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There are a lot of difficult changes ahead

Change can sometimes be one of the most difficult, and also most rewarding, experiences of our lives. Our area has experienced much change over the year. The loss of the steel industry is one such change which has affected us all in one way or another. What once was the lifeblood of the Upper Ohio Valley and much of the surrounding region has almost completely disappeared, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs and an exodus of people from our communities. The effects are still being felt, even as there are those who continue to look for ways to build toward a new, and hopefully ...

Guest Column: Tri-share model not going to solve child care

With $5 million in West Virginia’s proposed budget earmarked for expansion of the Tri-Share child care program, it’s time for an honest conversation about whether this is truly the best path forward for our state. West Virginia is in the midst of a child care crisis. Families are struggling to find affordable, high-quality care. Providers are fighting to keep their doors open amid rising costs and workforce shortages. Employers are feeling the strain as workers leave jobs because they can’t secure reliable care. The need for action is urgent. But urgency does not justify ...

Guest Column: Experience the experience of the PSC

The Public Service Commission has solved one of the age-old dilemmas facing newcomers in applying for jobs. You have a degree, but how do you get a job without experience? I’m glad you asked. The Public Service Commission wants you, and we are happy to provide you with the opportunity to gain the experience. Are you a newly graduated lawyer jittery about entering the courtroom? We want you. Are you a newly graduated accountant who is afraid of being shunted aside to count beans? We want you too, and you won’t be counting beans. Are you a new engineer without field ...

Is West Virginia gambling on Hope?

Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but on first glance it sure seems like both the Senate and House Finance Committees are sending messages to Gov. Patrick Morrisey. Perhaps the message is this: You can have a 10% personal income tax cut, or you can have the Hope Scholarship educational voucher program, but to have one, you’re going to have to accept changes to the other. Morrisey’s general revenue budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 beginning July 1 is $5.493 billion, which is roughly 3.2% more than he proposed last year and the Legislature passed for the current fiscal ...

Project a step toward meeting housing needs

It’s no secret that Weirton, and for that matter much of our area, is in need of housing investment. Every comprehensive study or development plan of Weirton for the last 15 to 20 years has cited a lack of proper and available housing, not only for current residents but any potential future residents. Speaking with several local Realtors in recent years, many have cited the issue of either not having enough housing stock to market, or when they do have something it’s sold quickly (sometimes before they even have a chance to post it.) There have been some efforts in recent years, ...

Guest Column: Why we talk about teen mental health and why it matters now

West Virginia is at a pivotal moment when it comes to teen mental health. Across the country, young people ages 12 to 17 are experiencing rising levels of stress, anxiety and emotional distress. National surveys show that mental health challenges among adolescents are widespread and growing. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. youth ages 12 to 17 have experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, and roughly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, well before adulthood and often affecting school performance, relationships and daily ...