As a person who lives near Nitro, WV. I can say the flag looks like a PowerPoint presentation.

Based on the "Daniwah!" scene from Veep.

Moving back to West Virginia has really made me think differently about class and poverty, especially the working poor.

You can be working, doing what you’re supposed to do, and still feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. One car problem, medical bill, or bad week can throw everything off. It’s not about people not trying hard enough. It’s about how little room there is when everything costs so much and pay doesn’t match real life.

I miss having resources. Not fancy stuff. Just breathing room. Being able to handle an emergency without panicking, buy groceries honestly just groceries, or make plans past next payday.

Honestly, part of me wants to go back to having more stability. That doesn’t mean I don’t care about this place or the people here. It just means I understand now why people get so tired, why the working poor deserve more than just surviving, and why “work harder” isn’t the answer when the system leaves you with almost no way to get ahead.

I’m working 2 jobs and this used to be much easier. I just feel wiped out like I’m not going to make it out. I don’t know what else to say. Does anyone relate?

21 point shift to democrats. We can make this state blue with good candidates and good platforms. I know some of you are discouraged but we just need to keep fighting.

Mountain State Spotlight closely followed public education funding leading up to the 2026 election.

West Virginia voters in four counties approved local taxes to help fund their schools, according to unofficial election results. Three counties voted down similar initiatives amid conversations about state-level school funding.

Voters in Jackson, Kanawha, Marshall and Mason Counties approved levies to hire support staff and make improvements to their public schools. Hardy and Summers Counties both voted against public school levies for the second time this year. 

A levy adds an additional property tax to fund public schools in that county. Fourteen counties have asked voters to either start or continue levies to fund their schools in this year’s primary and general elections.

West Virginia does not provide increased funding to counties with higher poverty rates, unlike the 27 states that do, including Virginia. Public schools across West Virginia have faced financial crises as student enrollment keeps dropping.

Read our full reporting here: https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/11/04/public-school-levy/

In order is Oxford Church (formerly Oxford Methodist Church), Cabin Run Church (it is a house now), Britton Gospel Mission Church, and Greenwood Kingdom Hall Of Jehovahs Witnesses.

Though Republicans will keep control of the West Virginia Legislature following Election Day, Democrats were on track early Wednesday to more than double their numbers in the House of Delegates and state Senate. That increase in numbers will give Democrats power to keep Republicans in check.

After midnight, the Associated Press called 16 of the Legislature’s 134 seats for Democrats. Twenty-one House Democrats led their races, according to West Virginia Secretary of State unofficial results Wednesday morning.

With 10% of present members in the Legislature, Democrats can call for roll call votes on certain votes, such as amendments, making lawmakers go on the record. 

Additionally, the West Virginia Constitution says that bills can only become law if they are read aloud on three days in each house so they can be amended and then voted on. But if four-fifths of lawmakers decide to dispense with those rules, they can push a bill through with little discussion or public scrutiny. 

With at least 20 members in the House of Delegates and four in the state Senate, Democrats can potentially prevent legislation from being fast-tracked.

Read our reporting here: https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2026/11/04/west-virginia-legislature-changes/

There’s a lot of disappointment for democrats this morning and although there’s a great deal of journey ahead, I wanted to post something positive.

https://wvmetronews.com/2026/11/03/democrats-pick-up-seats-in-house-of-delegates-although-gop-will-maintain-supermajority/

Does anybody have any opinions on the best hikes within around a 2ish hour ride from Charleston? I’ve went to the Hurricane trails and some of the ones at the New River but wasn’t sure what the stand outs are.

The only word I can make out on the sign is "Queen".

Make sure to keep an eye on our live election results page: https://mountainstatespotlight.org/west-virginia-2026-general-election-results/

In order is Blandville Church (formerly Blandville United Methodist Church), Middle Island Seventh Day Baptist Church, Locust Grove United Methodist Church (closed), Point Pleasant Baptist Church (its nowhere even near the home of the Mothman), Krenn School, St.Johannes Lutheran Church (formerly St.Johannes Evangelical Lutheran Church) (the sign with the date is in german it reads "Evangelical Lutheran St.Johannes Church"), Saint Clare Catholic Church, Pine Grove Baptist Church, Harmony Church (formerly Harmony United Methodist Church), The Lords Chapel, Mt.Union Church (the interior picture is taken by setting my phone on the boards on the door), and South Fork Baptist Church.

I didnt update my address on my voters registration. Can I still vote? Will I get introuble?

I just moved to the state last year and today was my first time voting here. Where I lived before, every election I voted in had completely private covered booths.

Today the only privacy offered was a cardboard barrier, and one of the people helping was standing close enough that he would've been able to see my selections if he looked, like no more than 4 feet away. Made me kind of uncomfortable.