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Mountain State Spotlight

@mtnstspotlight.bsky.social

720 followers 11 following 880 posts

Our mission is to help West Virginians improve our state by producing “sustained outrage” journalism that exposes abuses of power by government, business and other institutions.

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Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · Dec 4

Hello Bluesky, we're Mountain State Spotlight, a reader-supported independent newsroom covering West Virginia.

Read us at mountainstatespotlight.org and give us a follow to see when we publish new stories!

Mountain State Spotlight: West Virginia News and Reporting

An independent, civic news organization telling stories of importance to West Virginians about the issues and challenges facing their communities.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 6h

Stuart, who served as a state senator, warned his colleagues about the “lobbyist driven complex” after resigning this month to work for the Trump Administration. Lawmakers killed his and other efforts at ethics reform.

State elected officials killed multiple ethics bills targeting more transparency in lobbying

Lawmakers and the governor killed ethics bills that would have made lobbyists’ pay public and banned nepotism in state offices.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 11h

A recent ad buy on social media is showing where that money is going.

buff.ly/RdodQzH

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 11h

Back in June, we reported $500,000 from Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s inaugural campaign went to a nonprofit run by a political ally.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/06/27/m...

500K from Morrisey’s inaugural fund goes to political non-profit

Leftover money from the governor’s inaugural fund is second donation to a political non-profit in two months

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 13h

During the 2025 Legislative Session, the issue of lobbying reform brought together unlikely allies, like MAGA Republican Mike Stuart and Democrat Mike Pushkin. But other lawmakers killed multiple efforts to expose money in politics.

State elected officials killed multiple ethics bills targeting more transparency in lobbying

Lawmakers and the governor killed ethics bills that would have made lobbyists’ pay public and banned nepotism in state offices.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 14h

Weight is something a lot of West Virginians struggle with — and Gov. Patrick Morrisey has opened himself up to attack by connecting with people over that as he encourages the state to join him in his Mountaineer Mile.

In the most overweight state in the nation, Gov. Morrisey is taking the issue personally

Gov. Morrisey’s “Mountaineer Mile” health challenge is drawing statewide attention—and stirring political criticism.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 21h

NEW: Political nonprofit backed by Gov. Morrisey’s inaugural funds runs ads praising his leadership mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/14/m...

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 1d

As West Virginians continue to struggle with higher power bills, data centers are adding to the problem. Here’s how.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/05/r...

Data centers in other states are raising power costs in West Virginia

West Virginians are seeing higher power costs as AI and data centers increase electricity demand across the regional power grid.

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 1d

West Virginia leaders want better health outcomes. Experts say: fund local efforts, support school gardens, improve food access and treat obesity like the chronic disease it is. It’s all in plans the state already has.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...

Morrisey wants West Virginians to get healthy. Here are 5 ways the state can make that happen.

The Mountaineer Mile is one initiative. Officials could help with nutrition and exercise with several strategies researched for years.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 2d

“I’m far from perfect, but I think a lot of people can see if I can do it in the position I’m in, a lot of people can do it,” Morrisey said.

In the most overweight state in the nation, Gov. Morrisey is taking the issue personally

Gov. Morrisey’s “Mountaineer Mile” health challenge is drawing statewide attention—and stirring political criticism.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 2d

If state officials want to do more to help West Virginians live longer, healthier lives, they can pass laws and enact policies to improve healthy food access, education and community support.

Morrisey wants West Virginians to get healthy. Here are 5 ways the state can make that happen.

The Mountaineer Mile is one initiative. Officials could help with nutrition and exercise with several strategies researched for years.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 2d

NEW: West Virginia elected officials blocked efforts to tighten ethics rules and increase lobbying transparency

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/12/l...

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 3d

As power grids try to meet the new level of energy demand driven by data centers, they’re offsetting associated costs onto all of their customers, including West Virginians.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/05/r...

Data centers in other states are raising power costs in West Virginia

West Virginians are seeing higher power costs as AI and data centers increase electricity demand across the regional power grid.

