-known mineral used to make everything from steel, aluminum and gasoline to uranium fuel and batteries. For the Appalachia Mid-South Newsroom, WKMS’ Lily Burris reports the largest known deposit of the critical mineral in the U.S. is in western Kentucky – and its applications in artificial intelligence (AI) could reawaken the region’s mining industry.
WVPB Staff,Mar. 23, 2026
Weight Loss Drugs And How Weather, Infrastructure Affect Water Quality, This West Virginia Morning
GLP-1s have quickly become one of the most popular weight loss drugs in America, but it takes more than a regular shot to be successful. Also, extreme weather and aging infrastructure are a tough combination for many rural communities. One impact? The quality of drinking water.
WVPB Staff,Mar. 17, 2026
An Author Interview, Rural Health And Data Centers, This West Virginia Morning
We speak with Ron Flanary, co-author of “Big Emma,” a book that explores the story of a powerful steam locomotive that hauled passengers, freight and coal in eastern Kentucky. Also, state officials want to keep the public informed about the launch of new rural health programs.
WVPB Staff,Mar. 09, 2026
State Budget Talk And Setting Up A Medical Savings Account, This West Virginia Morning
With a final budget now approved by both the House and Senate and headed to Gov. Patrick Morrisey for a signature, West Virginia budget watchers say there are looming expenses that haven’t been taken into consideration. Also, more Americans than ever have access to a kind of savings account that lets them set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses. But this option takes a little effort to set up and navigate.
Curtis Tate,Feb. 25, 2026
Mitchell Cooling Tower Project Cost May Not Be Equal On Kentucky, W.Va. Customer Bills
Kentucky Power customers will pay $3 more each month for a new cooling tower at the Mitchell plant than West Virginia customers will pay.
Curtis Tate,Feb. 20, 2026
Kentucky And W.Va. Utilities Say That The Mitchell Cooling Tower Project Will Cost $191 Million
Kentucky Power has told the Kentucky Public Service Commission what it will cost to build a new cooling tower at its Mitchell plant.
WVPB Staff,Feb. 17, 2026
How The February 2025 Flood Affected Sobriety Efforts, This West Virginia Morning
Recovering from substance use disorder is hard at the best of times. How did people working on recovery during the February 2025 floods hold on to their sobriety? As we approach the one-year anniversary of those deadly floods, we wanted to check in on this often overlooked issue.
WVPB Staff,Feb. 16, 2026
School Funding Needs And Understanding Snow Mold, This West Virginia Morning
A challenge lawmakers are struggling with this session is how to pay for public schools in a state where there’s falling enrollment, especially in rural counties. Also, the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom explains snow mold.
WVPB Staff,Feb. 02, 2026
How Cold Affects The Body And A Talk With State Senate President, This West Virginia Morning
We hear from Senate President Randy Smith who in last week’s episode of The Legislature Today discussed his goals for supporting small businesses in the state. Also, the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom examines how cold can affect your body.
WVPB Staff,Jan. 26, 2026
Hanshaw’s Priorities And A Special Medicaid Application For Pregnancy, This West Virginia Morning
We hear from House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, who outlines his goals for the 2026 West Virginia Legislative session. Also, if you’re newly pregnant and haven’t been able to afford health insurance, there’s a good chance you qualify for Medicaid.
Curtis Tate,Jan. 20, 2026
Kentucky Power Notifies Kentucky PSC Of Mitchell Cooling Tower Project
Kentucky Power has formally notified state regulators of its plan to build a new cooling tower at its Mitchell plant in West Virginia.
Heather Haley,Jan. 20, 2026
Widespread Snow And Ice Risks With Weekend Winter Storm
A winter storm is expected to spread from the Midwest across much of the eastern U.S. with ice and snow.
WVPB Staff,Jan. 20, 2026
Growing Pearls In Appalachia, This West Virginia Morning
Pearls are prized gemstones that have been crafted into jewelry for millennia. They can be found in the wild, but they’re also cultivated on farms. We hear a report from North America’s lone freshwater pearl farm located along Kentucky Lake in Tennessee.
