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Mysterious

The COVID-19 pandemic is essentially a scourge of the past, although it has not been defeated completely. Unfortunately, though, what is happening at this time in Africa’s Democratic Republic of Congo, if it remains a mystery for very long and remains unchecked, could evolve into something even more horrific than the horrors that COVID-19 inflicted. This country must mobilize whatever protective measures and resources it can muster to try to ensure that Africa’s current challenge never reaches America’s shores. But even those most optimistic regarding America’s capabilities ...

Stay Alert

Plenty of us are guilty of hearing the alert from our phones and finding it difficult to resist the temptation to glance down, maybe even tap out a quick response. But during National Distracted Driving Month in April, law enforcement agencies are reminding us that it’s not just against the law, it could be deadly. Distracted driving can be anything from use of a cell phone to trying to feed a toddler in the back seat. It is anything that keeps a driver’s attention away from the road. According to the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, in 2022 there were 1,860 ...

Innovation

Public officials in our region have said for years that one of their priorities is attracting and retaining new and exciting industries — and the kinds of individuals (and their families) who work for such companies. According to WalletHub’s “Most and Least Innovative States (2025),” but West Virginia hasn’t picked up the pace on making that happen. In the list of most innovative states, West Virginia is 49th. Louisiana and Mississippi continue to cushion the Mountain State from hitting rock bottom. West Virginia is 46th for human capital and — here Louisiana and ...

Opportunities

We have well and truly entered spring, and with it will come thoughts of proms, graduations, summer jobs and post-secondary choices for high school seniors. It’s also time to brace for the inevitable “So, what are you going to study?” from friends and relatives curious about what comes next. It’s an overwhelming question, even for students who have a very good idea of what they want to do when they finish their education. For those who haven’t yet decided, it’s important to follow your interests and go into a field that makes you feel productive and content; but it’s ...

Home Rule

State Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, didn’t mince words Monday when his colleagues voted to try to wrest more control of local decision-making from municipalities across the state. “This is dumb,” he said. “ … Where is this a problem that we have to address? I haven’t heard of any.” That’s because there are none. But some lawmakers are so bothered that cities operating under the Municipal Home Rule Program are not entirely under state government’s thumb that they voted in favor of Senate Bill 579. The bill would amend state code to make all municipal non-discrimination ...

Roadblock

“If that’s the only way I had to do it, how would I do it?” Veronica Taylor asked while speaking to an Associated Press reporter in Welch, W.Va., about requirements set to go into effect March 31 for interacting with the Social Security system. At the end of this month, recipients will no longer be able to verify their identity to the Social Security Administration over the phone. Those who are unable to verify using the “My Social Security” online service will be required to visit an agency field office. But in pockets of the country — rural Appalachia, for example — ...