Written by Lorelei Goff

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Lorelei Goff

Debris covers one side of a damaged bridge that once connected a blue house to the roadway in the foreground. Receding water reveals badly eroded creek banks.

Left High and Dry After the Flood

Gaps in aid and a cumbersome application process are complicating the recovery process for Buchanan County government and residents in the aftermath of flooding that happened in July 2022.

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Person speaks from podium

Nuclear Company Pursues Plans to Refine Uranium in Erwin, Tennessee

As Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc., pursues plans to begin producing refined uranium in Erwin, Tenn., local environmental and safety advocates are objecting.

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grass grows on fresh dirt at former Ginsburg site

Permanent Closure of Frack Waste Well A Win For Ohio Activists

The Ginsburg injection well stored toxic, radioactive waste in an open pit surrounded by farms and residences. The well’s closure is a significant victory for activists, but there are more than 200 frack waste injection wells in Ohio.

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wide view of the river

Keeping the Nolichucky “Wild and Scenic”

A grassroots effort to protect the Nolichucky River has the support of lawmakers, outdoor enthusiasts, businesses and more.

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bat with white-nose syndrome

White-Nose Syndrome: A Stealthy Killer

The fungal disease called white-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats across North America.

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bat gate!

Barring the Way to Disease

Gates placed over the mouths of caves let bats in and out of their home while keeping unwanted humans out.

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group photo

Community-owned Broadband Expands Rural Opportunities

The Southern Connected Communities Project is helping rural communities build locally owned and operated wireless broadband infrastructure.

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Non-traditional Loans Fund Regional Entrepreneurs

A nonprofit organization allows individuals to give small loans to entrepreneurs across the globe, including several in Southwest Virginia.

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mapleleaf viburnum

It’s An Invasion

Researchers and other individuals are tracking the invasive plants and beetles that are edging out and harming native plant species in Appalachia.

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Tracking Elusive Creatures

Volunteers are searching for an endangered bumblebee and using game cameras to spot local wildlife.

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