WVPB Staff,Jan. 19, 2026
Affording A Gym Membership And Increasing Electricity Costs, This West Virginia Morning
If you’re looking to sign up for a new gym membership this year, it’s worth looking into whether your health insurance will help with some or all of the cost. And, soaring electricity costs and the slow growth of renewable energy.
Curtis Tate,Jan. 12, 2026
Kentucky Power Settlement Reduces Proposed Rate Increase
Kentucky Power has offered a settlement to state regulators for its rate increase proposal, according to a series of filings Friday.
WVPB Staff,Jan. 12, 2026
When To See The Doctor And A Truffle Movement, This West Virginia Morning
If you feel under the weather, how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor? Also, a growing movement to make Appalachia the “truffle capital of the world,” is being led by a small-town farmer in southern Kentucky.
Curtis Tate,Jan. 07, 2026
Kentucky Power Customers Will Pay To Keep Mitchell Coal Plant Running
The Kentucky Public Service Commission last week approved Kentucky Power’s plan to maintain its ownership of the Mitchell plant in West Virginia.
WVPB Staff,Jan. 06, 2026
Benefits Of Community Health Centers, This West Virginia Morning
A job loss or an unexpected change in coverage costs might mean that you’re starting the year without health insurance. If you’re looking for care, there might be an affordable option near you that you’ve never heard of.
Curtis Tate,Dec. 16, 2025
How Much Will Mitchell Cooling Tower Project Cost? Kentucky Power Won’t Say
The 54-year-old plant in West Virginia has a concrete cooling tower with structural problems, and the utility will need to seek permission to charge electricity customers to pay for a fix.
WVPB Staff,Dec. 08, 2025
Revitalizing Rural Downtowns, This West Virginia Morning
Eastern Kentucky is full of isolated, rural towns that have experienced decline alongside the coal industry. But some who want to stick around are trying to revitalize the region’s downtown spaces. For the Appalachia Mid-South Newsroom, Shepherd Snyder reports.
WVPB Staff,Dec. 03, 2025
The Future Of Low-head Dams, This West Virginia Morning
Low-head dams across Appalachia have been responsible for many deaths, causing state officials to label them as public safety hazards. But some community members are hesitant to have the fixtures removed.
Curtis Tate,Nov. 25, 2025
Coal Miner Killed In W.Va. Was Pinned By Mine Supply Car, Report Says
Joseph Mitchell was one of two coal miners killed in West Virginia this month. Mitchell was pinned underneath the supply car after it and two locomotives derailed after striking another piece of equipment, MSHA’s preliminary report says on the Nov. 6 incident.
Curtis Tate,Nov. 18, 2025
A Coal Miner Was Killed At A W.Va. Mine Owned By Joe And Kelly Craft
A miner was killed at the Mountain View Mine in Tucker County, West Virginia, on Nov. 6, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Alliance Resource Partners owns the mine. That company is owned by Kelly and Joe Craft, who are prominent political donors in Kentucky.
Curtis Tate,Nov. 17, 2025
Kentucky Power, Industrial Customers Reach Agreement On Mitchell Plant
The settling parties want the Kentucky Public Service Commission to approve Kentucky Power’s proposal to preserve its half of the Mitchell plant beyond 2028.
WVPB Staff,Nov. 04, 2025
A Conversation About Hidden Costs On Utility Bills, This West Virginia Morning
Kentucky utility regulators could approve a rate increase for Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities customers. They’ve approved new power plants to meet the electricity demands of data centers. Customers may not have known about the hidden cost they’re paying for two coal plants. Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom Managing Editor Ryan Van Velzer spoke with WVPB’s Curtis Tate about his reporting on those plants.
Curtis Tate,Oct. 31, 2025
Unprofitable Out-Of-State Coal Plants Costing Kentucky Electricity Customers
Behind the rates paid by the companies’ customers is a hidden cost that doesn’t show up on their bills. Customers receive electricity from two aging, out-of-state coal plants that lose a lot of money.
