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Michael Barone: The long rise of the new Democratic Party

Local Columns

Can I claim to have predicted, way back in 1988, the result of Michigan's fiercely contested Democratic primary for U.S. senator this week? The developments that have made Abdul El-Sayed -- who lost the 2018 gubernatorial primary to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) by 20 percentage points -- a winner over Rep. Haley Stevens were visible in the 1988 contest for Michigan's delegates to the Democratic National Convention, in which Jesse Jackson ran far ahead of eventual nominee Michael Dukakis by a 24-percentage-point margin. Let's flash back 38 years to see what I mean. Then, as a ...

Michael Barone: The long rise of the new Democratic Party

Editorials

Can I claim to have predicted, way back in 1988, the result of Michigan's fiercely contested Democratic primary for U.S. senator this week? The developments that have made Abdul El-Sayed -- who lost the 2018 gubernatorial primary to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) by 20 percentage points -- a winner over Rep. Haley Stevens were visible in the 1988 contest for Michigan's delegates to the Democratic National Convention, in which Jesse Jackson ran far ahead of eventual nominee Michael Dukakis by a 24-percentage-point margin. Let's flash back 38 years to see what I mean. Then, as a member ...

Craig Howell: Ready to celebrate Weirton's honored citizens

Local Columns

It is the contributions of the residents of a city or town – those who are willing to step forward to provide leadership, guidance, and support for others – which helps to make it a community. In Weirton, many of those who have made such contributions are honored annually through induction into the Weirton Hall of Fame. Established by action of Weirton Council in 2008, the Hall of Fame enshrines the names of those honored citizens – past and present – who have made a lasting impact which often is felt for generations. This year's class was announced in May, and will be ...

Craig Howell: Time, patience, cooperation lead to project success

Local Columns

The City of Follansbee is able to move forward with some long-needed water infrastructure projects, with the official announcement made Monday during a press conference featuring Gov. Patrick Morrisey and local legislators. To make sure everyone understands the details, Follansbee previously had received approximately $1.3 million through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for improvements to the Hooverson Heights treatment plant. After going through multiple rounds of bidding, the city found it was still $500,000 short. Officials reached out through the avenues available to them, and ...

Do we need another option for a new bridge?

Local Columns

While transportation officials, state legislators and members of Congress have been deep into the process of planning a replacement for the Market Street Bridge, with a focus connecting an area in downtown Steubenville with an area of West Virginia Route 2 between Weirton and Follansbee, the Hancock County Commission decided to throw their own thoughts into the mix. As part of Thursday's meeting, Hancock commissioners approved sending a proposal which would use Brown's Island as a corridor for the bridge replacement. I wasn't really surprised when I saw the item on the agenda. As a ...

Craig Howell: Following a path to community leadership

Local Columns

As long-time readers know, I've been active with the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce for many years and one of my favorite parts of that involvement is putting together its leadership programs. Each year, the Chamber organizes two such programs. Youth Leadership Weirton is open to incoming sophomores from Weir, Madonna, Oak Glen, and Brooke high schools. Applications are provided to the schools during the spring, with the program launching each September. For our business community, there is Leadership Ohio Valley. This program begins in early November, with sessions taking place ...