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The news team at West Virginia Public Broadcasting produces a couple thousand stories every year. Some are big stories that affect every West Virginian, while some are lighthearted and make you smile as you head to work or get the kids off to school.
When asked about their “favorite” stories from the year, though, the reporters produced an interesting mix of news stories about important topics and features.
Below are links to some of them and thoughts from the reporters who wrote them.
‘That’s All They Care About, Putting This Pipe In The Ground’
The 303-mile gas Mountain Valley Pipeline began operating in June after six years of construction, lawsuits and protests. The story represented an intersection of state and federal government, local residents, environmental groups and fossil fuel companies. I got to know residents of Bent Mountain, Virginia, after the pipe burst during a water pressure test in May. It confirmed some of their fears about the pipeline: about its safety and its environmental impact. Even after the pipeline entered service, erosion control continued to be a challenge. Though the construction phase is over, the pipeline will continue to be a flashpoint for years to come.
After Decade Of DIY, Martinsburg Skateboarders Look To Land Public Park
I had a lot of fun speaking with local skateboarders and visiting skateparks in the greater Martinsburg area for this story. It gave me a new perspective on the importance of sports access, and made me excited for recreation projects coming to the Eastern Panhandle. Plus, this story was a fun opportunity to experiment with different sounds.
W.Va. Gubernatorial Campaign Attack Ads Vilify Transgender Children
We looked at the primary gubernatorial campaign attack ads that went beyond campaigning to vilify transgender children. I researched the issue and spoke with a national expert on the subject, the WV-ACLU and a Wheeling city council member. We felt the degree of campaign rhetoric on transgender youth was worthy of a story. We hoped and worked to get both sides. However, I was refused comment from the two most vociferous campaigners on the subject — Patrick Morrisey and Chris Miller.
Marshall Paleontologist Discovers New Species
About the same time I did this story, I had worked on human trafficking stories and stories about the West Virginia Legislature. I needed a break. As a diver and an ocean enthusiast, I was fascinated by the discovery of a prehistoric marine creature by someone right here in West Virginia.
Prepped To Serve – A Culinary Cohort Prepares To Tackle The Future
This is probably the most recent story I’ve done here. I’m more comfortable with audio levels and nat sound, and — in a state with an overwhelming addiction crisis — I like the overall message of hope.
‘An Incredibly Small World:’ Federal Firefighting At New River Gorge
As reporters, we’re used to calling firefighters when something is actively burning. But I was able to head out to New River Gorge on a rainy off-day and walk listeners through the massive amount of preparation and organization behind the scenes as fire seasons worsen — alongside the far-flung firefighting community that now includes the nation’s newest national park.
Group Bike Rides Aim To Make City Streets More Accessible
Old-school journalists talk about “shoe leather” being their greatest resource, reporting that gets you up from behind your desk and into the community. This story gave me that opportunity and then some, riding through Morgantown’s streets and alleyways with cycling enthusiasts on a warm spring night in search of community, fun and advocacy.
My second favorite story was one about Ramadan.
Breaking The Ramadan Fast In Morgantown
As discussed in the story, Ramadan is a deeply personal experience that tests an individual’s spiritual and physical commitment to faith. Amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, it was humbling to be allowed a glimpse right here in West Virginia into a religious experience that at times has been shrouded in mystery and misconception.
Wyoming County Residents Warn of Contaminated Creek
I’m proud of this piece that covered the water crisis at Indian Creek. Not only were we one of the first outlets to cover this, but we did an in-depth look into what was going on. We talked to residents, scientists, state agencies and the governor. This story is a sad story, and the people in this area are still suffering from what seems to be toxic water. Overall, I hope this story, which aired nationally, and its continued coverage helps bring an end to the crisis.
To report on this story, I sat in people’s kitchens and talked over coffee (all made with bottled water), hiked for miles up hollows to look at sink holes, and I road around on ATV’s going house to house to fill out surveys.
Early Data Shows Dramatic Fall In Overdose Death Rates; Advocates Advise Caution
I’m proud of this piece and my ongoing coverage of West Virginia’s opioid epidemic because it stemmed from a routine health reporting task. While reviewing a CDC report, I noticed a striking trend: West Virginia’s overdose death rate was falling rapidly, nearly matching the national decline. With input from sources, I tracked the trend as it continued — eventually outpacing the national rate.
From July 2023 to July 2024, West Virginia’s overdose death rate dropped nearly 23 percent, compared to a 17 percent decline nationwide, according to provisional CDC data.
Though no one knows for sure, harm reduction efforts may be driving this shift. Charleston-based advocates launched Save A Life Day as a two-county pilot four years ago, which has since grown into a national initiative. In 2024 alone, 30,000 doses of naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, were distributed across West Virginia.
The West Virginia Public Broadcasting News Team consists of Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Jack Walker and Randy Yohe. Eric Douglas is our news director and Maria Young is our assistant news director.