Bill Lynch,Oct. 18, 2025
Bridge Day Is On And The Kitchen Table Tour, This West Virginia Week
On this West Virginia Week, despite a government shutdown and the closure of national parks across the country, parks in West Virginia are staying open – for now. Also, a new book looks at the last public hanging in America. And, they’re out …
Chris Schulz,Oct. 08, 2025
State Guiding Leaf Peepers To The Most Vibrant Fall Colors
Fall brings with it many changes, but perhaps none more striking than the turning of the leaves. West Virginia officials are working to make sure leaf peepers visiting the state maximize their autumn experience.
Curtis Tate,Sep. 19, 2025
Mon Power Customers Are Paying For Costly Contract, Analysis Shows
Mon Power customers paid $10.3 million more for electricity than the market price from the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation from 2018 to 2024.
Curtis Tate,Sep. 17, 2025
Pricey Power From Out Of State Coal Plants: How We Found Out
Curtis Tate of West Virginia Public Broadcasting reported the story for the Appalachia-Mid-South Newsroom. He spoke with deputy managing editor John Boyle about his work.
Curtis Tate,Sep. 12, 2025
These Coal Plants Lose Money. Other States Have Walked Away, But W.Va. Hasn’t
Public anger is growing over rising electricity prices nationwide. In West Virginia, Appalachian Power customers have been paying hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden costs.
WVPB Staff,Aug. 12, 2025
Staffing Cuts At National Parks And Rising Energy Demands Drive Up Prices, This West Virginia Morning
On this West Virginia Morning, staffing cuts at National Parks are being felt by visitors and demand for energy is raising prices in the region.
Chris Schulz,Jul. 03, 2025
Gambling Among Young People A Rising Concern
Despite a drop, the issue of student-athlete harassment by bettors has become more prevalent in recent years with the rise of online gambling. So has the prevalence of problem gambling among younger bettors.
WVPB Staff,Jun. 26, 2025
The Debate Over Transgender Rights And Gaza Residents Seek Medical Care in Kentucky, This West Virginia Morning
On this West Virginia Morning, we hear from those shaping the debate over transgender rights and a mother and son from Gaza have spent two months in Louisville, Kentucky for medical care that would be nearly impossible to get back home.
WVPB Staff,Jun. 16, 2025
Tucker County Microgrid Opposition And Shape Note Singing, This West Virginia Morning
On this West Virginia Morning, we hear about grassroots opposition to an energy project in Tucker County, and dive into a unique form of Appalachian singing.
WVPB Staff,Jun. 05, 2025
Brood 14 Cicadas Emerge And New Series Explores State’s Clear Night Skies, This West Virginia Morning
On this West Virginia Morning, cicadas annoy some, but have profound meaning to others. And a new radio and television series highlights some of the brightest, clearest skies in the nation.
WVPB Staff,May. 15, 2025
Reclaiming Black Musical Roots And A Local ‘Booze And Brews’ Trail This West Virginia Morning
On this West Virginia Morning, a festival highlights the grassroots movement to reclaim the Black roots of folk and country music, and a new tourism trail highlights the brewers and distillers of southern West Virginia.
Justin Hicks,May. 01, 2025
Mining Unions And Lung Doctors Blocked From Defending New Safety Rule In Court
New coal mine safety requirements from the Mine Safety and Health Administration were supposed to take effect this month until a federal court blocked the rollout.
Curtis Tate +,Apr. 10, 2025
Families, Community Pay Respects To Those Killed In W.Va. Mine Disaster 15 Years Ago
It’s been 15 years since the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in West Virginia. Family members and others from the community gathered over the weekend to remember those who lost their lives in one of the worst mining accidents of the past half century.
Eric Douglas,Apr. 10, 2025
Budgets, Tariffs And Microgrids This West Virginia Morning
On this West Virginia Morning, we hear from Gov. Patrick Morrisey offering thoughts on his legislative agenda, a discussion from The Legislature Today about the future of microgrids and why counties aren’t enthusiastic about bringing t…
Curtis Tate,Apr. 07, 2025
Court Blocks MSHA Silica Dust Rule Days Before It Takes Effect
The rule was aimed at reducing miner inhalation of silica dust, which has been shown to worsen cases of black lung disease and cause an earlier onset of the disease in younger miners.
