Breaking News

Opinion

Following the golden rule works everywhere

Local Columns

I try not to write angry. As I’ve said before, this column is not just a place for me to spew an opinion. I really do try to use this space to take you behind-the-scenes into how I choose the stories I cover, analysis of the political actions of others, and tidbits of items I can’t fit into stories. But after bearing witness to the actions of the West Virginia Senate on the last night of the 2025 legislative session, I was pretty flabbergasted. I had already turned in last week’s column Saturday afternoon and had considered having my editors toss that in order to write a new ...

One step toward a healthier West Virginia

Editorials

Last week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey ramped up his health initiatives with a new challenge for West Virginians — get out and walk in our beautiful state. His Mountaineer Mile challenge has expanded to include 32 of our state parks, in which it is fairly easy to find incredible places to walk (at least) a mile each day. “As we’re getting out and getting active, what better place to kick off the Mountaineer Mile than in one of our beautiful West Virginia state parks,” Morrisey said. “That’s why today I’m announcing that we will be designating a Mountaineer Mile trail in each ...

How will you express your thanks this Easter?

Local Columns

I could not possibly let this Sunday go by without telling all of you, who continue to read this little section of the newspaper, that I hope your Easter will be a beautiful one. And why shouldn’t it be? It’s spring. Everything is once again in bloom. For some reason, nature appears prettier on this particular day. As if everything is brand new. Like everything is going to be alright. Easter just gives us that feeling –– like the world is a little more beautiful today than on any other day of the year. Yes, this holiday does bring up a few depressing, personal reminders ...

He is risen!

Editorials

Some 2,000 years ago, an itinerant preacher in the Middle East was crucified for, as his executioners put it, claiming to be a king. There was no immediate worldwide news coverage of the event. There were no live images beamed to televisions, tablets and cell phones around the world, no tweets, no texts, no Facebook posts carrying the news of his execution at the hands of the powerful Roman state at the request of the Hebrew state under its control. There were no 24-hour news channels and no grim-faced anchormen and women providing background, and there was no analysis from hundreds ...

Weirton developing a strategy for its future

Local Columns

This past week, members of Weirton Council and other officials of the municipal administration gathered for a pair of meetings to discuss the development of a City of Weirton Strategic Plan. Representatives of Mackin Engineering are working with the city on this project, meeting with department heads Tuesday and then with council, the mayor, and others Wednesday. Weirton officials have periodically tackled the task of updating the city’s Comprehensive Development Plan and Unified Development Ordinance. Those documents primarily focus on zoning laws and other regulations aimed at ...

The Credit Card Competition Act is a win for West Virginia

Local Columns

Small business owners in West Virginia are eager for Congress to pass legislation with positive, tangible effects on our economy. Sen. Justice is no stranger to serving the people of West Virginia, and as he pivots from his strong tenure as governor to the halls of Congress alongside Sen. Shelley More Capito, I hope they’ll both work to lower costs by tackling the out-of-control credit card swipe fees that continue burdening small businesses and consumers. Swipe fees are no joke, especially when you consider they cost the average household in nearly $1,200 per year. That’s ...