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Editorial

Why so many mass shootings if ‘guns don’t kill people’?

At the time of this writing, there have been 164 mass shootings in the first 109 days of 2023. By the time this editorial is published, that number may have changed yet again.  The last mass shooting to make headlines was March 27 at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville, Tenn., in which three 9-year-olds and three adults were killed. That is, until this past Saturday, when news outlets across the country picked up the story of four young people killed and another 32 people injured at a birthday party in Dadeville, Ala., a town of only 3,000 people.  According to the ...

Make your voice heard. Vote in the city council election

It’s once again time for the Morgantown City Council election, but this year is a little different. For the first time, only half the council is up for election, and the winning candidates will fill their seats for four years instead of only two.  We’d like to remind everyone that even though candidates run by wards, the entire city votes. So although only the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th wards are on the ballot, everyone (including those in even-numbered wards) gets to vote for any candidate.   Morgantown City Council elections historically have very low voter turnout. In ...

15-minute cities: Fact vs. fiction

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of “15-minute cities” before today.  And if you have heard of 15-minute cities, there’s a good chance you heard about them through social media.  And if you heard about 15-minute cities through social media, then you might have heard that 15-minute cities are a government conspiracy to eliminate cars and limit people’s movements to restricted designated areas. Because, unfortunately, this very simple urban planning philosophy has been co-opted by right-wing conspiracy theorists.  First, let’s start with what ...

Morrisey’s lawsuits wasting tax dollars to ‘own the libs’

The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to reinstate West Virginia’s trans-athlete ban after Attorney General Patrick Morrisey requested an emergency injunction to put the law back into effect as the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals considers the case.  In response, Morrisey said it was only a “temporary setback” and his office will refocus its efforts on the court of appeals.  Doesn’t Morrisey have anything better to do than pick on a single transgender middle schooler?   Because that’s who this law actively affects: A transgender girl on the ...

Walker’s tenure in Legislature characterized by courage, kindness

Last week, Danielle Walker announced she was stepping down as the delegate for the 81st District. Monday, she turned in her resignation letter to the Legislature, and next week, she will assume her new role as the executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union West Virginia (ACLU-WV).  We would like to thank Walker for her years of service representing the residents of Monongalia County. Her years serving in the Legislature have been characterized by courage and compassion. Despite having limited sway as a member of the Democratic minority, Walker always fought ...

The lessons of spring: Birth, rebirth, renewal

Flowers are poking up through the thawing earth. Trees and bushes are sporting their vibrant blooms. Grass is growing and getting greener.  The birds that flew south for the winter are returning. The small critters that burrowed deep for the cold months are out frolicking. The larger animals that hibernated are emerging from their long naps. And there’s a plethora of adorable furry and feathered babies.  Spring is recognized across cultures and religions as a time of birth, rebirth and renewal. Because just as something in the plants and animals recognize spring as the ...