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Clyde CraigClyde Craig

Clyde Craig is a staff writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011. He has been a writer with the explorer since 2018. He can be reached at 304-575-7390 or at craig@wvexplorer.com.
A massive plume of black smoke rises from the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire in Parkersburg on July 5, 2026. The fire prompted extensive environmental testing of water, soil and agricultural products in the surrounding area. (Photo by Dan Fauxsmith/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Agriculture

Contaminants found after massive Parkersburg warehouse fire, but below federal action levels

by Clyde Craig

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Environmental testing following the massive July warehouse fire in Parkersburg has detected low concentrations of contaminants in some soil, produce, vegetation and honey samples, although state officials say results received so far have not reached federal action levels or warranted additional protective measures. The findings are part of an ongoing investigation and … Read more

Nemacolin in southwestern Pennsylvania is hosting a record 21 West Virginia University interns this summer, giving students experience across the luxury resort’s hospitality, recreation, entertainment and wildlife operations.
Higher Education

Record number of WVU students get behind-the-scenes look at Nemacolin luxury resort

by Clyde Craig

FARMINGTON, Pa. — From coordinating poolside entertainment and guiding outdoor recreation to caring for animals at a wildlife center, a record number of West Virginia University students are spending the summer learning how one of the region’s best-known luxury resorts operates behind the scenes. Twenty-one WVU students are working this summer at Nemacolin in southwestern … Read more

Members of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine's Class of 2030 gather during orientation in Lewisburg. The incoming class includes 79 West Virginia residents—the largest number of in-state students ever enrolled at WVSOM—as the school expands efforts to train physicians for rural and underserved communities.
Higher Education

West Virginia medical school enrolls record in-state students as physician shortage persists

by Clyde Craig

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine has enrolled the largest number of West Virginia students in its history, marking a milestone that school leaders say could help address the state’s long-standing shortage of physicians, particularly in rural communities. The incoming Class of 2030 includes 210 first-year medical students, 79 of whom … Read more

A growing number of people are turning to AI chatbots for conversations about stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns. West Virginia University researchers say the technology can support education but should not replace trained mental health professionals.
Health and Medicine

More people are using ChatGPT for mental health. Researchers say it can’t replace a psychiatrist

by Clyde Craig

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Millions of people now turn to artificial intelligence chatbots with questions they once reserved for therapists, doctors, or close friends. They ask about anxiety, depression, loneliness, and even suicidal thoughts, often because the technology is available instantly and without the cost or wait of a traditional appointment. Two researchers at West Virginia … Read more