Valdese is a small town in North Carolina's Piedmont, and it shares a surprising amount of culture with the other Piedmont — the one in Italy. A few dozen Italian immigrants settled in Valdese back in the 1890s. They were "Waldensians" a group that had been persecuted for their religious beliefs in Europe. In North Carolina, they made wine at home and eventually set up a winery.

A new podcast highlights the “unsung heroes” in the fight against COVID-19 in West Virginia. Marshall University Professor Chris White interviews city and university officials, physicians and essential workers in the state. These guests reflect on their work, uncertainties and how far they've come in this open forum. A book-worm and lifelong learner, White also draws on historic examples of other global pandemics that have helped him contextualize our new normal. He spoke with June Leffler about the new podcast.

A Kentucky native and recent transplant from Alaska's KSTK and Alaska Public Media comes to West Virginia Public Broadcasting as our new Appalachia Health News Reporter.

Have you ever heard of the Marmet Slaw Dog? The secret recipe for the was thought to be lost, but in recent years, has been rediscovered.

View NPR's maps and graphics to see where COVID-19 is hitting hardest in the U.S., which state outbreaks are growing and which are leveling off.

In an effort to accelerate the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to West Virginians, the state has been holding a series of centralized vaccination clinics in January, mostly focused in the state’s most populous counties. This is the latest pivot in the state’s vaccination plan, following a surprise announcement at the end of December that left health departments scrambling to begin vaccinating the general public.

Special Event At The Clay Center Will Kick Off The PBS KIDS Writers Contest And Help Kids Start Their Stories

Watch Jim Justice's gubernatorial inauguration ceremony Friday, Jan. 22, beginning at 12:30 PM. Hosted by WVPB News Director Andrea Billups and Senior Reporter Dave Mistich. Available on TV at the West Virginia Channel, and on YouTube, Facebook, and at wvpublic.org

West Virginia health officials will roll out a new online system for taking COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting Monday. Gov. Jim Justice announced that his office has contracted with telecommunications service Everbridge, at the cost of $760,000 a year. State officials hope the system will streamline vaccine registrations, as some West Virginians are experiencing lengthy call wait times.

Advocates for the new designation of the New River Gorge as a national park say the name will bring more visitors and valuable tourism dollars to the area. As a result, hunters are losing access to land, and the increased visitation could place an additional burden on the park infrastructure.