The Christmas season for many is not all merry and bright but laced with an emotional weight that at times can be overwhelming. Those challenging emotions prompted a Cabell County musician to compose a different kind of Christmas song.

The Trump administration plans to weaken the Endangered Species Act, and that could impact the fate of an ancient creature found in Appalachia: the eastern hellbender salamander. The Allegheny Front’s Julie Grant recently visited a new preserve dedicated to hellbenders and found not only natural history – but American history.

The Carpenter Ants have been a staple of the state’s music scene for decades. For the holidays, the band released “There Ain’t No Sanity Claus,” a Christmas record featuring friends like Mountain Stage’s Larry Groce, actress/singer Ann Magnuson and singer/songwriter John Ellison. Bill Lynch talked with guitarist Michael Lipton about the album.

A lot of people who came of age listening to the Grand Ole Opry know Little Jimmy Dickens. With his clever songs and his rhinestone-studded outfits, the West Virginia native influenced a generation of performers. Now he’s remembered in a new book of poetry.

Federal funding for arts and culture has been curtailed. Trey Kay looks at the reasons in the latest Us & Them. Also, the state board of education has approved another round of school closures and consolidations, the state Legislature is expected to take up several bills in the coming session to address foster care and children who are homeless, and U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was laid to rest Tuesday at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton.

It’s common at Christmastime for churches and businesses to set up angel trees, decorated with paper ornaments holding a child’s name and wish list. Trees set up this year for the children of Iaeger, West Virginia, reflect the long-term damage done by the February floods that devastated McDowell County.

We listen to the latest story from The Allegheny Front, a public radio program based in Pittsburgh. In their latest story, organizers of a custom mapping project hope it stirs more interest in the Mon River.

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.

Public radio listeners know acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. WNYC recently released “Our Common Nature,” a new podcast that follows the musician and producer Ana Gonzalez as they explore the country. This included a visit to West Virginia. Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams spoke with Gonzalez about the podcast. We listen to an excerpt.

More than nine months after the February flood that hit southern West Virginia, residents are still rebuilding their lives. WVPB asked West Virginia photojournalist Roger May to create a photo essay on the people in that region. May sat down with News Director Eric Douglas to discuss the project.

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.

Regular listeners to our afternoon programming will immediately recognize the voice of Terry Gross. She has been the host of Fresh Air for 50 years – well before it became a national staple. News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Gross recently about her career, her style and the uniqueness of public radio.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered over the weekend with host Miles Parks to discuss the shooting of the two West Virginia National Guard soldiers, Air Guard Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and Army specialist Sarah Beckstrom. We listen to an excerpt.

People who buy health care through the federal marketplace are set to see their premiums rise 40 percent or more. It depends on whether Congress extends the 2021 enhanced subsidies that help people pay their premiums. Ruby Rayner is a reporter for the Chattanooga Times Free Press who’s been covering this story in Tennessee. Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams spoke with Raynor.

We’re an aging nation, and the cost of care is lower the longer people stay in their homes. The trend has led to an explosion in home-based support and care services. On the next episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay focuses on the challenges of care for our growing elderly population.

By now, cooler temperatures have closed many theme parks around the area. But if you’ve got a craving to get on a roller coaster, you don’t have to wait until spring and you don’t have to drive very far. Bill Lynch takes us to the Brush Creek Holl’r Mountain Coaster.

WVPB is hosting a special screening of “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect” at Marshall University on Nov. 18, and Us & Them host Trey Kay will moderate the live event along with a panel discussion. Ahead of the screening, Kay talked with one of the panelists, historian Cicero Fain, about why Marshall’s story matters now.

More than a quarter of adult West Virginians are serving as caregivers for a family member. The AARP just released a new nationwide report on caregiving. News Director Eric Douglas speaks with Jane Marks, the state president of the organization, to find out more.

There’s a style of singing in bluegrass and traditional music that’s rooted in the music of Primitive and Old Regular Baptist churches, places where singers like bluegrass legend Stanley were raised. On a recent episode of Inside Appalachia, reporter Zack Harold introduced us to a woman who helps keep this sacred tradition alive.

How violent is America? We listen to an excerpt from the latest episode of Us & Them where host Trey Kay looks at what crime data really tells us.

