Underground Railroad And Fly Around Festival, Inside Appalachia

This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.

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Orphaned Wells

Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, Jun. 19, 2026

Ohio's Ancient Earthworks And Ballad Singing After Hurricane Helene, Inside Appalachia

This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a new book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.

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Energy & Environment Eric Douglas, Jun. 09, 2026

Abandoned Gas Wells Dot State, Continue Leaking

Abandoned oil and natural gas wells are scattered throughout West Virginia and the surrounding region, leaking toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, and the state doesn’t know where they all are.

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Energy & Environment Eric Douglas, Mar. 06, 2026

Report: Abandoned Gas Wells Are A Growing Problem For W.Va.

A new report from the Ohio River Valley Institute says there are tens of thousands of abandoned or orphaned gas wells in the state that have gone uncounted.

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Energy & Environment Curtis Tate, Oct. 16, 2025