The state that has become the symbol of the United States’ shadow side

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– There is a lot of good with the USA, but there is also a lot that does not work, and West Virginia has become the symbol of that, Langberg says.

The state is often at the bottom when American states are ranked according to parameters such as economy, health, infrastructure and education.

Therefore, many were surprised when West Virginia was among the states that vaccinated the population fastest when the rollout started in December and January.

The question is how long the upturn will last. The pace has already slowed relative to other states, and experts fear that West Virginia will soon face a wall of vaccine skepticism.

It may be a warning that the United States may struggle to achieve herd immunity.

Drug addiction and poor health

Pletten and Langberg also talk about the other challenges West Virginia faces. The state is close to the top in the United States in terms of the proportion of the population struggling with obesity. One of the most important industries, coal mining, has a bleak future.

West Virginia has also been hit very hard by the opioid epidemic. Pletten has covered it closely, among other things by following children who are born addicted.

– It is as if an atomic bomb has exploded in the state. It’s absolutely horrible, she says.

In the episode, Langberg and Pletten also talk about why West Virginia will have a central role in American politics in the years to come.

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