On this West Virginia Morning, decorative pumpkins and Jack O’Lanterns can find a second life on your table and in the garden. We explore ways to reuse fall decorations. Also, we have the latest edition of our occasional series, Almost Heavens.

More than 500 residents of Mercer County are about to find out if they have been chosen for a rare opportunity. They have applied for a Guaranteed Minimum Income program through the nonprofit Give Directly, which uses funds from wealthy benefactors to give cash benefits to those in need.

High winds Wednesday fanned more than 20 fires across the state, and the largest of those fires is still burning. Also, we speak with a journalist who has been covering population decline in central Appalachia.

Founded by assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA focuses its energies largely on college campuses like Marshall University. Mason County freshman Branson Tolliver is Marshall’s chapter president. He talks with Randy Yohe on the goals of this growing student movement.

Halloween may be over, but Mountain State spookiness continues on with a new horror film called “Self-Help” shot in locations near Huntington. The film was produced by brothers Erik and Carson Bloomquist. Bill Lynch spoke with Carson about the film and their experience in West Virginia.

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.

On this West Virginia Morning, TJ Meadows from the Metro News Network spoke with News Director Eric Douglas about using his background in business and the energy industry to ask questions and shaking things up.

West Virginia and her ancient hills are no stranger to spooky happenings and things we can’t explain. You’ll find no bigger fan of these stories than Jim Lange, the host of Eclectopia. This year for Halloween, he shares this paranormal story from Robert Tipane.

Halloween is more popular than ever. We speak with WVU religious studies professors to learn more about the holiday’s rich history.

An influx of cash will provide more than 500 residents at or close to the poverty line in Mercer County $1,500 each month for 16 months. The key here is it’s no strings attached. Also, with delays to federal nutritional benefits expected, the state government is trying to step up to meet the need.

We hear from Huntington-based Facing Hunger Food Bank CEO Cyndi Kirkhart on meeting the challenges faced in getting nutritional food to families in need amid the government shutdown. Also, students in Jefferson County will now have an easier time continuing their education after graduation, and we learn about historic preservation grants available in West Virginia.

There are lots of options for enjoying fall colors across Appalachia. And, America’s largest rodent has caused some even larger problems — but a new national movement that’s close to home finds there are reasons to help them out.

Help for federal workers and finding literary inspiration at the nation’s first radio astronomy observatory. And, an Appalachian writer drew inspiration from memories of her childhood vision to the Green Bank Observatory.

One in six West Virginians rely on the federal government’s SNAP payments for food — but that money may not come during the shutdown. And, Us & Them examines how the rocky housing market impacts low income families.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Tuesday that 60 people have been arrested since the state entered into a partnership with the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) earlier this year. And a new national report examines some of the factors that influence this state’s high obesity rates.

A group of Tucker County residents are asking the Intermediate Court of Appeals for help learning about a proposed power plant in their community. Also, we hear the second part of our look back at reporting from Point Pleasant columnist Mary Hyre as she went from writing about the “Mason County Monster” to the Silver Bridge collapse in a little more than a year.

Across West Virginia on Saturday, at least 20 communities held their own demonstrations and rallies as part of the national ‘No Kings’ movement. And, we’ll examine the role of a newspaper columnist who covered the early sightings of what is now known as Mothman.

West Virginia once again tops an unfortunate national list. And, the author of a new book about paranormal sightings talks about the trouble in gathering the facts.

An old a strip mine is the site of a future trail system for off-road vehicles and dirt bikes riders. And a new book examines the parallels between America’s last public hanging and racial justice today.

The state’s largest festival will take place Saturday at the New River Gorge National Park — despite the ongoing government shutdown. And, environmentalists are using 360-degree mapping platforms to study the Monongahela River and the Ohio River Basin.

As the Monongahela River flows into the Ohio River Basin, pollution from development upstream is impacting parts of West Virginia. And, roughly half way into a statewide listening tour, we check in with Democratic delegates to find out what constituents have to say.

Low income people in Mercer County can apply for a new program to give them a guaranteed monthly income. And, when Appalachian country singer Rob McNurlin announced plans to retire, a filmmaker decided to tell his story.

The federal subsidies that allow airlines to serve small, rural airports could be suspended in the government shutdown. And, groups on both sides of the aisle are successfully mobilizing young people to vote.