Jack Walker,Feb. 26, 2025
After Devastating Floods, Appalshop Archival Recovery Makes Steady Progress
Appalshop, an Appalachian arts and media hub based in Kentucky, faced archival damage during a devastating flooding incident in 2022. Now, the organization says restoration efforts have brought much of the archive back to life.
Curtis Tate,Feb. 21, 2025
Kentucky Power Wants To Keep Its Share Of Mitchell Coal Plant
Earlier this week, Kentucky Power went back to Kentucky regulators and asked them to reopen the case.
Curtis Tate,Feb. 19, 2025
Court Issues Garnishment Summons To Justice Over $3 Million Debt
Last June, when Justice was still governor of West Virginia, the court ordered him to pay Western Surety, a Chicago-based insurance company, $3.2 million, plus $100,000 in interest.
Curtis Tate,Feb. 12, 2025
Judge Increases Penalties For Justice-Owned Kentucky Fuel Corp.
U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove increased a contempt fine against Jim Justice’s son, Jay Justice, and associate Stephen Ball, to $1,000 a day from $250 a day.
Curtis Tate,Feb. 04, 2025
Solar Panels Go To School, Help Cut Rising Electric Bills
You can’t see it from the ground, but nearly 400 solar panels line the roof of the eight-year-old school, built on the site of an old high school.
Curtis Tate,Feb. 04, 2025
Coal Producers Worry About China’s Tariff In Response To Trump
China has responded to President Donald Trump’s 10% tariff on Chinese imports with its own 15% tariff on U.S. coal.
Randy Yohe,Feb. 04, 2025
Huntington Low Barrier Homeless Shelter In Jeopardy
During last month’s cold snap, Huntington’s low barrier homeless shelter stayed at full capacity. The shelter director says the facility – with its limited restrictions –  is unique in West Virginia, but now faces an uncertain future.
Caelan Bailey,Jan. 30, 2025
Morrisey Urges Cooperation With Federal Immigration Enforcement
On Thursday, Governor Patrick Morrisey ordered state and local law enforcement support for President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 “Securing Our Borders” executive order.
Curtis Tate,Jan. 30, 2025
State Reports First Coal Mine Fatality Of 2025, In Boone County
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said late Wednesday that 55-year-old Stephen Fields of Chauncey died of his injuries at the Twilight surface mine.
Jack Walker,Jan. 17, 2025
W.Va.’s Apple Industry Is Still Hurting. Growers Hope New Administrations Will Renew Aid
As the apple industry continues to struggle, West Virginia growers hope a change in government administrations won’t mark the end of federal and state aid.
Jack Walker,Jan. 16, 2025
Martinsburg Forum Connects Region’s Farmers With State, Federal Aid
Dozens of people packed into a farmhouse at a Martinsburg apple orchard Thursday for a regional forum on food business, and the federal and state financial support available to food entrepreneurs in the Appalachian region.
Other Stories
Louisville Public Media (LPM)
Tennessee state police tested AI tech the state AG asserts violates your privacy
March 30, 2026
by Pierce Gentry, Justin Hicks
Tennessee state police are exploring using facial recognition software. The state attorney general supports a lawsuit claiming the same technology illegally violates your privacy.
Remembering the bygone days of a legendary Appalachian steam locomotive
March 14, 2026
by Curtis Tate
Longtime Louisville & Nashville Railroad employee Charles Castner died last month at the age of 97. He co-wrote a book in 2024 on one of L&N's most powerful steam locomotives, the Big Emma.
Listen: How Kentucky’s Addiction Recovery Care allegedly committed massive Medicaid fraud
March 13, 2026
by Joe Sonka
Kentucky-based Addiction Recovery Care is under fire in a civil lawsuit for allegedly fraudulently billing Medicaid for a service. A federal database shows ARC made up 20% of all payments for that service in the country in a two-year period.
