graphic of valley so low cover

In “Valley so Low,” an environmental disaster creates a crisis for cleanup workers – and restitution proves elusive

“Valley So Low” explores 15 years of harm to the workers who cleaned up the Kingston Coal Ash Spill and their pursuit of justice.

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Community members resist proposed Eastern Kentucky Prison

A controversial prison project in Eastern Kentucky has resurfaced, despite community opposition that had kept the proposal at bay for several years.

heavy equipment operators work on restoring the Cane River and damaged riverbank and road in Yancey County, N.C.

Hurricane Helene Hammers Northeast Tennessee

The Appalachian Voice will look at damage and recovery efforts in the region over the months and years to come. We start that look with Northeast Tennessee.

Virginia Residents Score Big Win in Landfill Fight

Plans to turn a former coal prep plant site into a solid waste dump provoked an outcry from local residents, and sparked a movement that stopped the landfill.

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Farmer and Activist Completes 2,000-mile Paddle

When Ann Rose left her home in Lansing, North Carolina, she had no idea what she was in for on her nearly 2,000-mile kayak trek to the Gulf.

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Debris clogs a creek through a grassy area bordered by woods.

Flood Recovery in Buchanan County, Virginia, a Muddy Process

Confusion over permits and the impact of a threatened crayfish on recovery efforts is muddying the waters about making flood repairs.

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Bestselling Author Leigh Ann Henion Talks About Her Latest Book

“Night Magic,” released September 2024, explores and celebrates the world of darkness. Henion invites readers to fully experience darkness and the creatures that inhabit it.

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An active construction site on a steep hillside shows building in progress on a retaining wall. Residential homes can be seen in the background.

Massive Funding Boost Spurs Coal Clean-up Efforts in Appalachia

Appalachian states received $725 million from the federal government this summer to clean up decades-old abandoned mines. Read about their efforts!

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A woman holds a spotted skunk.

Why Appalachia’s Spotted Skunk is so Rare

The eastern spotted skunk was not always as rare as it is today. Find out what researcher Emily Thorne has learned about this master of malodor.

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Endangered Tiny Tarantula Faces Habitat Loss

An endangered, tiny tarantula living in moss in the Appalachian Mountains is losing more of its habitat.

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A tan spider with dark markings on its back pulling a large, white egg sac behind it, is seen from a side angle

10 New Spider Species Discovered in Appalachia

Researchers have discovered 10 new spider species that have adapted to the subterranean habitat of Appalachian caves.

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A man sits beside a wooden shelter in the woods.

Views and Brews

There’s nothing better than some time on the trail followed by a smooth cup of java or something with a little kick. Enjoy this carefully crafted list of the perfect pairings.

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A couple sits atop the grassy summit of Max Patch, taking in the views under a beautiful blue sky dotted with white cumulous clouds.

How Max Patch Bald is Finally Healing

After overuse forced the closure of Max Patch Bald, efforts by the U.S. Forestry Service and trail groups to restore the area show dramatic progress.

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A waterfall cascades over rocks down a forested hillside.

Special Sections Along the Appalachian Trail

We asked folks which sections of the Appalachian Trail are their favorites, and here’s what we found!

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A hand is seen holding an infrared camera screen.

Lowering Costs for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Tax credits and rebates can help homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades.

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A man in a white shirt with his back to the camera uses a flexible tube to blow insulation into an attic.

How Home Repairs Enable Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Funding for a Virginia program that helps low-income residents repair their homes and receive energy-efficiency upgrades is at risk.

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What Can the New Clean Energy Programs Do For You?

Our guide breaks down what the new clean energy programs can do for your home, business and community.

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New Effort to Reduce ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water

The Environmental Protection Agency set stricter limits on the levels of certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water and is providing funding to test and treat public water systems and private wells.

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Study Predicts Five-fold Increase in Regional Wildfires

A recent study warns of a dramatic increase in the amount of land burned by wildfires in southern Appalachian forests, and provides information for fire and land management strategies.

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Pisgah View, North Carolina’s Newest State Park, Moves Forward

A 1,300-acre land acquisition advances North Carolina’s newest state park to the master planning stage.

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Biden Admin Finalizes Silica Rule Update

A new federal rule would cut miners’ exposure to silica dust, but miners and their advocates have concerns about whether industry will follow the new rule under the current enforcement mechanisms.

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Reducing Methane Emissions from Wells Could Create Tens of Thousands of Jobs

Decommissioning unplugged oil and gas wells and reducing emissions at operating wells in accordance with new federal guidelines would create tens of thousands of jobs across four states, according to a recent report.

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TVA Moves Forward with Kingston Gas Plant

Ignoring EPA concerns and calls from lawmakers for more transparency, Tennessee Valley Authority moved forward with plans to convert the Kingston Fossil Plant from coal to methane.

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Dan Firth

Volunteer monitors coal mine data and maintains Appalachian…

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Mary Lou Dauray

Steadfast Support for Appalachian Voices  By Adam Wagner …

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Betsy Shepard

Betsy Shepard of Surry, Virginia is a dynamo….

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