Mountain State Spotlight: West Virginia News and Reporting
6 days ago · Mountain State Spotlight is a nonprofit investigative newsroom that exists to give West Virginians the information they need to make our state a better place. As a nonprofit, we rely on your help to power our journalism. We are committed to lifting up voices that aren’t always heard and spotlighting solutions that are making a difference.
Tackling ‘persistent poverty’ in West Virginia
Jan 16, 2024 · 11 of West Virginia’s 55 counties are classified as “in persistent poverty” by the U.S. Census Bureau, having a poverty rate of 20% or higher continually for the past three decades. Datasets used include 1990 and 2000 Decennial Censuses, 2005-2009 and 2015-2019 American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.
WV State Police scandal: What you need to know
Apr 3, 2023 · Mountain State Spotlight explains: What to know about the West Virginia State Police scandal. The sprawling scandal at the state’s top law enforcement agency has reverberated around West Virginia. As a dizzying number of allegations have emerged, here’s what you need to know. by Dan Lawton April 3rd, 2023 Updated July 7th, 2023.
Report shows West Virginia jail officials knew about SRJ issues
Dec 20, 2023 · by Henry Culvyhouse and La Shawn Pagán December 20th, 2023. In April 2022, public outcry about conditions at West Virginia’s Southern Regional Jail reached a fever pitch. For weeks, media outlets had been reporting serious mistreatment and neglect of people held at the jail. They were deprived of water and toilet paper and forced to sleep on ...
What are West Virginia’s marijuana laws? - Mountain State Spotlight
Jul 23, 2024 · Non-medical sale, use and possession of marijuana remains illegal in West Virginia. Possession of a controlled substance, including marijuana, is a misdemeanor that comes with either a fine of up to $1,000 or three-to-six months of jail time. First-time offenders can be granted probation instead. The federal government still maintains laws that ...
Here’s how Certificate of Need laws fit into the conversation about ...
Mar 5, 2021 · History: in brief. If you haven’t heard of certificate of need laws, you’re not alone. Starting in the early 1960s, states used CON laws to try to curb health care spending by making medical providers prove that a need existed before they could open new facilities or expand services to a community.. The rationale was that if providers flooded a community with more services than that ...
West Virginia settles jails lawsuit for $4 million
Nov 9, 2023 · West Virginia to pay $4 million to settle lawsuit over conditions in Southern Regional Jail. After a magistrate judge recommended a ruling against the state for destruction of evidence, a settlement was quickly reached in a class action lawsuit brought by people who were incarcerated at Southern Regional Jail. by La Shawn Pagán November 9th, 2023.
Latest news - Mountain State Spotlight
5 days ago · by Tre Spencer October 17th, 2024. MARLINTON — Tourism is rapidly growing in Pocahontas County, where the headwaters of eight rivers flow and miles of trails attract hikers and bikers. But, while many locals embrace the influx of visitors, it has created some challenges. Mountain State Spotlight visited Pocahontas County as part of our ...
West Virginia’s tax cut trigger, explained - Mountain State Spotlight
May 17, 2024 · In 2023, West Virginia lawmakers approved a tax cut package that included an immediate 21.25% cut in the personal income tax, a series of property tax cuts, and a vehicle tax rebate. But it also had a tax trigger, which is set to go into effect any time the revenue in a given year passes the general fund revenue collected in 2019, adjusted for ...
West Virginia Amendment 2 explained in-depth - Mountain State …
Nov 4, 2022 · Here’s how West Virginia Amendment 2 could start a complex battle over tax policy. The amendment would give state lawmakers the power to cut some personal property taxes. Supporters say such cuts would foster business growth. Opponents say the state can’t really afford the cuts and that county and city budgets would suffer. Gov. Jim Justice ...