On this West Virginia Morning, sports can unite teammates from all different backgrounds. But in the next episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay looks at one way sports can drive us apart.
One of America’s greatest contributions to world culture … is hip hop. A new compilation documents what it sounds like across Appalachia.
Also people in the region love their local water springs, but in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, they take that dedication to another level.
And, congressional Republicans are trying to freeze funding for new mine safety rules. Advocates are concerned.
In This Episode
“No Options” Explores Hip-Hop in Appalachia
The Watery Allure Of Berkeley Springs
The Continuing Battle Over Black Lung
“No Options” Explores Hip-Hop in Appalachia
Hip hop has been in Appalachia for about as long as the genre has been around, about 50 years. A new compilation from June Appal Recordings, “No Options: Hip-Hop in Appalachia” 24 tracks from across the region. Mason Adams spoke with executive producer JK Turner, and rapper Eric Jordan, also known as Monstalung.
The Watery Allure Of Berkeley Springs
There are natural springs all over Appalachia. Before indoor plumbing, that’s where most folks got their fresh water. In Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, people still fill jugs with spring water to lug back home. In 2022, Folkways reporter Zack Harold visited the springs and brought us this story.
The Continuing Battle Over Black Lung
As Appalachian miners cut into increasingly thinner seams of coal, they’re encountering more silica dust from rock. The dust contributes to an advanced form of black lung disease. Coal miners and advocates have spent decades negotiating with the federal government to add safety rules. When a new rule was finalized in April, advocates celebrated, but before it could take full effect, opponents threw up another roadblock.
Emily Rice reported.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Joshua Outsey, Monstalung, Tim and Dave Bing, Deep Jackson and Dinosaur Burps.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Chris Julin. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
On this West Virginia Morning, sports can unite teammates from all different backgrounds. But in the next episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay looks at one way sports can drive us apart.
Health and safety agencies are urging West Virginians to keep their home’s smoke detectors in good working condition during this year’s annual Fire Prevention Week.
Gov. Jim Justice issued a ...
On this West Virginia Morning, Curtis Tate spoke with a coal executive about what else the mineral can do, and updates from the legislature's second special session.