West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast from West Virginia Public Broadcasting that looks back at the major news of the week. This podcast features rotating hosts and producers from the WVPB Newsroom. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.

Check back every Saturday at 8 a.m. to listen to our latest episode and learn what happened this week in West Virginia.

And for daily news, tune in to West Virginia Morning at 7:49 a.m., Monday-Friday on WVPB Radio, through our live stream at wvpublic.org or with the WVPB mobile app.

Subscribe to West Virginia Week via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR One, YouTube Music or RSS.

Episodes

Bill Lynch,Jan. 31, 2026

Tax Cuts, A Bible Discussion And Smoking Grades, This West Virginia Week

This week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey talks tax cuts, the state Senate discusses adding Bibles to certain classrooms, and the American Lung Association released its annual report card on states’ efforts to reduce smoking. 

Bill Lynch,Jan. 24, 2026

Rare Salamanders And W.Va. Braces For A Winter Storm, This West Virginia Week

On this West Virginia Week, the state readies itself for a major winter storm. Also, a rare species of salamander is at risk, and we learn how catastrophic flooding in Appalachia is studied.

Bill Lynch,Jan. 17, 2026

State Of The State And The Flu, This West Virginia Week

The West Virginia Legislature returns to Charleston and Gov. Patrick Morrisey delivered his State of the State address. Also, flu cases are rising in surrounding states. What does that mean for West Virginia?

Bill Lynch,Jan. 10, 2026

Transforming Health Care And The Origins Of Amazing Grace, This West Virginia Week

On this West Virginia Week, health care in the state may see transformation, Gov. Patrick Morrisey wants to bring out of state foster kids home, and we explore the origins of a popular American hymn.

Bill Lynch,Dec. 20, 2025

The National Guard And The Carpenter Ants, This West Virginia Week

On this West Virginia Week, the National Guard stays in Washington, D.C. for now, a deadline looms for Real IDs and West Virginia band, The Carpenter Ants, celebrate the holidays with a new record.

Bill Lynch,Dec. 13, 2025

School Consolidations And ‘Inspired By’ Little Jimmie Dickens, This West Virginia Week

On this West Virginia Week, another round of school consolidations in the state, the Republican caucus lays out plans for the upcoming legislative session and a Nashville poet and songwriter channels a connection to LIttle Jimmie Dickens. …

Bill Lynch,Dec. 06, 2025

School Vaccines And A Photo Essay, This West Virginia Week

This week, vaccine requirements in the state of West Virginia change again, a look ahead at PEIA, and we talk with photographer Roger May about communities in southern West Virginia rebuilding after the February floods. 

Bill Lynch,Nov. 22, 2025

Solar Power Hike And A Roller Coaster In Mercer County, This West Virginia Week

Appalachian Power customers may be seeing another price hike, caregivers are under stress, particularly during the holidays, and a new mountain roller coaster is a destination for fun seekers in Mercer County. 

Bill Lynch,Nov. 15, 2025

Missing Miner’s Body Recovered, This West Virginia Week

On this West Virginia Week, the body of a missing miner was recovered, guaranteed median income comes to Mercer County, and with Halloween over and Thanksgiving a few weeks away, what can you do with those leftover pumpkins?

Bill Lynch,Nov. 08, 2025

Turning Point USA At Marshall And Population Decline, This West Virginia Week

We have a conversation with Marshall University’s Turning Point USA chapter president. We also learn about a recently released horror film shot near Huntington, and the population decline in central Appalachia that may be getting worse.

Bill Lynch,Nov. 01, 2025

Food Banks Face Challenges And The History Of Halloween, This West Virginia Week

On this West Virginia Week, food banks face challenges as SNAP benefits are delayed and the government shutdown continues. Also, an influx of cash may help lift people in Mercer County up out of poverty. We also explore the roots of Halloween. 

Bill Lynch,Oct. 25, 2025

Obesity In W.Va. And A Novel Set In Greenbank, This West Virginia Week

On this West Virginia Week, a new obesity report paints a grim picture for West Virginia, but can anything be done? Also, Americans have been struggling with housing for years, but is the market changing? And a new novel set in Pocahontas County tells the story of two high school students as they unravel a decades-old mystery.

Bill Lynch,Oct. 18, 2025

Bridge Day Is On And The Kitchen Table Tour, This West Virginia Week

On this West Virginia Week, despite a government shutdown and the closure of national parks across the country, parks in West Virginia are staying open – for now. Also, a new book looks at the last public hanging in America. And, they’re out …

Maria Young,Oct. 11, 2025

Direct Giving In Mercer County And Tracking The Fall Leaf Colors, This West Virginia Week

Republicans celebrate support for coal, lawmakers learn about academic financial aid and we’ll head to the skies for some leaf peeping from above.

Maria Young,Oct. 04, 2025

Crackdown Yields Dozens Of Arrests And Teaching Kids To Love Reading, This West Virginia Week

The government shutdown, crackdowns on drugs and immigration, concern about the future of clean energy jobs and an effort to help kids across the nation learn to love reading were all in the news this week.

Maria Young,Sep. 27, 2025

A Dozen ICE Arrests And A Popular Fruit Gets Bottled, This West Virginia Week

Twelve people were charged with immigration violations along the West Virginia Turnpike in a two-day period this week. And a life saving effort that began in this state just went nationwide.

Maria Young,Sep. 20, 2025

Celebrating Recovery And Investigating High Power Costs, This West Virginia Week

Healing Appalachia is in full swing this weekend. And, Energy & Environment Reporter Curtis Tate looks into the hidden costs of electricity in West Virginia.

Maria Young,Sep. 13, 2025

An Economic Backyard Brawl And Teacher Of The Year, This West Virginia Week

High tech assistance designed to keep student athletes safe and more federal flood relief for two counties, on this West Virginia Week.

Maria Young,Sep. 06, 2025

An Education Merger And Back On Track At Pipestem, This West Virginia Week

Appalachian Power has a way to access the funds it needs without putting the full cost on customers. And after a major overhaul, the Pipestem tram is up and running.

Maria Young,Aug. 30, 2025

Constructing Homes In Huntington And A Campaign For Clean Water in Appalachia, This West Virginia Week

Leaders of Huntington want commuters who work in the city to have a home there — they’ve got a plan. And a campaign to help those in need access clean water looks at the unique challenges in Appalachia.