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Many reporters ignored Biden’s decline

Columnists

The Trump-trashing elitist media erupted in outrage when President Donald Trump told ABC White House reporter Mary Bruce she was a “terrible person” and “terrible reporter” and ABC was “fake news.” Bruce was throwing hardballs at Trump and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince. It’s easy for reporters to tout Bruce as a courageous journalist just doing her job. But they all ignored the other half of the equation: Is this what she did with President Joe Biden? The easy answer is, “A thousand times no” — as in you could probably list a thousand times she repeated everything ...

Time for us to be more thankful in Barbour County

Columnists

Hello from Barbour County! Life has been busy lately and I’ve missed an article or so, but I’m hoping to be back on track now. It’s hard to believe that this year is almost over! There will be a winter craft show today, Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Battlers Knob in Philippi. Stop by and see what kind of holiday gifts you can find for someone special. Also tonight, from 6:30-8 p.m., 17 North Event Center will be hosting Christmas carols by Gathered Voices. This is a free event for the whole family. Come on out, sing along, play trivia games, win prizes ...

Thankful for ‘sweet music’ makers

Columnists

The word dulcimer can be defined as a sounding board that makes sweet melodies. The instrument name was first used in written English in the 15th century, but the word comes from Latin “dulce melos” and Old French “doulcemer,” meaning “sweet music.” Many types of sounding boards were developed all over the ancient world, and they strike a sweet chord in the human heart. Two types of dulcimers became popular in the United States for spreading gospel music in 19th century rural America during the “Great Religious Awakening.” A long, thin lap dulcimer had only three ...

Harman School parent has questions

Letters to the Editor

My children’s school is more than a place of academic instruction — it is a community where lasting relationships form, stability develops, and confidence grows. Harman School has provided my children with a supportive environment that nurtures their academic achievement, emotional well-being, and social development. Removing them from Harman would disrupt this progress and create unnecessary dangerous obstacles, and unrealistic expectations. For these reasons, it is in their best interest to reverse the vote to close Harman School, their home school. My children have built ...

Younger electorate

Columnists

American democracy is in a perilous condition. Both parties wrestle with the problems of affordability, and we are faced with a younger electorate that needs to be heard. The off-year elections demonstrated how these voters gain sway. An overwhelming group of 18 to 30-year-old voters, many of whom supported Donald Trump in 2024, swung to the Democrats in 2025 Of course, Republicans tried to downplay the results, but quickly backed away. They were given a breather when eight Democrats bolted and voted to reopen the government. But then the Epstein affair took center stage, and the ...

Holidays Are Here

Editorials

If you have been arguing with members of your household about whether the time is right for putting up Christmas decorations (ahead of Thanksgiving), perhaps try mentioning that the bells are already ringing at local retail establishments that host Salvation Army red kettles. The season has begun. It’s hard to ignore the feeling that comes with hearing that familiar jingle as you go about your shopping and running errands. It’s harder to stay grumpy about whether it is too early for a certain Christmas song to become omnipresent or your neighbor’s roofline-high inflatable ...