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 3d

Since launching the Mountaineer Mile, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has taken groups of children, college students and state employees on his walks as West Virginia grapples with the highest rates of obesity in the country.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/09/m...

In the most overweight state in the nation, Gov. Morrisey is taking the issue personally

Gov. Morrisey’s “Mountaineer Mile” health challenge is drawing statewide attention—and stirring political criticism.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 4d

West Virginia has the highest obesity rate in the country. State officials could help reduce the number, and they’ve had a plan to do it since 2016.

Morrisey wants West Virginians to get healthy. Here are 5 ways the state can make that happen.

The Mountaineer Mile is one initiative. Officials could help with nutrition and exercise with several strategies researched for years.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 4d

Back in March, Gov. Patrick Morrisey took it on the chin when RFK Jr. poked fun at his weight. But he's sticking to his guns by walking a mile a day.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/09/m...

In the most overweight state in the nation, Gov. Morrisey is taking the issue personally

Gov. Morrisey’s “Mountaineer Mile” health challenge is drawing statewide attention—and stirring political criticism.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 4d

“We’re cleaning up our foods, promoting exercise, and putting nutrition back into SNAP,” the governor said.

There are evidence-backed ways to help West Virginians live longer, healthier lives. Many of them are in plans the state already has. 2/2

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 4d

In March, Governor Patrick Morrisey said “the Make America Healthy Again movement starts right here in West Virginia.” Now, he has the state talking about weight and joining him for the Mountaineer Mile. 1/2

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/09/m...

In the most overweight state in the nation, Gov. Morrisey is taking the issue personally

Gov. Morrisey’s “Mountaineer Mile” health challenge is drawing statewide attention—and stirring political criticism.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 4d

Gov. Patrick Morrisey said that “the Make America Healthy Again movement starts right here in West Virginia.” Here are five ways state officials could commit to helping all West Virginians be healthier.

Morrisey wants West Virginians to get healthy. Here are 5 ways the state can make that happen.

The Mountaineer Mile is one initiative. Officials could help with nutrition and exercise with several strategies researched for years.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 4d

NEW: Morrisey wants to make West Virginia healthy again. Here are five ways the state can make that happen.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/10/w...

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 5d

The sudden increase in energy demand has also increased the cost of fuel, which is contributing to the higher power bills across West Virginia.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/05/r...

Data centers in other states are raising power costs in West Virginia

West Virginians are seeing higher power costs as AI and data centers increase electricity demand across the regional power grid.

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 5d

NEW: In the most overweight state in the nation, Gov. Morrisey is taking the issue personally with his Mountaineer Mile
mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/09/m...

In the most overweight state in the nation, Gov. Morrisey is taking the issue personally

Gov. Morrisey’s “Mountaineer Mile” health challenge is drawing statewide attention—and stirring political criticism.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 5d

By 2028, Putnam County needs at least 4,000 new housing units to keep up with growing demand.

BUILD WV was meant to help West Virginia’s housing shortage, but has spurred pricey apartment developments

West Virginia’s BUILD WV Act is funding new housing, but rents in Putnam County are far above what many can afford.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 7d

There are many reasons that are causing increased electricity rates for West Virginians. But the explosion of data centers is making it worse.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/05/r...

Data centers in other states are raising power costs in West Virginia

West Virginians are seeing higher power costs as AI and data centers increase electricity demand across the regional power grid.

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 7d

When the BUILD WV ACT became law in 2022, it was intended to help grow the state’s housing supply. So far, it’s producing housing at costs that are much higher than affordable market rates.

BUILD WV was meant to help West Virginia’s housing shortage, but has spurred pricey apartment developments

West Virginia’s BUILD WV Act is funding new housing, but rents in Putnam County are far above what many can afford.

mountainstatespotlight.org

Mountain State Spotlight @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social · 8d

West Virginians are struggling with higher power bills. Data centers in Virginia are making it worse.

mountainstatespotlight.org/2025/10/05/r...

Data centers in other states are raising power costs in West Virginia

West Virginians are seeing higher power costs as AI and data centers increase electricity demand across the regional power grid.