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The Free Market Really Works — Even in Energy

Who wants higher electricity rates? Ask just about anyone and they’ll agree that energy prices have risen. They’re not wrong. In recent weeks there has been significant attention in the Mountain State on what is driving those costs. The question has no doubt arisen from people seeing their electricity bills steadily rise, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago. A review of data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that electricity rates have risen for most states. For example: - West Virginia: +27.71% - Ohio: +30.11% - ...

Guardians of Trust: Vital Role of W.Va.’s Notaries Public

In an age where identity theft, fraud, and misinformation are increasingly prevalent, the role of the notary public has never been more critical. Often working quietly behind the scenes, notaries serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents, helping to deter fraud and ensure the integrity of our legal and civic processes by verifying the identities of individuals who sign documents. In West Virginia, more than 35,000 commissioned notaries public are performing this essential function every day, each one a guardian of trust in our communities. Notaries are woven ...

Learning Experience?

November legislative interim meetings began Sunday at Pipestem Resort State Park near Hinton in Summers County, continuing today and wrapping up Tuesday. This is the second time lawmakers have traveled for interims, with the Legislature holding interim meetings at Stonewall Resort near Roanoke in Lewis County. It’s part of the Legislature’s efforts to travel to different parts of the state and learn more about the unique regions in West Virginia. While West Virginia is unfortunately stereotyped as one image of the hillbilly, we know that our communities are vastly different and ...

Powering America’s Future From West Virginia

West Virginia has always been an energy state. From the coal that built our nation to the natural gas fueling the industries of tomorrow, our state has provided the reliable energy America needs to prosper. Today, we stand at another pivotal moment as FirstEnergy’s Mon Power and Potomac Edison propose the construction of a new 1,200-megawatt natural gas power plant. This project is about more than electricity—it’s about securing our energy future, creating good jobs, and ensuring West Virginia continues to lead America forward. The energy demands of the 21st century are ...

The TikTok of the Clock

The news business is constantly changing and that means changing with the times. So, reluctantly, I have started a news TikTok. I’m not a fan of TikTok. I don’t like how the app is designed or how it’s meant to keep a user swiping for minutes and sometimes hours. I don’t like its connection to the Communist Chinese government and how it constantly scrapes information and data. The problem is that is where the young’uns are, and if you want the teens and young adults to read your news stories, you have to be where they are. And TikTok is where they are. I don’t know when ...

Just Who Is My Neighbor: Will We Show Mercy to Those in Wheeling Who Need It the Most?

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the story of a traveler beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Two respected men pass by without stopping. Finally, a Samaritan — a foreigner, an outsider — sees the man’s suffering, is moved with compassion, and kneels beside him. He tends the man’s wounds, shelters him, and ensures his recovery. When Jesus asks, “Who was his neighbor?” the answer is clear: the one who showed mercy. That ancient story is playing out again on the streets of Wheeling and in communities across West Virginia. Once again, people who have lost ...