We explore the history of a song that’s become a universal anthem of hope and forgiveness. “Amazing Grace” was first written as a Christian hymn, and its beginnings in America come in the early 1800s. That’s when people traveled to revivals to worship with preachers from various denominations....

West Virginia is set to receive a nearly $200 million federal award for the state’s 2026 Rural Health Transformation Fund. It’s designed to transform rural health care, but against the backdrop of staggering cuts to Medicaid. There are significant questions about what the new program can accomplish – and how rural hospitals in the state may fare in the months and years ahead....

A job loss or an unexpected change in coverage costs might mean that you’re starting the year without health insurance. If you're looking for care, there might be an affordable option near you that you’ve never heard of....

The Mon River has long been called “the hardest working river in the United States.” The Allegheny Front, a public radio program based in Pittsburgh, brings us their latest story on the legacy of steel works on the Mon River....

On this West Virginia Morning, a special reading of “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” as well as a year in review from Gov. Morrisey....

Christmas has become a huge cultural and commercial holiday, but where did we get traditions like Christmas trees? And how do people in other countries celebrate? We talk with West Virginia University (WVU) religious studies professors Aaron Gale and Alex Snow to learn more about Christmas' ancient history....

Health care options are shrinking across rural Appalachia. In November, an urgent care center in rural Patrick County, Virginia closed. In the wake of the closure, Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams went to Stuart, Virginia, to meet with the county’s only doctor....

The first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, used the law to achieve social change. On the next episode of Us & Them, Trey Kay hosts a community conversation, sponsored by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, highlighting Marshall’s legacy through a new Maryland Public Television (MPT) documentary called “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect.” ...

The Christmas season for many is not all merry and bright but laced with an emotional weight that at times can be overwhelming. Those challenging emotions prompted a Cabell County musician to compose a different kind of Christmas song....

The Trump administration plans to weaken the Endangered Species Act, and that could impact the fate of an ancient creature found in Appalachia: the eastern hellbender salamander. The Allegheny Front’s Julie Grant recently visited a new preserve dedicated to hellbenders and found not only natural history – but American history....

The Carpenter Ants have been a staple of the state’s music scene for decades. For the holidays, the band released “There Ain’t No Sanity Claus,” a Christmas record featuring friends like Mountain Stage’s Larry Groce, actress/singer Ann Magnuson and singer/songwriter John Ellison. Bill Lynch talked with guitarist Michael Lipton about the album....

A lot of people who came of age listening to the Grand Ole Opry know Little Jimmy Dickens. With his clever songs and his rhinestone-studded outfits, the West Virginia native influenced a generation of performers. Now he’s remembered in a new book of poetry....

Federal funding for arts and culture has been curtailed. Trey Kay looks at the reasons in the latest Us & Them. Also, the state board of education has approved another round of school closures and consolidations, the state Legislature is expected to take up several bills in the coming session to address foster care and children who are homeless, and U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was laid to rest Tuesday at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton....

It’s common at Christmastime for churches and businesses to set up angel trees, decorated with paper ornaments holding a child’s name and wish list. Trees set up this year for the children of Iaeger, West Virginia, reflect the long-term damage done by the February floods that devastated McDowell County....

We listen to the latest story from The Allegheny Front, a public radio program based in Pittsburgh. In their latest story, organizers of a custom mapping project hope it stirs more interest in the Mon River....

Eastern Kentucky is full of isolated, rural towns that have experienced decline alongside the coal industry. But some who want to stick around are trying to revitalize the region’s downtown spaces. For the Appalachia Mid-South Newsroom, Shepherd Snyder reports....

Public radio listeners know acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. WNYC recently released "Our Common Nature," a new podcast that follows the musician and producer Ana Gonzalez as they explore the country. This included a visit to West Virginia. Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams spoke with Gonzalez about the podcast. We listen to an excerpt....

More than nine months after the February flood that hit southern West Virginia, residents are still rebuilding their lives. WVPB asked West Virginia photojournalist Roger May to create a photo essay on the people in that region. May sat down with News Director Eric Douglas to discuss the project....

Low-head dams across Appalachia have been responsible for many deaths, causing state officials to label them as public safety hazards. But some community members are hesitant to have the fixtures removed....

Regular listeners to our afternoon programming will immediately recognize the voice of Terry Gross. She has been the host of Fresh Air for 50 years – well before it became a national staple. News Director Eric Douglas spoke with Gross recently about her career, her style and the uniqueness of public radio....