Appalachia Comics Project And Open Door Cafe, Inside Appalachia
Jul 24, 2026
Show notes
After a disaster, can comics help set the record straight?
Also, sifting through Hurricane Helene’s debris, one group tries to reunite keepsakes with their owners, including love letters.
And, a cafe in Virginia feeds the hungry and tries to destigmatize homelessness. For its outreach manager, whose brother lived on the streets for years, it’s personal.
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
The cover of Islands in the Sky, the first book from the Appalachia Comics Project. Courtesy of the Appalachia Comics Project
Last year, we reported on the Appalachia Comics Project, which was raising money to produce a graphic novel featuring stories told by Hurricane Helene survivors and illustrated and produced by comics professionals.
Now, nearly two years after the storm, the bookis out. It’s called Islands in the Sky: A People’s History of Hurricane Helene. We revisit host Mason Adams' interview with Andrew Aydin, who conceived the project. He’d previously served as an aide to Congressman John Lewis and co-authored the comic trilogy March about Lewis’ role in the civil rights movement. That work informed his view on the power of comics as he got to work after Helene.
Recovering Keepsakes After Hurricane Helene
A photo album covered in muck that has yet to be reunited with its owner. Photo Credit: Laura Hackett/BPRNews
Hurricane Helene left behind millions of cubic yards of debris in western North Carolina. Most of that is trash, but every so often, clean-up crews find something personal: a stuffed animal, a coffee mug or a love letter.
Blue Ridge Public Radio’s Laura Hackett reports on one group’s efforts to return some of those treasured keepsakes to the people who lost them.
Open Door Café Supports, Destigmatizes Unhoused Community
Jeff Hatfield describes the compost as he shovels it, “See how this right here, that’s real dry. And then all this up through here, all that’s wet.” Photo Credit: Wendy Welch/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Appalachians sure love their gardens. And it’s not just homeowners who grow them. At Open Door Café in Wytheville, Virginia, gardening is a way to feed the hungry while breaking down the stigma of homelessness.
Folkways Reporter Wendy Welch brings us the story about digging into the roots and connecting to more than just the land.
100 Days In Appalachia Looks To Youth For Future Of America
This month marked the United States’ 250th anniversary. Around the nation, there was a lot of remembrance of our history. But also consideration about its future. That will ultimately be shaped by younger generations.
WVPB’s Chris Schulz spoke with 100 Days in Appalachia Director of Video Nick Curran and Editor-in-Chief Jesse Wright about a project to amplify their voices.
The Dental Health Gap In W.Va.
Dr. Malav Shah provides dental care to a Boone County resident during a clinic visit. Shah is among the healthcare providers working to improve access to dental care in southern West Virginia. Photo Credit: Trey Kay/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Many Appalachians can’t access affordable dental care. The problem is especially acute in West Virginia. State data shows by third grade, more than half of kids show signs of tooth decay. And more than 10% of older adults have had alltheir teeth extracted.
In the latest episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay visits a mobile dental clinic with public health hygienist Bobbi Muto.
Bats Save Farmers Billions Of Dollars, But They're In Danger
Virginia big-eared bats have been listed as endangered since 1979. Photo Credit: Alex Silvis/West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
A lot of people are afraid of bats, but they’re an important part of the ecosystem and beneficial to our agriculture. But due to climate change and disease, bat populations are declining.
WVPB’s Eric Douglas reports for the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom.
Designing Dignity Through Care Managers
Tsuruko Sano, 99, poses with her care manager, Hiroko Kominami at the Jasmine Group Home in the Nishiarai neighborhood of Tokyo. Photo Credit: Kiley Koscinski/90.5 WESA
As baby boomers continue to age, more Gen X and Millennial adults are finding themselves becoming caregivers for their parents. In Pittsburgh, the city’s major health systems are partnering with federal agencies to design a new program aimed at keeping seniors at home for as long as possible.
It’s a strategy Japan has had in place for more than two decades.
In this installment of the "Designing Dignity" series, WESA’s Kiley Koscinski looks at how Japan’s care managers bridge medical and social support.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Jeff Ellis, Mary Hott, Hello June, Paul Loomis and Ron Mullennex.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Abby Neff is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Irina Zhorov is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from Folkways Editor Ibby Caputo.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
How A Café Uses Gardening To Fight The Stigma Of Homelessness, This West Virginia Morning
Jul 24, 2026
Show notes
On this West Virginia Morning, Open Door Café in Wytheville, Virginia uses gardening as a way to feed the hungry while breaking down the stigma of homelessness. For Inside Appalachia, Folkways Reporter Wendy Welch brings us the story about digging into the roots and connecting to more than just the land.
Also, hundreds of first responders and emergency crews are on the ground in the areas of West Virginia hardest hit by Tuesday’s storms.
And, education leaders in West Virginia have taken action following the arrest and charging of a Fayette County teacher for enticing a minor.
Finally, a statewide virtual conference next month will look at ethical issues around addiction recovery.