The Higher Education Policy Commission, wants lawmakers to help make the state’s academic aid system less complicated. And, the state has invested in tools and resources to help travellers track the brightest shades of fall colors.

Lawmakers learned about a broad range of issues facing education in West Virginia Sunday afternoon. And, a top policy experts points out how the federal government shutdown impacts West Virginia.

Justice Thomas H. Ewing has already been sworn in to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, but a public investiture ceremony will take place Monday. And, one way to see the fall leaves: from the open cockpit of an 82-year-old biplane.

West Virginia State Police, working with federal ICE agents, have made dozens of immigration arrests in a short period of time. And, an author born in Appalachia delves into America’s attitudes about the poor and working classes — and how that affects every day life.

The head of the state Board of Education presents concerns about public school finances. And, a Writer-in-Residence at Shepherd University talks about her debut novel and how it impacts Cherokee identity.

The National Weather Service is hosting a training session for volunteers interested in storm spotting. And, while the state’s clean energy jobs have been growing, the federal government is focused on fossil fuels.

On this West Virginia Morning, a volunteer group makes sure all preschool kids get new picture books and learn a love of reading and a foodbank is struggling to meet a sharp increase in demand.

Quilting is more than a hobby: it offers some colorful lessons in math. And, the Matthew Perry Foundation comes to Appalachia to carry out the mission of its famous namesake.

A double milestone for West Virginia State University and what began as a local effort to prevent fatal overdoses is now in all 50 states.

On this West Virginia Morning, three top historians revisit America’s origin story, and the latest court filings in the state’s school vaccine lawsuit are zeroing in on a linchpin legal question.

Save A Life Day will hold events across West Virginia and in all 50 states to prevent fatal overdoses. And, the pawpaw is the latest soft drink flavor to hit store shelves.

West Virginia is a top 10 state in the growth of energy jobs. And, those in charge of the state’s child welfare system say they learned some important lessons this summer.

An age old tradition of using shapes instead of notes helps untrained singers harmonize. And as the fall season kicks off, a look at weather extremes — and if climate change is playing a role.

Not everyone approves of the efforts to present only positive images of America’s past. And, biologists are using a rare method to clean up a tributary of the Monongahela River.

Healing Appalachia draws big names and big crowds to an annual celebration of recovery. And, a program that helps thousands of disabled West Virginians could be cut.

Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate highlights his investigation in millions of dollars in hidden costs for power customers in West Virginia and we’ll tell you what health officials are doing to prep for the upcoming flu season.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey is asking for public input on two key issues: a plan to triple energy production and applying for Rural Health Transformation funds. And, broadening the state’s Hope Scholarship program has made the number of participants harder to predict.

As summer fades into fall, West Virginians have a short time left this season to view two distinct stars in the skies overhead. And, electric customers in this state may have paid millions of dollars in hidden and unnecessary fees.

As WVU and Pitt prepare for to clash, Gov. Patrick Morrisey is highlighting a different kind of backyard brawl. And, an Appalachian playwright is being remembered for the laughter he brought to stage with a hapless character.

The West Virginia Dept. of Human Services has released the results of its statewide listening tour. And we’ll preview the latest Us & Them edition, which takes a look at this country’s criminal justice system and what it would take to make it stronger for all.

Lawmakers are getting a better understanding of the state’s capacity to respond to deadly floods. And an Appalachian poet explores nature and marriage in his latest book.

Health experts talk about the FDA’s latest restrictions for the COVID-19 shot and call center operators discuss the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Wildfires in Canada can create air quality concerns in West Virginia. And, high tech helmets are the latest effort to prevent traumatic brain injuries in student athletes.

Being held in the U.S. for the first time, the Spartan Trifecta World Championship got underway at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean. And, a small Appalachian radio station funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting sets its sites on the future.

The West Virginia Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers – West Virginia have officially merged to form a single new education union. And families for four kids are taking a gas production firm to court, saying fracking has caused significant health problems.

On this West Virginia Morning, Appalachian Power gets the funds it needs — but customers won’t have to foot the entire bill. And a British filmmaker finds success by setting his sights on Marshall University.

On this West Virginia Morning, the immigration crackdown is creating concerns for the specialized workforce of Kentucky’s billion-dollar horse racing industry. And a Huntington music fest celebrates the diverse sounds of a troubled teen from the early 1900s.

