Opinion

Local Columns

I enjoy reading. I guess I wouldn’t be in this profession if I didn’t. When I was 5 years old, I told my dad he no longer had to read to me. From that point on, I slept with numerous books under my bed for convenience. I slept with a touch lamp on and didn’t sleep in the dark until I was nearly out of high school, not because I was afraid of the dark but because I’d often fall asleep reading. Growing up, I mostly read nonfiction, such as books about history. I recall borrowing the Time Life series on the American Civil War from then-Pleasants County Sheriff David Kelly (now ...

A New-Look Downtown

Editorials

It’s hard to deny the positive feeling surrounding downtown Wheeling. The new streets and sidewalks were one piece — an important piece — in what appears to be a renaissance on Main and Market streets. But don’t dismiss the private investment that’s taken place. For many, the buzz downtown is stronger than it’s been for the past two decades. What used to be a vacant downtown after 5 p.m. now is showing real signs of life. Restaurants are open; shows are taking place; live music has returned. The best part? The public has noticed. Head down to the waterfront on a ...

West Virginia on the Board in Economic ‘Backyard Brawl’

Editorials

For nearly all of 2025, West Virginia has been standing on the sidelines, biding its time while our border states marched into the end zone in Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s “Economic Backyard Brawl.” That’s come to an end. The recent announcements Morrisey — from investments here in the Northern Panhandle to the broader energy arena — signals that West Virginia is finally stepping onto the field, racking up yards and even scoring a couple touchdowns. We noted a few months back that, midway through the first quarter, the score was 49-0, in favor of our neighboring states. Now, ...

Capito Connect Delivers for All West Virginians

Local Columns

Whether you’re a small business owner looking to develop your online presence and reach a broader audience, or a teacher who needs to send a homework assignment to students who missed a class, broadband access is critical in today’s world. It keeps us connected, has the ability to break down barriers, and leads to significant economic growth. Today, I am proud to say that connection is closer than ever. Last week, the state’s Final Proposal under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program was approved, clearing the way for roughly 73,650 unserved and underserved ...

Donald Trump Un-Reality Show Rages On in Nation

Letters to the Editor

Editor, News-Register: In October 2016, First Lady Michelle Obama’s stated “people who are incredibly strong lift others up. People who are powerful bring others together.” How prophetic and relevant at present with supreme egotist and most assuredly one of the greatest dividers our great nation has ever witnessed in government President Donald J. Trump refers to those who disagree with him politically, as the enemy within, whom he claims to hate. As it has been stated often times over the years that our democratic form of government which has long been the envy of the free ...

East Wing Demolition Is a True Loss for Our Nation

Letters to the Editor

Editor, News-Register: As an historian, it was with a heavy heart that I watched the recent demolition of the East Wing of the White House. Built in 1902 by Teddy Roosevelt and remodeled under FDR in 1941, it became the working space for our First Ladies, who walked those floors and labored within those walls. Let us remember these grand women that contributed so much to our nation: Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania ...