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Homeless Task Force Needs To Work

Editorials

The announcement this week of a new task force to address homelessness in the city of Wheeling was met with hope from some, skepticism from others. Both of those emotions have been prevalent when it has come to previous attempts to address the issue. There are plenty of Wheeling residents who want to see those who are homeless in our city find they help they need to find homes, be it here or elsewhere. Yet there are others who don’t feel the issue has ever been addressed properly, and they’re waiting with wariness to see if this attempt is any better than they others. From what ...

Care For The Caregivers

Editorials

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 ...

Take Advantage Of West Virginia's Trails

Editorials

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 ...

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

Editorials

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

Editorials

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 ...

Reporter's Notebook: Signs And Portents

Local Columns

Happy June, everybody. Today marks the meteorological start of summer, and I’m ready to fire up the grill and head to the pool. However, some people are still stuck trying to sell us in the West Virginia political press that the May 12 Republican primary was a victory for the forces of Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston. I still contend that the GOP primary wasn’t a victory for anyone. It was a stalemate in the Republican caucuses in the House of Delegates and state Senate. The governor will once again face a hostile House Republican caucus. And ...