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Keeping Speech Free

Freedom of speech is on a lot of minds these days — even that of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who spoke at the state Department of Higher Education’s Trustees Conference recently. According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, DeWine felt it important to remind policymakers on college campuses that an environment in which people are comfortable speaking freely is essential. His remarks were inspired, of course, by the killing of Charlie Kirk and its aftermath, though he noted the notion of whether Kirk’s death could have been prevented was a security issue, not a speech ...

Morrisey Scores With Energy Plan

It’s been easy over the past nine months to see West Virginia not just falling behind, but getting outmatched at every turn in the “Economic Backyard Brawl” against our neighboring states. But perhaps there is a game plan finally coming together on the West Virginia sideline, as earlier this month, Gov. Patrick Morrisey, during a stop in Wheeling, unveiled his “50 by 50 Generation Plan,” which would see the Mountain State increase its baseload power production from its current 15 gigawatts to 50 gigawatts by 2050. That increase — fueled by coal, natural gas and perhaps ...

Ohio Setting Example on How To Legislate

West Virginia leaders would do well to look west for a model of the future. In Ohio, not only are leaders there attracting new businesses and growing the state’s population, they also are finding ways to put money back into the pockets of residents. Consider: starting in January, Ohio residents making more than $26,050 annually will pay a flat personal income tax rate of 2.75%. That’s in contrast to West Virginia’s top rate of 4.82% on income. Then there’s this: a group in Ohio this month is finalizing a plan to present to the General Assembly on how to reform the state’s ...

Pats on the Back

- To Ohio County Board of Education members for beginning discussions on a new policy to end a practice that saw only certain cords allowed to be worn at Wheeling Park High School’s graduation. The matter came to light recently when a Boy Scout leader questioned why students who become Eagle Scouts are not allowed to celebrate that at graduation. - To leaders in Moundsville who on Monday unveiled a new story walk along the walking trail at East End Park. The project came about through the efforts of the Marshall County Family Resource Network and city government. The new walk ...

Diversify Voices in Energy Discussions

As the U.S. Senate considers codifying the reestablishment of the National Coal Council, lawmakers have an opportunity. U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli’s bill drew support from enough Democrats in the House of Representatives that it is now moving to the Senate, which will consider whether it is necessary to back up the executive order that, among other things, called for reinstating the group that provides guidance on the future of coal technologies and markets. And Rulli, R-Ohio, is right. It is important for those making decisions about our energy future to have information and guidance ...

Vaping Continues To Be A Concern

As though West Virginia’s young people don’t have enough challenges to overcome, an American Lung Association representative suggests we’re failing them on another front: vaping. Though it has been evident for many years that vaping is not even remotely a safe alternative to smoking, tobacco companies have continued their marketing onslaught — and access is easy. “We are talking about one of the most deadly products currently on the market … and hooking and addicting our kids,” Jennifer Folkenroth with the ALA told WCHS. “There is no safe alternative. The only true ...