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Opportunities may determine state’s hard-working rankings

WalletHub recently produced its “Hardest-Working States in America (2026)” report. Readers in West Virginia and Appalachian Ohio are likely thinking “Finally! A report in which our region will not be dead last.” About that … Both the Mountain and Buckeye states fall in the bottom ten, which WalletHub labels “least hardworking.” West Virginia is 42nd, Ohio is 47th – those same residents will be pleased to note that ranks above Michigan, which did, indeed, come in dead last. This study looked at direct work factors, including metrics such as average workweek hours, ...

The Iran war is straining the U.S. military for nothing

Donald Trump has authored a whole anthology of aphorisms demonstrating his deep disdain for the military he commands. He derided those killed in action as “suckers and losers,” said in reference to former prisoner of war John McCain that he prefers troops who weren’t captured, and said his “own personal Vietnam” was avoiding sexually transmitted infections while dating in New York City. The president’s latest entry arrived when he was asked about reports of miserable conditions and attempted suicides aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has almost nine ...

No fun to be found in W.Va.?

Most of us are proud of the state where we live for many reasons (and not so proud for others). But we don't usually tend to think of our home territory as "fun" as compared with other places. California, for example, is ranked the most fun state in WalletHub's "Most Fun States in America (2026)." Florida is second. It's hard not to wonder whether a certain mouse has something to do with that. West Virginia ... well, we know by now how this goes. According to the researchers at WalletHub, the Mountain State is the LEAST fun in the country -- 49th for entertainment and recreation, and ...

Resurgence in socialism

Socialism is having a moment in the United States … again. Recent election wins by candidates who identify as Democratic Socialists have generated interest in what supporters believe is a new and better way of governing. The movement has gained momentum among younger voters in ...

Make a point to meet the needs of ALL students

Decades after former Ohio County Circuit Judge Arthur Recht's ruling sparked what was meant to be a fair state school funding formula, the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia is bringing the matter back into the courts. It's possible that 44 years ago those who developed a partially enrollment-based funding formula could not have foreseen the hemorrhaging of population that has taken place over the past generation or so. But certainly today's elected officials are (and have been) well aware. They have simply chosen to ignore it, on many fronts. In the case of providing an ...

U.S. intervention in Japan’s economy might not be entirely altruistic

Japan’s yen has slid back towards 160 to the dollar, despite last month’s extraordinary US-Japanese intervention. Traders are betting that its role as a cheap funding pipeline for global finance will continue. Earlier this month the Trump administration stepped in to help Tokyo stabilise its currency. “Japan’s been very good to us, with the exception, of course, of Pearl Harbor,” Donald Trump explained. More help is likely to be on its way. But this is less a rescue of the yen than an attempt by Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, to preserve a cash spigot that benefits ...