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More trouble for W.Va.’s future

Given recent arguments about school funding, TANF funding, foster care — far too many topics for a state where so many people squawk about their love of children and families just ahead of Election Day — it’s important to look at what the data says. According to WalletHub’s “States with the Most At-Risk Youth in 2026,” West Virginia is fifth. As in, only four states are worse. (Predictably, those four are Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.) West Virginia ranks 9th for risks involving education and employment; and 5th for risks involving health. Drilling down, the ...

Vaccination policy keeps W.Va. off the list

Whenever I see one of those "ranking" stories about the states, I brace myself. Is this going to be another report on some measure where West Virginia finishes near the bottom? But the latest list brought welcome news for our state. Recent stories based on a Centers for Disease Control and ...

Another Donald Trump ‘deal’ with Iran

A friend quipped the other day that President Trump truly deserves the Nobel Peace Prize because he has already ended the Iran war eight times. Will the ninth time be the charm after his latest decision to call off a military escalation in search of a deal with the revolutionary regime? “We have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to,” Mr. Trump posted at 10:05 p.m. on Saturday. He added that this includes “Immediate, Complete, and Total” opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to ...

If only lawmakers could be as innovative as Ascend

Mountain State policymakers know they can’t stick with the way things have always been if they want to reverse significant population loss and move forward. Step one, of course, is to stop perpetually looking backward. But step two is to look for innovative ideas such as Ascend West Virginia. NPR examined it and other similar programs across the country and noted the pandemic-born program has been effective enough that many individuals and families have chosen to stay long past their initial required tenure. That despite many employers believing THEY need to move backward and ...

Let’s get health-conscious legislation on the menu

Reports from data analysis finance websites such as WalletHub don’t often paint a pretty picture of West Virginia, but in its “Best and Worst States for Healthcare” 2026, there is one bright spot for the state — and it may come as a surprise. The Mountain State ranks 19th in the country for healthcare access. Though poorer, rural residents may question that ranking, it was the good news. Now, on to the rest. Overall, West Virginia ranks 47th this year — 41st for cost and 47th for outcomes. (Hey, it’s not dead last. Texas, Georgia, Mississippi and Alaska are worse.) The ...

Granville sales tax proposal appears overboard

A move by the town council in Granville to become a Home Rule city and add a 1% municipal sales tax is of real concern. If passed, the town of 1,400 would see its municipal budget balloon from its current $9.5 million to about $13.3 million. Morgantown, by contrast, has 30,500 residents and a $45 million budget. How is it that Granville, at 1.31 square miles, needs a budget one-third the size of Morgantown? Someone on council should explain.Yes, the University Town Centre is part of Granville, and the town handles some paving there. But according to Mayor Patty Lewis, the tax increase ...