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Take Advantage Of West Virginia’s Trails

Looking for a way to enjoy the beautiful weather and explore our state’s natural wonders? The timing of National Trails Day couldn’t be more perfect. On Saturday, parks across our state will be hosting events including guided hikes and trail clean-ups, as part of the American Hiking Society’s effort to spur people to get outside, connect with new communities, and both enjoy and take care of our parks and trails. “We are excited to invite every West Virginian and all of the Mountain State’s visitors to take part in National Trails Day and celebrate the incredible benefits ...

Care For The Caregivers

Millions of Ohioans are caregivers for family members or neighbors in Ohio. As Ohio AARP Executive Director Jenny Carlson put it, “That’s one in four adults … holding up our healthcare system.” As public officials demand greater scrutiny over how Medicaid funds are used for at-home caregiving, AARP has conducted a study that shows many of the adults who are caring for aging parents and other family members are struggling financially, and nearing burnout. “Right now, it’s reaching a breaking point,” Carlson said in an interview with Statehouse News Bureau. When they ...

It’s Time For West Virginia To Stop Being Dead Last

Earlier this spring, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce waved some red flags regarding the state’s unemployment picture. According to WorkForce West Virginia’s numbers, total employment declined by 6,700 jobs from March 2025 to March 2026. Employment in the state sat at just 744,000 jobs. Among the noteworthy downturns was the mining industry, which lost 400 jobs during that year; manufacturing, which lost 300; and leisure and hospitality, which lost a disturbing 1,600 jobs. “With each new jobs report, we are seeing a clearer picture of where West Virginia stands and where ...

Foster Teens In Need Of Our Help

Charleston’s First Presbyterian Church Hope Center released a report last week that highlights the challenges for young people aging out of the foster care system in West Virginia. It showed the continuum of care for these vulnerable residents falls short in a number of ways. For the Hope Center, the report was meant to contribute to the conversation about how service gaps can be filled and organizations can work together, according to a report by West Virginia Watch. “No one system, agency or provider can fully meet all of the complex needs of these young adults transitioning ...

West Virginia’s Drug Problem Must Be Remedied

Despite enormous settlements and creation of a foundation that says it is dedicated to preventing substance use disorder, supporting recovery and saving lives, a study this spring from WalletHub showed West Virginia STILL has the sixth-worst drug problem in the country. Worse, the Mountain State remains first in the country for drug overdose deaths per capita. We’re just not making the change some politicians hope we will believe is taking place. West Virginia is 11th for drug arrests per capita, 15th for both opioid pain reliever prescriptions per 100 people and share of teenagers ...

In The Business World, Every Role Matters

In drawing the parallels between local business communities and baseball teams, Roberto Clemente Jr. hit a home run. Clemente, the son of Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente Sr., was the keynote speaker at the recent Lunch with Leaders held by the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. While Clemente followed his father into professional baseball, he most notably followed in his father’s footsteps with philanthropy, creating and running the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Among the most poignant points he made during his speech was that, while not everyone on a team will ...