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Bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators play a crucial role in growing our state’s food crops. But, Sheldon Owen, West Virginia University Extension Service associate professor and wildlife specialist, reminds us that populations of these important insects have declined across the nation and need to be protected. As part of National Pollinator Week (June 21-27), Owen challenges residents to learn more about the pollinators found in West Virginia and their important role in nature. Owen provides helpful information about insect pollinators and how people can help sustain their populations.

Few people regularly consider the history of the land where they do their grocery shopping, get gas or pick up dinner. What came before, though, serves as inspiration for Michael Sherwin, an associate professor of art in West Virginia University’s School of Art and Design, whose new book, Vanishing Points,” is due to be released on July 6.

The United States Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, should not come as a total surprise despite the conservative efforts to invalidate the law, according to West Virginia University policy and law experts.

Drought conditions in a number of states west of the Mississippi River point to widespread problems across the U.S. as water use is restricted, affecting farmers and the food supply chain, as well as economic supply chains that support the country’s economy, according to West Virginia University experts.

West Virginia University and DataRobot will host a news conference Wednesday, June 9 to announce a partnership to create economic development opportunities.

As Gen Zers consider what their futures hold in a post-pandemic world, the majority of high school students who are considering college now value affordability, community and an immediate career path over the student experience – and hundreds are earning credits toward their degree by taking college-level coursework through the West Virginia University High School ACCESS program.

As a sweeping federal infrastructure plan looks to tap into enhancing the nation’s water systems - from drinking water to wastewater to water reclamation projects, West Virginia University scientists agree that access and quality remain a most pressing need for rural communities.

As Ford unveils its electric F150, West Virginia University experts note the shift from gasoline-powered engines is not an environmental panacea in the short term, but instead will mean significant and costly upgrades to the nation’s infrastructure. Citing recent events, they caution the race to electric vehicles may outrun what’s needed to keep those vehicles on the road.

Rural communities help fuel the nation, though decades of aging and deteriorating infrastructure have stifled the potential of the American economy and way of life, according to West Virginia University experts. A proposed $2 trillion federal infrastructure plan, announced by the Biden administration, could bridge the gap between rural and urban America in more ways than one: opening access to jobs, healthcare and education, and boosting the economy.

The ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, which has sparked fears of a gasoline shortage, exposes vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure systems in the U.S., according to a West Virginia University cybersecurity expert.