The Struggle to Stay

On this West Virginia Morning, we hear about those around the Ohio Valley who have recently had their voting rights restored and learn about others who remain disenfranchised from the democratic process. Also, we hear the latest on which counties will be virtual learning-only this week, and we listen back and check in with Mark Combs who was featured in Inside Appalachia’s “The Struggle to Stay” series.

In this episode of Inside Appalachia, you’ll hear the story of Iraq War veteran Mark Combs. He left Appalachia to become a comedian, trying his luck first in California, then in Colorado. Along the way, homesickness hit Combs especially hard. His story is part of our reporting projec "The Struggle To Stay," which has won national awards.

Our region has faced major economic changes and challenges in the past decade. But if you know our region’s history, this story of boom and bust, renewal…

Our region has faced major economic changes and challenges in the past decade. But if you know our region’s history, this story of boom and bust, renewal…

A comedian, an actor and dog move from West Virginia across the country chasing big dreams. What could possibly go wrong?A little over a year ago, we…

On this West Virginia Morning, this weekend’s Inside Appalachia episode features the extended story of Iraq War veteran and aspiring comedian Mark Combs.…

On this West Virginia Morning, two years ago, for our Struggle to Stay series, we began following two apprentices with a job-training program called…

On this West Virginia Morning, it’s been a year since we started following six Appalachians as they grappled with whether to stay in their home state or…

Here’s a question: Is it easier to feel that sense of nostalgia for home when we don’t have to deal with the day-to-day reality of living there?In this…

On this West Virginia Morning, we conclude our 8-month series, The Struggle to Stay. We hear the final chapter of Derek Akal’s story.Derek is from a…