Washington wants states to shoulder more disaster recovery costs, but flood-prone West Virginia has invested little in resilience. As FEMA reforms advance, small communities could bear the consequences despite the state’s $1 billion reserve.
WVDOT received a regional 2026 America’s Transportation Award for a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstration that landed directly atop Snowshoe Mountain.
West Virginia could receive up to $114.6 million from a proposed $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta. The deal would impose youth time limits and stronger safety controls on Instagram and Facebook, pending court approval.
WVU’s Davis College is supporting efforts to restore the American chestnut by growing seedlings, preserving native West Virginia genetics and aiding ongoing breeding work. Blight killed billions of the trees in the early 1900s.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey ordered flags at West Virginia state facilities lowered to half-staff through Sept. 1 to honor Dolly Parton. He praised the late icon’s music, generosity and Imagination Library, which brought free books to children statewide.
WVU alum Nesha Sanghavi turned frustration with women’s college apparel into Chicka-d, an eight-figure fashion brand. A pandemic pivot to elevated basics and custom wholesale designs helped the company double in a year and expand nationwide.
WVU civil engineering student Sarah Nelson studies acid mine drainage treatment across Appalachia. Her research aims to restore contaminated waterways, advance environmental justice and help West Virginians safely enjoy their streams.
Fairmont State’s 2026-2027 Presidential Speaker Series opens Sept. 1 with Rajiv Vinnakota discussing higher education’s civic responsibility. The lineup also includes Jean Michel Habineza, Joe Manchin III, John Milas and Sean Astin.
Governor Patrick Morrisey is seeking public input on draft rules for the West Virginia Military Hall of Fame. Veterans, military families and residents may submit feedback on nomination, selection and induction standards through Sept. 11.
West Virginia created a Future Fund in 2014 to preserve coal and gas wealth, but restrictive conditions kept it empty. Had the state deposited just 3% of severance taxes annually, the fund could hold about $219 million today.
