On this West Virginia Morning, researchers at Duke University are investigating how renewable energy sources like wind or solar might affect people in traditionally coal-dependent communities. Duke professor Jonathan Free is overseeing the project called “Coal and America; Stories from the Central Appalachian Coalfields.” He and a group of undergraduate students will be interviewing folks throughout Appalachia this summer. Jessica Lilly spoke with him to find out more.
Also on today’s show, while statistics about overdose deaths from the opioid epidemic continue to dominate headlines, other debilitating and costly problems have been creeping up in the shadows. As part of a special series, “Opioid Crisis: the Ripple Effect”, Kay Colby tells us about an increase in deadly heart infections among IV drug users -- a little-known problem with big time consequences for individual patients and society as a whole.
And we hear the Mountain Stage Song of the Week -- jazz and pop vocalist Kat Edmonson, who makes her third appearance on the show with songs from her new album, ‘Old Fashioned Gal.’ Accompanied by her band, Edmonson performs "I'd Be A Fool.”
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from West Virginia University, Concord University and Shepherd University.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Molly Born, Jessica Lilly, Kara Lofton, Liz McCormick, Dave Mistich, Brittany Patterson and Roxy Todd. Our news director is Jesse Wright.
Our host is Teresa Wills. Our producer is Glynis Board.
