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Somewhere along the way, our hearts changed

Local Columns

There were moments when I was putting together the above story when I was taken back to those days when I was around the age of being a fourth-grader. I guess that would be about, what … 10? I’m pretty sure all of us could go back and conjure up a few memories from our childhood during that time. You see, the children in that story are filled with a sadness for each of these dogs and cats living at the local animal shelter. And they are filled with so much love for every single one. No exclusions. Not just the cute puppy with its fabulous puppy breath. Not just the ...

Guest Column: The Supreme Court is deciding whether justice has a zip code

Local Columns

In my law office, I’ve met with families this year who came in not knowing if their children would remain U.S. citizens. Not knowing if a court ruling in one part of the country would protect them in another. Not knowing if the law still worked for them at all. That’s the real-world cost of a case currently before the United States Supreme Court, Trump v. CASA, Inc. 24A884, which asks whether federal judges should continue to have the authority to issue nationwide injunctions. Strip that away, and justice becomes a patchwork where the protection of the Constitution depends on where ...

Good news in plans for future bridge

Local Columns

Pretty much every major politician who has made their way through our area in the last year has found a way to emphasize the importance of infrastructure investment, with particular nods to the status of the Market Street Bridge. I tend to take anything a politician says with a grain of salt, preferring a wait and see approach to the campaign promises made while they are seeking election. This time, at least, it looks as if some of them were serious. Last summer, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito announced she had negotiated $87.5 million through the federal Bridge Investment Program to ...

WVU ready to start new chapter

Editorials

As West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee winds down his tenure at the helm of the state’s flagship institution of higher learning, it is clear incoming President Michael T. Benson does not intend to try to fill those big shoes — he intends to lead WVU wearing his own. That is important if the university is to build on what Gee accomplished by looking to what is next, rather than what was. Benson comes across as smart, curious, personable and empathetic. He knows there are challenges awaiting him, but also opportunities — for the school and the state. As is the case ...

Foster families need more support

Editorials

West Virginia’s Department of Human Services has begun its statewide tour of child welfare listening sessions. Kicking off in Hurricane on Monday, the tour will run through Beckley, Wheeling, Parkersburg, Burlington, Philippi, Martinsburg and Morgantown in an effort to hear from foster families, case workers and many others with a stake in the effort to do right by vulnerable Mountain State children. According to a report by WV MetroNews, there are approximately 6,000 children in state custody. Individuals who spoke during the first listening session were able to help turn that big ...

Staying safe on the water

Editorials

Once National Police Week wraps up, law enforcement and other agencies will dive straight into National Safe Boating Week. In West Virginia, the Division of Natural Resources police are ready to remind those who can’t wait to hit the water this summer that they must do so safely. Administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the weeklong initiative is meant to help boaters prioritize safety at all times. “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful lakes and rivers, but that means wearing life jackets, staying sober and knowing the rules,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Boating ...