Why is west virginia so poor?

Poor you say compared to some other states, but West Virginia has a natural beauty that exceeds other states . I have lived here my entire life. I keep hoping that the state will diversify into other industries besides only relaying on the coal industry. read more

When the New York Times wanted to do a 50th anniversary story on the War on Poverty, they came to McDowell County, West Virginia. "Poorest Counties Still Losing the War on Want" reads one of their headlines. On this week's Front Porch podcast, we debate how West Virginia can avoid being the poster child for poverty 50 years from now. read more