Flooding

On July 28, communities all over southeast Kentucky were hit with unprecedented flooding. People lost homes, cars, family photos. Many musicians lost instruments, and that meant they couldn’t participate in cultural traditions that define their lives. But through the generosity of community members, some musicians have been able to reconnect with their music practice, finding comfort and even joy.

On this West Virginia Morning, historic flooding in southeastern Kentucky this summer took lives, destroyed property and at least temporarily cut people off from some of their traditions — like playing music in church. With the help of friends and neighbors, some of these musicians have been able to reconnect with their music.

This week, we begin our journey through Appalachia in Floyd, Virginia, at the Friday Night Jamboree. We’ll also check in with volunteers from across the country who are coming together to help those in Eastern Kentucky dealing with flood damage. And we’ll learn about the people who worked toward securing women the right to vote. All that and more this week Inside Appalachia.

Low-interest disaster loans are available to businesses and people affected by severe storms and flooding in West Virginia last spring, the U.S. Small Business Administration said.

On this West Virginia Morning, the House of Delegates will convene in a special session to move the discussion forward on abortion. As Randy Yohe reports, while the session is expected to be short and administrative, any resolution on abortion still seems a long way off.

On this West Virginia Morning, Inside Appalachia producer Bill Lynch talks with Robert Gipe and Amanda Slone, two writers who were at the annual Appalachian Writers' Workshop in Kentucky during recent, devastating flooding. Also, in this show, Jessica Lilly tells us about the “Courage in the Hollers: Mapping the Miners’ Struggle for a Union" event that will take place in Matewan this weekend.

Families living below a strip mining operation in Breathitt County, Kentucky are suing two coal companies, arguing that they contributed to flood damage on their homes and properties.

On this West Virginia Morning, there is a traditional music competition that goes back nearly 1,000 years to Wales. Immigrants brought the tradition to southern Ohio, where it has endured for generations. We learn how youth are keeping it alive. Folkways reporter Capri Cafaro has this story.

One thing we know to be true about Appalachians: we love to compete. But there’s more to a competition than winning. In this week’s Inside Appalachia, we meet competitors who are also keepers of beloved regional traditions.

The state’s Division of Highways is working to repair roads damaged in Monday’s heavy rainfall in Fayette and Kanawha counties.