West Virginia Morningis a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Chris Schulz, Eric Douglas and Maria Young.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young is our producer.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:49 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Us & Them: Who Can Call Morgantown Home?
Jul 23, 2026
Show notes
Housing is becoming less affordable for many people. As a result, more cities and towns grapple with growing homeless populations. Hundreds of cities across the nation now have laws that prohibit camping on public property to discourage encampments and illegal activity.
On this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay moderates a community conversation in Morgantown about that city’s approach to housing. Morgantown is one of five West Virginia cities with a public camping ban. Local advocates say there are twice as many homeless people as there are shelter beds available.
This year, lawmakers did not have the votes to pass a statewide camping ban, but some leaders say that’s a better approach than patchwork local measures.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the CRC Foundation.
Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, the NPR app and wherever you get your podcasts.
A poster for “Unhoused in Morgantown: Barriers and Solutions” is displayed at an information table during the community forum at West Virginia University’s Mountainlair. The event brought together local service providers and advocates to discuss homelessness, housing barriers and public policy in Morgantown. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action GroupUs & Them host Trey Kay, left, moderates “Unhoused in Morgantown: Barriers and Solutions,” a community forum at the Gluck Theatre in West Virginia University’s Mountainlair. Joining Kay on the panel, from left, are the Rev. Zac Morton of First Presbyterian Church, Laura Jones of Milan Puskar Health Right, Erin Shelton of Project Rainbow and Rainbow House, and Mindy Thorne of Catholic Charities West Virginia. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action GroupRon Allen, a member of the Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action Group and one of the organizers of “Unhoused in Morgantown: Barriers and Solutions,” welcomes the audience to the Gluck Theatre in West Virginia University’s Mountainlair. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action GroupRichard Dennis, a member of the Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action Group and one of the organizers of “Unhoused in Morgantown: Barriers and Solutions,” listens to the panel discussion at the Gluck Theatre in West Virginia University’s Mountainlair. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action GroupThe Rev. Zac Morton of First Presbyterian Church speaks during “Unhoused in Morgantown: Barriers and Solutions,” a community forum at West Virginia University, as Laura Jones of Milan Puskar Health Right listens. Morton discussed how local churches collaborate to help people experiencing homelessness and the barriers that can make it difficult for them to secure housing. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action Group
“We’re seeing a report card on how well our society is doing at caring for other people, and we’re not getting a very good grade. Instead of dealing with that fundamental problem, a lot of people don’t want to examine it because it requires work, introspection and a recognition that decades of bad policy have brought us here.”
— The Rev. Zac Morton
Laura Jones, executive director of Milan Puskar Health Right, speaks during a community forum about homelessness in Morgantown. Jones discussed the connections between unstable housing, trauma and health. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action Group
“Every single person who is unhoused is unique. There is no one way people behave and no single reason people end up in this situation, other than the fact that we do not have affordable, low-income housing. Once someone becomes unhoused, that experience itself is often traumatic, making it even harder to do everything required to get back into housing.”
— Laura Jones
Erin Shelton, founder and board president of Project Rainbow and Rainbow House, speaks during a community forum about homelessness in Morgantown. Shelton advocates for low-barrier services for people who are often excluded from traditional programs. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action Group
“A lot of the things people see that make them uncomfortable are symptoms of homelessness. If we educate ourselves and meet people, we humanize them. Once you meet people, they are not scary anymore. They are people. They are your neighbors, your community members and your friends.”
— Erin Shelton
Mindy Thorne, a director with Catholic Charities West Virginia, speaks during a community forum about homelessness in Morgantown. Thorne works with Grace Shelter, a low-barrier shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope that provides emergency housing and individualized case management. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action Group
“These policies were made without an understanding of the consequences. There was no plan that said, ‘We are going to put this camping ban in place, and these services will be available instead.’ There was none of that. It was simply, ‘We’re done.’”
— Mindy Thorne
Del. Geno Chiarelli, R-Monongalia, reviews material during a meeting of the House Public Health Subcommittee at the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston on Feb. 4, 2026. Chiarelli sponsored legislation seeking to prohibit syringe service programs and a separate bill proposing a statewide ban on camping on certain public property. Photo Credit: Perry Bennett/WV Legislative Photography
“I don’t think that more people jailed is necessarily a measure of success. But if vandalism goes down, if syringe litter decreases, if people stop having their homes broken into and their packages stolen, I think those are indicators that the camping ban would be working.”
— Del. Geno Chiarelli
Erin Shelton, left, and Mindy Thorne listen during “Unhoused in Morgantown: Barriers and Solutions,” a community forum at the Gluck Theatre in West Virginia University’s Mountainlair. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action Group
“When elected officials make policy in response to a community’s discomfort and fear of people experiencing homelessness, they are not actually responding. They are reacting.”
— Erin Shelton
Us & Them host Trey Kay speaks to the audience during “Unhoused in Morgantown: Barriers and Solutions” as the Rev. Zac Morton listens at the Gluck Theatre in West Virginia University’s Mountainlair.
