By Leann Ray | Editor-in-chief
“More needs to be done, and it needs to be done now. Miners are wearing masks, they are following rules, and yet they are still breathing in killer dust. We will not stand by while federal regulations are ignored and sat on while our members and coalfield workers pay for it with their lives.” — Brian Sanson, president of United Mine Workers of America International
X-rays of a patient with black lung disease. (National Archives at College Park photo)
By Caity Coyne
The United Mine Workers of America made an “urgent demand” of the federal government on Thursday for the “immediate, uncompromised” enforcement of previously approved policies and rules that would protect coal miners from incurable black lung disease.
Station 80 Nitro Fire Department assisted Institute Fire Rescue with operations at the chemical leak at Catalyst Refiners in Institute, West Virginia, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (Photo by Nitro Fire Department)
WV chemical plant didn’t require workers to wear respirators during deadly incident, CSB report says
By Lori Kersey
A Kanawha County chemical plant where two employees died and four others were critically injured in April after a highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas was released did not require workers to wear respirators, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board.
By Caity Coyne
The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a finalized air quality permit on Wednesday to Clean-Seas West Virginia, allowing the out-of-state company to move forward with the construction of a controversial “advanced recycling” plant in eastern Kanawha County.
NATIONAL
A new federal rule is ending Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming hormone therapies and procedures for young people. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo/New Jersey Monitor)
By Nada Hassanein
A new federal rule will end Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming hormone therapies and procedures for kids under age 18.
By Shauneen Miranda
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice has sued New York, Connecticut and Vermont over laws that allow immigrants in the country without permanent legal status to pay in-state college tuition in the states where they live.
COMMENTARY
With school starting in 10 counties this week, some people still haven't received their school clothing vouchers from the state after the program started late and closed early. (Stock photo by Thanasis/Getty Images)
By Kelly Allen
Over the last several weeks, West Virginia residents and lawmakers have learned much about the state’s school clothing voucher program and — judging by what I’ve seen on social media, in the press and at legislative meetings — most seem to have concluded it’s an important program that offers families vital economic support.
ICYMI
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