Local Columns

West Virginia Missing Energy and Technology Opportunity, Again

West Virginia stands at a critical crossroads when it comes to combining energy production and technological innovation. Our access to abundant natural gas reserves as well as a skilled work force allows our state to stand ready to meet America’s energy needs, further artificial intelligence development, and help future technological advancements. What we cannot let happen is watch as our neighbors, Ohio and Pennsylvania, harness these opportunities as we stand idly by. Seeing these states announce multiple, life- changing investments should serve as a wake-up call to seize our ...

Artificial Intelligence Means Farewell to the ‘Net-Zero’ Fantasy

Artificial intelligence is upon us, is here to stay, and is heading in one direction: more. More AI means more electric power generation — a lot more. “Green” or “renewable” energy is not going to cut it, no matter the fantasies of the climate-change doomsday crowd. That means the climate goals of “net-zero” carbon emissions by 2050, or whatever is the latest movable goal post set by the U.N., federal and state bureaucrats, is a dead letter. Net-zero always was a farcical, unscientific and unrealistic dogma designed to reorder societies and increase government and ...

Slow News Week

Last week was a slow news week when it comes to my specific beat of West Virginia state government news. Reporters who cover the same beat had similar opinions when I talked to them. There are weeks when it is not uncommon for me to write as many as 15 stories per week or sometimes four stories in one day. I certainly don’t mind a busy week, but last week was mostly quiet. Sure, there was the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia’s summer meeting at the Greenbrier Resort at the beginning of last week, which saw many state elected officials address the group and talk about West ...

Point: Coal Needs To Be Part of America’s Energy Future

There is no disputing it: coal isn’t disappearing. Despite reports of coal’s demise, global coal use hit a record in 2024. Since the turn of the century, coal demand has doubled. The world needs a new political discourse on coal. This is not a fuel that is going to be phased out or a technology left behind. Its importance to energy security and energy affordability is growing. The misguided idea that the West would lead the developing world away from coal needs to be put to bed. Europe’s attempted dash to renewable power has left it energy insecure and home to the world’s ...

Counterpoint: Coal Doesn’t Fit With Nation’s Energy Future

For a decade now, coal has been on the way out. The industry’s future was considered mainly dead and buried until the Trump administration decided to pull out every stop to dig it out of the grave. And this wasn’t caused by any “Green New Deal” boogeyman stuff: the coal industry does not have the economics to survive intense competition from less expensive alternatives. Donald Trump’s efforts to revive coal will cost the U.S. time and money we can’t afford to waste, driving up energy costs for Americans and leaving the mining communities behind. As we look toward the ...

Marshall Memo: Getting Ready For a New School Year

The Marshall County Board of Education will continue offering free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of income for the 2025-26 school year under the Community Eligibility Option. Extra milk costs 35 cents and a second lunch is $1.70, payable in cash at the time of purchase, while accommodations for students with special dietary needs are available at no additional charge (contact your school and submit a physician-completed Special Dietary Needs Medical Statement). The district’s Wellness Policy promotes nutrition, physical activity, and student health — get involved by ...