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Not Just On Islands

Columnists

The crime of child sexual abuse has the nation’s attention lately in a way never seen before. While we collectively, and rightfully, seek justice for these victims, let’s not forget the kids up the street, or down the holler, who are currently in the midst of the same horrific experiences. Last year, Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) in West Virginia saw 4,734 new kids, and of those, 2,182 were referred for suspected sexual abuse. 2,182 kids. That’s approximately 161 separate little league teams or 108 classrooms full of West Virginia kids who came to a WV CAC in 2025 because Child ...

Hot Topic

Editorials

Del. David McCormick, R-Monongalia, chose a soft target with his Vape Safety Act — House Bill 5437 — perhaps hoping state House of Delegates committee members would not look too carefully at the language he wielded or be affected by the dog whistles he was blowing. First, it is important to acknowledge the vape shop industry SHOULD be better regulated in this state. McCormick knows most elected officials will understand that. So, if one does not get past the basics of the bill, it might seem like something that should earn a stamp of approval. HB 5437 would require all specialty ...

Unity

Editorials

With the passing of a civil rights giant such as the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, this Black History Month took on even greater importance. It was a reminder that so many who fought for so much have left us — and that understanding our history is perhaps more important than ever. In this era where so many of the sentiments (and horrors) we thought were long buried are, in fact, rearing their ugly heads again — when some are once again under the mistaken impression that it is safe to show us the worst of themselves — this month is essential as “a time when the culture and ...

Judicial defeat

Columnists

The Supreme Court dealt Donald Trump’s program a significant judicial defeat. By a 6-3 margin, it denied the President power to unilaterally levy tariffs without congressional approval. Principally, it limits Trump’s use of the International Emergency Powers Act, which allows tariffs to be imposed during a “national emergency.” Jimmy Carter signed the law on Dec. 28, 1977. It was meant to curb Presidential power, but the Trump Justice Department incorrectly interpreted it as granting the President fiat authority. For Trump, the decision closely resembled the defeat dealt to ...

Vape Laws

Columnists

In December, the West Virginia Tobacco Use and Prevention Task Force issued its annual report, and it is not comforting reading. According to the Task Force, West Virginia has one of the highest rates of youth vaping in America.  Nearly one in three West Virginia high school students admits to vaping within the previous 30 days—more than triple the national average.  Half of West Virginia high school students admit that they have tried it at least once.  Youth vaping at this scale does not happen by chance. It reflects the widespread availability of illegal ...

Stability?

Editorials

A measure of economic stability oftentimes ­­— but not always — is continuity. But many companies are slamming shut the door regarding continuity, and how that will play out is a big wait-and-see question that will take a few years for an answer to be delivered, or at least a trend to be indicated. One bottom line, though, is that employees of an increasing number of companies are feeling uneasy about what might come next and whether it will be good or bad for them. “Faster CEO turnover at U.S. public companies has put the biggest class of incoming chief executives in years ...