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Medicaid Cuts Would Hurt

Elected officials across the country are bracing for proposed cuts to Medicaid as the federal government looks to change the way it spends taxpayer dollars. In West Virginia, Republican U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito is concerned enough that she has emphasized the need to root out fraud, institute a work requirement and include other accountability measures before any cuts. According to a report by The Commonwealth Fund, Ohio is among the five states that would see the greatest economic losses from cuts to Medicaid funding. California, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania are the others. ...

Charting a New Path To Push WVU Ahead

As West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee winds down his tenure at the helm of the state’s flagship institution of higher learning (Gee this past weekend oversaw his final commencement ceremonies), it is clear incoming President Michael T. Benson does not intend to try to fill those big shoes — instead, he intends to lead WVU wearing his own. That is important if the university is to truly build on what Gee accomplished during his two stints at WVU (and also top roles at several other institutions) by focusing on what is next, rather than what was. No matter how painful ...

Remember: Boating Safely Is a Priority

Once National Police Week wraps up, law enforcement and other agencies will dive straight into National Safe Boating Week. In West Virginia, the Division of Natural Resources police are ready to remind those who can’t wait to hit the water this summer that they must do so safely. Administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the weeklong initiative is meant to help boaters prioritize safety at all times. “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful lakes and rivers, but that means wearing life jackets, staying sober and knowing the rules,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Boating ...

An Early Endorsement

Ohio Republicans may have jumped the gun a bit with the endorsement of Vivek Ramaswamy for governor a year before the 2026 primary election. This move comes despite members of the State Central Committee not even knowing yet who might enter the race. Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel says he is considering a bid for governor. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has already made his intentions clear. Why the rush? We don’t know, of course. The meeting during which the decision was made happened behind closed doors. But just ahead of that meeting, Donald Trump Jr. leaned on committee ...

Wellness Weekend Is a Community Effort

In a week, thousands of people will pack downtown Wheeling as they help kick off the summer season in the Ohio Valley by taking part in the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend presented by WVU Medicine. For two days, they will be there to run, walk, climb — or cheer the runners, walkers and climbers on — and have a good time, all in the name of physical fitness. For those who have not yet signed up, there’s still time. And there are plenty of events to join. Runners and walkers are gearing up for the big race, the 47th running of the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic set ...

Happy 95th Birthday, Wheeling Symphony!

The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra concluded its 95th season this past week in a perfect way — by inviting the people of the Ohio Valley to help celebrate this milestone. The symphony wasn’t alone in this finale performance. It welcomed a community choir 40 members strong, made up of Ohio Valley residents, for the first time in years. They sang as part of a piece composed by West Liberty University music professor Matthew Harder that is inspired by the impact that the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra has had in the Ohio Valley over nearly a century. And the libretto of that composition ...