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W.Va. Cold War: Justice versus Morrisey

Local Columns

Since former governor Jim Justice took his oath of office as a U.S. senator last year and former attorney general Patrick Morrisey was sworn in as West Virginia’s 37th governor, there has been somewhat of a cold war between the two officials. I won’t go over the entire history of the cold war, but the most recent incident involves the announcement by the Morrisey administration last week that Arizona-based Frontieras North America finally closed on the purchase of 183 acres in Mason County to move forward with a proposed $850 million investment in the state to construct a new coal ...

Waiting for the ballot to start filling up

Local Columns

We have about one week remaining until the filing deadline for West Virginia’s May 12 primary election, and...honestly...I’m a little disappointed in what I’ve been seeing so far. I’ve mentioned it before, but, while having more candidates does tend to mean more work for your local journalists covering these elections, it also means more choice for you, the voters. I prefer to see more names on the ballot no matter the election, because it means options. There’s so much talk about wanting change, but how can that happen if only the incumbets are running for the ...

I want you to know that it really does get better

Local Columns

If you are anything like me, you are sitting there this morning with your usual cup of coffee. The house is quiet. And the Sunday newspaper is spread out before you on the bed or kitchen table. There is a specific kind of comfort in these pages. It is a sense of connection, a way to get in touch with the community that you just cannot seem to find anywhere else. I realize, of course, that I am likely talking to a specific group of people. We are the ones who still value the feel of the newsprint. Although I know many of you are reading this on a computer screen, smartphone ...

Get your home ready for the cold

Editorials

While there has been some uncertainty as to how much snow the Ohio Valley might get from this weekend’s storm, one thing is for sure — it’s going to get cold. Very, very cold. Forecasts have low temperatures in the teens over the weekend and single digits or even negative numbers throughout much of next week. Local residents can stay indoors, bundle up and turn on a heater to keep from freezing. Their water pipes can’t. A burst water pipe in weather like what is coming this weekend can be a nightmare, and forecasts are predicting conditions that create a perfect incubator for ...

The critical role of childcare in development

Local Columns

Charleston, W.Va. – Childcare sits at the crossroads of economic growth, community stability, early childhood education, and family well‑ being. Reliable and available daycare is not a convenience for many working parents. And affordable daycare in all 55 counties has become a major issue that affects economic and community development throughout the state. When families cannot access affordable, quality childcare, businesses lose workers, communities lose productivity, and children lose crucial early‑ development opportunities. West Virginia, like much of the nation, faces ...

Find a fix for America’s drug pricing system

Local Columns

Millions of older Americans struggle every day to afford the medications they need. Too often, they make impossible choices: Splitting pills, skipping doses or forgoing prescriptions altogether because of the price. President Donald Trump recognizes the problem. His administration is weighing whether Medicare should cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss, a decision that could have major implications for access and cost. The White House has also recently worked with several pharmaceutical companies on voluntary “most favored nation” deals, which will secure more affordable ...