Editorials

Lessons We Still Struggle To Learn

Eighty-four years have passed since the morning the world changed in a matter of minutes. On Dec. 7, 1941, as Americans awoke to an ordinary Sunday, Japanese aircraft descended on Pearl Harbor with a ferocity that stunned a nation that believed oceans still offered protection. By the time the attack ended, 2,403 Americans were dead and the United States had been forced into a global conflict it had hoped to avoid. Each anniversary prompts us to remember the fallen. But at 84 years, Pearl Harbor is also becoming something else — a test of whether we remain capable of learning from the ...

Pats on the Back

- To the Wheeling Police Department and Belmont County Sheriff’s Office for their continued support of children with “Operation Toy Lift.” The event, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Ohio Valley Mall, offers a brighter Christmas to many children in our region. - To the musical directors, students and staff at Wheeling Park High School that have kept a holiday tradition, the Festival of Sound, going for the past 30 years. This year’s event, set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec.12 and Saturday, Dec. 13, and for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, will feature Wheeling Park ...

Problems With System Must Be Addressed

As the investigation unfolds into the attack on two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last month, Americans are getting a glimpse into some cracks in the system that must be addressed. Among them is the need to explore better mental health and community support programs for veterans and refugees. Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been described as a person who was radicalized after he came to the U.S. A volunteer who worked with him and other Afghan refugees said they believed that Lakanwal suffered a mental health crisis after years of likely suffering from ...

Help Operation Toy Lift

One of the Ohio Valley’s best holiday traditions returns to the Ohio Valley Mall on Saturday, and, as always, it can use residents’ help. “Operation Toy Lift” will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the mall near Ulta Beauty and Ferguson’s House of Furniture. As is the case every year, local celebrities will be hoisted into the sky over the mall via lift to make shoppers aware of the event. Folks can stop by the lift to drop off a new toy for a child anywhere from infant to teen. A parade around the mall kicks things off at 9:30 a.m. and financial donations also are ...

Keep Supporting Small Businesses

If the opening hours of Small Business Saturday in Wheeling were any indication, Ohio Valley shoppers and Ohio Valley shops ended the day quite happy. The stores were filled with folks perusing clothing racks and eying furniture, antiques, art and other items for that perfect holiday gift. The city of Wheeling did its part to enhance the experience, offering free skating on a synthetic rink at Heritage Port, as well as shuttles between some of the bigger shopping areas. And those local businesses made sure to roll out the red carpet that day, offering specials, discounts and little ...

Justice Can’t Be Derailed

Despite Norfolk Southern’s assertions that it would make things right in East Palestine — after a derailment back in February 2023, the company appears to continue to resist doing so. Most recently, it filed motions in federal court seeking to exclude expert testimony presented by the state of Ohio and the United States as part of ongoing litigation. The proposed $315 million federal settlement between Norfolk Southern and the U.S. Department of Justice is still pending. Among the challenged witnesses are three medical doctors who support Ohio’s effort for a long-term medical ...