Local Columns

Investing in Education: Power of Partnerships for West Virginia’s Future

Each November, Americans celebrate National American Education Week, a time to honor the educators, families, and communities that help every student reach their potential. This year’s theme, running Nov. 17–21, reminds us that education is the foundation of opportunity and the heartbeat of every thriving community. In West Virginia, we know this truth deeply. Our teachers and school leaders are heroes — steadfastly shaping minds and opening doors of possibility for nearly 280,000 students statewide. Their dedication and innovation deserve our highest praise. Yet, as we celebrate ...

Life of the Party

Political prognosticators are always trying to find meaning in off-year elections. And while I think there are some indicators one can glean from Tuesday’s elections, it would be a mistake to read the tea leaves too closely. Last Tuesday saw a person with links to the Democratic Socialists of America — Zohran Mamdani — win election as mayor of New York City over former Democratic New York governor Andrew Cuomo. Former Democratic congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, a known moderate and former CIA case officer, won her election for governor of Virginia. There are other elections ...

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 ...