Business will be suspended at the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, as the court holds a day of mourning for former Chief Justice Tim Armstead. And, a group of women runners will take on the annual Charleston Distance Run this Saturday.

The Public Service Commission has issued another order it hopes will streamline broadband expansion in West Virginia — but not everyone supports the plan. And the next episode of Us & Them examines caregiving in America — what it takes and how much it should pay.

Tim Armstead, former Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court of Appeals who also served in the House of Delegates, died Tuesday.

Tour dates open in September and October for elk viewing in the Mountain State — just in time for rutting season. And, small towns and old coal communities are desperate for clean drinking water but finding it hard to compete with more populous areas for state funding.

If you can find the Big Dipper, chances are you can find the whirlpool galaxy in the skies over West Virginia. And, you might be surprised to learn where a titanium factory in West Virginia is getting some of its energy.

A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union attempts to stop the deployment of West Virginia’s National Guard to the nation’s capitol and a podcast shines a light on some lesser-known sounds of Appalachia.

On this West Virginia Morning, despite heavy public opposition, the state Department of Environmental Protection has approved air quality and construction permits for an energy microgrid between the towns of Davis and Thomas in Canaan Valley. And, a six-year battle to prevent construction of a natural gas pipeline was lost.

On this West Virginia Morning, South Fork Coal – which had operations that were contested by numerous conservation groups – has idled its operations and furloughed its remaining employees. And, a little-known piece of Harpers Ferry’s storied history is getting some attention.

On this West Virginia Morning, some regions rely on bottled water as they wait more than 30 years for municipal systems to deliver clean drinking water.

On this West Virginia Morning, a region of West Virginia pummeled by February floods still struggles to recover, and the West Virginia National Guard deploys to D.C.

On this West Virginia Morning, a West Virginia writer turns her observations of nature into a collection of essays and our Song of the Week.

On this West Virginia Morning, a renowned practitioner of the geocaching hobby is a West Virginian and a father-daughter duo are keeping local news alive in Hurricane.

On this West Virginia Morning, keeping the flatfoot dance tradition alive and preserving a scout camp for future generations.

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.

On this West Virginia Morning, schools adjust to the state’s food dye ban and miners met in Morgantown last month to compete in a rescue competition.

After the dark days of Hurricane Helene, an award-winning comic book writer launches the Appalachian Comics Project. And, our Song of the Week this week features “Planetarium,” by Blitzen Trapper.

Judge Tom Ewing has been tapped to fill a vacancy on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. And, at 81 years of age, John Wilson has been involved with the state fair for most of his life — and has the quirky stories to go with it.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Environmental Protection Agency plans to cancel billions of dollars in grants for a solar program intended to improve home energy efficiency. The funds – including more than $100 million in West Virginia – w…

Amtrak’s Cardinal line is expected to resume operations in both directions on Wednesday after 12 cars derailed over the weekend. And, the city of Huntington is tackling its homeless problem one person at a time — starting with military veterans.

On this West Virginia Morning, you’ll meet a couple of Appalachian potters who prefer to dig their own clay. That way, they can decide how much of the tiny pieces of natural debris to leave in for authentic texture. 

A neighboring state finds an increase in its homeless population after a camping ban goes into effect and this week’s Song of the Week features a debut Mountain Stage appearance by an artist from Philadelphia.

On this West Virginia Morning, the Environmental Protection Agency is moving to repeal the scientific findings about greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the environment. It’s a move that would affect countless regulations that govern everything from vehicles to power plants.

On this West Virginia Morning, scientists are working to preserve the meadows that are home to the endangered Mitchell’s Satyr butterfly. One of those is not far from the borders of West Virginia. RadioIQ’s Roxy Todd ventured there to find out about efforts to save these pretty but rare winged insects. 

On this West Virginia Morning, the state Republican party has a new chairman – a 23-year-old native of Boone county with a surprising amount of political experience. Josh Holstein shares his ideas for bringing the party together and his vision for West Virginia.

On this West Virginia Morning, officials in Jefferson County are working to balance financial needs, historic preservation and economic vitality in downtown Charles Town. The county commission bought two new buildings this year but now has to dec…

A focus on musical talents of the past and top news of the day are on West Virginia Morning.