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When pop singer Neil Sedaka released “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” in June 1962, it quickly became apparent that the song was destined to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and a short time later it did just that. Most of today’s young people probably never have heard of Neil Sedaka, but if they have heard of him, it is likely that only a small fraction of them can recite the title of even one of his hits. But he was a well-known, well-regarded singer “back in the day.” However, what he was singing about back then is as real today as it was in June 1962, ...

Waging war on a ‘king’

Columnists

The entertainment press found it very important to report that Hollywood thinks President Donald Trump is an authoritarian. This is still somehow considered “news.” Over 2,300 members of the Writers Guild felt compelled to speak out in an open letter because they believe in their “role in a healthy democracy.” In 2024, democracy was healthy, and Hollywood’s candidate lost. “Writers Guild of America West PAC Endorses Kamala Harris for President,” they announced. So sad. They can’t get over it. When the Left’s feverishly spinning propaganda machines don’t work, ...

A quiet week of news

Columnists

Last week was a slow news week when it comes to my specific beat of West Virginia state government news. Reporters who cover the same beat had similar opinions when I talked to them. There are weeks when it is not uncommon for me to write as many as 15 stories per week or sometimes four stories in one day. I certainly don’t mind a busy week, but last week was mostly quiet. Sure, there was the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia’s summer meeting at the Greenbrier Resort at the beginning of last week, which saw many state elected officials address the group and talk about West ...

Delays

Editorials

With Congress on its August break, there are a number of important things not getting done. A couple of recent incidents in West Virginia remind us rail safety reform continues to be one of them. Last month, a minor train derailment in downtown Parkersburg closed a street, and had residents asking questions about the contents of the tanks that were leaning. Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad officials responded quickly with information (the tanks were safely sealed and empty), and a crew to get the train back on track. There were no injuries. On Aug. 3, the St. Albans Fire ...

Learning from America’s immigrant past

Columnists

When debating current issues, it’s helpful to avoid inaccurate depictions of past policy, especially on immigration, in which both opponents and advocates of President Donald Trump’s policies have views based on not altogether accurate renditions of the past. Many opponents of Trump’s policies seem to believe the president wants to cut off legal immigration altogether, to shut America’s gates. But in recent times, around 800,000 individuals have taken the oath to become American citizens. In addition, about 1 million people have been granted green cards each year, making them ...

Barbour County ready for county fair, going back to school

Columnists

The next time you hear from me, school will be back in session. The summer has flown by. School in Barbour County starts Aug. 14. I hope everyone has a good and safe year. Barbour County Youth Football and Cheer still has space open for cheerleaders in the 10–12 age group. Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, registration is now completely free for anyone in that age group who signs up between now and weigh-ins. At least three more cheerleaders are needed to form a team — let’s help make it happen! Philippi United Methodist Church is excited to welcome back and ...