Editorials

Keeping The River Clean

Eight years ago, then-Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit against DuPont, which accused the company of knowingly releasing “forever chemicals” into the Ohio River. Though a settlement was reached back in 2023, DeWine was not able to announce distribution of the $65 million settlement until this week. This time as governor, he stood with state Environmental Protection Agency Director John Logue to talk about how the money would be distributed in Belmont, Gallia, Larence, Meigs, Morgan and Washington counties. The improvements that will be funded have been a long time ...

Prescription Take Back Day Important

Saturday is National Prescription Take Back Day, a twice-a-year opportunity for us to collect the expired and unused prescription drugs in our homes and dispose of them safely. Having those drugs around the home can be dangerous. They can become lost, stolen and sold illegally, or misused by friend, neighbor or another member of the family. Such a scenario could become a life-or-death situation for someone you love. It could start, restart or deepen an addiction. It could lead someone to any of a litany of bad choices. In a state like West Virginia, which already has felt the scourge of ...

Gambling Still A Problem

As lawmakers continue to look for ways to kick-start our sluggish and somehow still backward-looking economy, West Virginians are falling prey to another draining and damaging addiction at a higher rate than in most other states. WalletHub’s “2026’s Most Gambling-Addicted States” placed West Virginia at sixth overall. It’s always a shock to come in first in one of these studies or reports, just to come to the understanding that on this one, first is worst. But the Mountain State is No. 1 for lottery sales per capita. The state is also first for legality of daily fantasy ...

McKinley Always Put W.Va. First

For those who followed his career, David McKinley’s legacy is neither complicated nor difficult to define. In more than four decades of public and professional service to his state, he consistently put West Virginia and its people first. McKinley died Friday at age 79. He is one of just a few local residents that have represented this area in Congress — and he did it very effectively. At a time when politics too often drifts toward division, sound bites and ambition, McKinley built his public life around something far more grounded: service to the communities he called home. ...

Washington Ave. Bridge Progressing

A welcome sight was seen on Washington Avenue this week, one that will continue evolving — and continue making folks in the neighborhood happier. Heavy machinery has been brought to the site of the Washington Ave. Bridge, and steel beams are coming with it. Those beams will be placed across Wheeling Creek in the next steps in replacing the bridge that has sorely needed repair for years. The best news was nestled in the advisory the City of Wheeling sent out about the traffic snarls that could happen during the evenings as the materials are being transported. No, the good news ...

Even Little Things Are Important This Earth Day

Earth Day is today, the annual celebration of this big blue and green ball on which we live and a reminder that she needs taken care of. There will be several big events scheduled around the country, and some nice-sized ones around the Ohio Valley to commemorate the day and make a significant impact on environmental awareness. Yet celebrating Earth Day doesn’t have to come with grand gestures or major events. We all can do our part in little ways this day and every day to ensure the Earth stays strong for a long time to come. For instance, if you’re leaving a room for a while, turn ...