A Kentucky sheriff's deputy filed to run against his boss, then got fired
March 10, 2026
by Lisa Autry
A Warren County deputy facing a series of department and constitutional violations was suspended after filing to run for sheriff. The sheriff then oversaw the hearing that led to the deputy's termination. And it was legal.
Read more from LPM
WEKU-Lexington/Richmond
Fluorspar mining put Crittenden County on the map 100 years ago. Its importance to AI tech is driving interest in the area again
April 6, 2026
by Lily Burris
The largest known deposit of the critical mineral fluorspar in the United States is underneath parts of far western Kentucky and southern Illinois. Some say its applications in artificial intelligence could reawaken the region’s mining industry.
Tennessee state police tested AI tech the state AG asserts violates your privacy
March 27, 2026
by Pierce Gentry, Justin Hicks
Tennessee state police are exploring using facial recognition software. The state attorney general supports a lawsuit claiming the same technology illegally violates your privacy.
Remembering the bygone days of a legendary Appalachian steam locomotive
March 13, 2026
by Curtis Tate
Longtime Louisville & Nashville Railroad employee Charles Castner died last month at the age of 97. He co-wrote a book in 2024 on one of L&N’s most powerful steam locomotives, the Big Emma.
Listen: How Kentucky’s Addiction Recovery Care allegedly committed massive Medicaid fraud
March 13, 2026
by Joe Sonka
Kentucky-based Addiction Recovery Care is under fire in a civil lawsuit for allegedly fraudulently billing Medicaid for a service. A federal database shows ARC made up 20% of all payments for that service in the country in a two-year period.
Read more from WEKU
WKMS-Murray
Fluorspar mining put Crittenden County on the map 100 years ago. Its importance to AI tech is driving interest in the area again
April 6, 2026
by Lily Burris
The largest known deposit of the critical mineral fluorspar in the United States is underneath parts of far western Kentucky and southern Illinois. Some say its applications in artificial intelligence could reawaken the region’s mining industry.
Tennessee state police tested AI tech the state AG asserts violates your privacy
March 27, 2026
by Pierce Gentry, Justin Hicks
Tennessee state police are exploring using facial recognition software. The state attorney general supports a lawsuit claiming the same technology illegally violates your privacy.
Remembering the bygone days of a legendary Appalachian steam locomotive
March 13, 2026
by Curtis Tate
Longtime Louisville & Nashville Railroad employee Charles Castner died last month at the age of 97. He co-wrote a book in 2024 on one of L&N’s most powerful steam locomotives, the Big Emma.
Listen: How Kentucky’s Addiction Recovery Care allegedly committed massive Medicaid fraud
March 13, 2026
by Joe Sonka
Kentucky-based Addiction Recovery Care is under fire in a civil lawsuit for allegedly fraudulently billing Medicaid for a service. A federal database shows ARC made up 20% of all payments for that service in the country in a two-year period.
Read more from WKMS-Murray
WUOT in Tennessee
Fluorspar mining put Crittenden County on the map 100 years ago. Its importance to AI tech is driving interest in the area again
April 6, 2026
by Lily Burris
The largest known deposit of the critical mineral fluorspar in the United States is underneath parts of far western Kentucky and southern Illinois. Some say its applications in artificial intelligence could reawaken the region’s mining industry.
Tennessee state police tested AI tech the state AG asserts violates your privacy
March 27, 2026
by Pierce Gentry, Justin Hicks
Tennessee state police are exploring using facial recognition software. The state attorney general supports a lawsuit claiming the same technology illegally violates your privacy.
Remembering the bygone days of a legendary Appalachian steam locomotive
March 13, 2026
by Curtis Tate
Longtime Louisville & Nashville Railroad employee Charles Castner died last month at the age of 97. He co-wrote a book in 2024 on one of L&N’s most powerful steam locomotives, the Big Emma.
Listen: How Kentucky’s Addiction Recovery Care allegedly committed massive Medicaid fraud
March 13, 2026
by Joe Sonka
Kentucky-based Addiction Recovery Care is under fire in a civil lawsuit for allegedly fraudulently billing Medicaid for a service. A federal database shows ARC made up 20% of all payments for that service in the country in a two-year period.
Read more from WUOT
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