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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Sarah Beckstrom

Energy & Environment WVPB Staff, Jun. 29, 2026

Appalachia’s Declining Bat Population, This West Virginia Morning

Bats are the subject of myths and legends, often in a negative light. But that goes against the reality of their role in ecosystems, including critical agricultural services for humans. Bat populations have dropped significantly in the face of a changing climate and disease.

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Government Maria Young, Mar. 16, 2026

Beckstrom Posthumously Awarded W.Va. Distinguished Service Medal

Army Special Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia was posthumously awarded the state's Distinguished Service Medal.

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Government WVPB Staff, Mar. 16, 2026

Reporters Recap Final Hours Of The 2026 Legislative Session, This West Virginia Morning

The 2026 state Legislative session stretched all the way to midnight Saturday night. WVPB reporters Randy Yohe, Chris Schulz and Maria Young were in the rotunda as the session concluded and brings us this recap.

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Government Eric Douglas, Dec. 19, 2025

Purple Hearts Requested For Ambushed National Guard Members

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Friday that the state has requested the posthumous award of the Purple Heart for U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and the same honor for Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe.

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