Photo Credit: Mountaineer Indivisible Citizens Action Group
“Part of the homelessness question is who we are willing to see in our communities, who we turn away from and what kind of community we want to be.”
— Trey Kay
Morgantown’s Housing Approach, This West Virginia Morning
Jul 23, 2026
Show notes
On this West Virginia Morning, many people struggle to find affordable housing, and more cities and towns now grapple with growing homeless populations. On the latest episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay moderates a public conversation in Morgantown about that city’s housing approach. Local advocates say there are twice as many homeless people as there are shelter beds. But some elected leaders say there’s a better approach than patchwork local measures.
Also, a state delegate from Fayette County has been charged with enticing a minor. We have the latest.
And, with high winds and heavy rains across much of the state Tuesday, the town of Weston was among the hardest hit.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:49 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
How To Stop Spread Of Spotted Lanternfly, This West Virginia Morning
Jul 22, 2026
Show notes
On this West Virginia Morning, there are many insects that threaten West Virginia's agriculture and bother us when we're trying to enjoy time outdoors. But with its distinctive Dalmatian pattern and splash of red, the spotted lanternfly stands out for its ability to threaten dozens of plants, commercial and domestic.
Chris Schulz spoke with WVU Extension entomologist Carlos Quesada to learn more about the insect and how to stop its spread.
Also, late Tuesday night,Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties. Much of the state was pummeled by heavy storms, torrential rains and high winds. The National Weather Service in Charleston reports the northern and central parts of the state were hardest hit, with between three and five-and-a-half inches of rain in Lewis County, and as much as seven inches of rain reported in Upshur County.
And, regional electric grid operator PJM recently wrapped up its competitive bidding process for power in 2028, and the PSC is looking into rules for the future.
Finally, thousands of scouts are descending on West Virginia for Scouting America’s 2026 National Jamboree.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:49 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
‘Tis The Season For Ticks, This West Virginia Morning
Jul 21, 2026
Show notes
On this West Virginia Morning, a look at how the hot, humid weather of summer is a prime season for the sometimes disease-carrying ticks.
Also, severe weather is forecast for today, the Department of Human Services has a new secretary and soon, West Virginia will have a new teacher of the year.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:49 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Helping Hellbenders Help Water Health, This West Virginia Morning
Jul 20, 2026
Show notes
On this West Virginia Morning, an unattractive, slimy, two-foot salamander may hold the key to detecting healthy water ways in West Virginia.
The Eastern Hellbender is now officially known as Kentucky’s first-ever state amphibian. The species was once abundant along the waterways of Appalachia, but it’s struggled to maintain a foothold amid climate change and human activity. For the Appalachia Mid-South Newsroom, WKYU's Hope Heffley has more on conservation efforts across the region.
Also a severe and long-lasting gastrointestinal illness is on the rise in West Virginia. The state Department of Health now shows there have been 139 identified cases of cyclosporiasis across the state, up from 69 less than a week ago.
And candidates for the Fifth Family Court Circuit, which covers Mason, Jackson and Wirt Counties, have just about one month to get their applications submitted to replace Judge Constance Thomas, who will retire at the end of August.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:49 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
The Smokey Air And Flock Cameras, This West Virginia Week
Jul 18, 2026
Show notes
On this West Virginia Week, weekend storms may help clear the smokey air, Huntington City Council approves Flock cameras and how Fentanyl may have made its way into the country.
Bill Lynch is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Chris Schulz, Eric Douglas and Maria Young.
Finding Solitude In A Bus On A Rock In A River, This West Virginia Morning
Jul 17, 2026
Show notes
On this West Virginia Morning, if you’ve ever seen the eye-catching ‘Bus On A Rock’ in the New River and wondered why – and how – it got there, we have some answers for you.
And, West Virginia has one of the lowest, if not the lowest, workforce participation rate in the country. A key goal for West Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation Program plan is to improve health outcomes to get more people back into the workforce.
Also West Virginia’s busiest bridge is getting some needed repairs, and the Public Service Commission of West Virginia has opened an investigation into water pressure standards.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Chris Schulz, Eric Douglas, Maria Young.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:49 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Whistleblower Raises Alarm On Fentanyl Trafficking, This West Virginia Morning
Jul 16, 2026
Show notes
On this West Virginia Morning, the client of a Charleston attorney says the DEA allowed millions of doses of potentially deadly Fentanyl into the United States.
In 2023 and 2024, the Sinaloa Cartel brought millions of doses of fentanyl into the U.S. mostly across the border into New Mexico. Those pills then headed east.
Charleston attorney and member of the House of Delegates, Tristan Leavitt represents federal whistleblowers. His client, DEA Special Agent David Howell, says the agency allowed millions of pills to come into the U.S. as part of an operation to capture cartel leaders at the direction of the New Mexico U.S. Attorney.
News Director Eric Douglas sat down with Leavitt to discuss the case.
Also, a data center development is facing state intervention for failing to prevent flooding of neighboring properties.
And a federal judge in Eastern Kentucky has escalated the penalties he imposed on a coal company owned by U.S. Sen. Jim Justice.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:49 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
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