Mountain State Spotlight: West Virginia News and Reporting
WEBSep 12, 2024 · Mountain State Spotlight is a nonprofit investigative newsroom that exists to give West Virginians the information they need to make our state a better place. As a nonprofit, we rely on your help to power our journalism. We are committed to lifting up voices that aren’t always heard and spotlighting solutions that are making a difference.
Tackling ‘persistent poverty’ in West Virginia
WEBJan 16, 2024 · 11 of West Virginia’s 55 counties are classified as “in persistent poverty” by the U.S. Census Bureau, having a poverty rate of 20% or higher continually for the past three decades. Datasets used include 1990 and 2000 Decennial Censuses, 2005-2009 and 2015-2019 American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.
Report shows West Virginia jail officials knew about SRJ issues
WEBDec 20, 2023 · by Henry Culvyhouse and La Shawn Pagán December 20th, 2023. In April 2022, public outcry about conditions at West Virginia’s Southern Regional Jail reached a fever pitch. For weeks, media outlets had been reporting serious mistreatment and neglect of people held at the jail. They were deprived of …
What are West Virginia’s marijuana laws? - Mountain State Spotlight
WEBJul 23, 2024 · Non-medical sale, use and possession of marijuana remains illegal in West Virginia. Possession of a controlled substance, including marijuana, is a misdemeanor that comes with either a fine of up to $1,000 or three-to-six months of jail time. First-time offenders can be granted probation instead. The federal government still maintains laws that ...
WV State Police scandal: What you need to know
WEBApr 3, 2023 · Mountain State Spotlight explains: What to know about the West Virginia State Police scandal. The sprawling scandal at the state’s top law enforcement agency has reverberated around West Virginia. As a dizzying number of allegations have emerged, here’s what you need to know. by Dan Lawton April 3rd, 2023 Updated July 7th, 2023.
2022 Capitol Tracker — Mountain State Spotlight
WEB2022 Capitol Tracker — Mountain State Spotlight. Track bills through the lengthy legislative process, contact elected officials, and follow live updates from our reporters.
How WV plans to spend $1 billion in opioid settlements
WEBDec 15, 2022 · Over the past few years, West Virginians have seen headline after headline detailing lawsuits against the retailers, manufacturers and distributors who fueled the state’s opioid crisis. From CVS and Walmart: $147 million. From Johnson & Johnson: $99 million. From distributors Cardinal, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen: $400 million.
West Virginia gun deaths increased significantly after permitless ...
WEBOct 12, 2023 · As the end of the 2016 West Virginia legislative session approached, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin hosted a press conference in front of an audience of law enforcement officers from around the state.. They applauded as the governor vetoed House Bill 4145, a proposal to allow adults to carry a hidden gun without a permit. “This is just bad law,” said Steve Tanner, then-president of the West ...
WV Legislature finishes 2024 session: What you need to know
WEBMar 10, 2024 · When the 60th and final day of the 2024 legislative session began, West Virginia senators and delegates were at a stand-off. A cut in unemployment benefits was held up in the House, while the Senate was sitting on public employee pay raises and a reduction in taxes on Social Security. As the day turned to …
Hill Top House Hotel: How WV lawmakers took away local control
WEBJan 6, 2023 · The result was a bill that established special tourism carve outs, exempt from local laws. It allows these districts in up to five West Virginia towns of less than 2,000 people set to receive investments of more than $25 million — like Harpers Ferry and the Hill Top House Hotel renovation. Images posted on the fence surrounding the Hill Top ...