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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 ...

Whose road is it?

Frustration can be a powerful motivating force — if directed correctly.  And there’s a lot of frustration over the disastrous state of roads in and around Morgantown. We frequently receive letters to the editor complaining about road conditions. Social media practically thrums with all the pent-up frustration from drivers who are fed up with crumbling asphalt and holes so deep they can swallow a tire whole.  That frustration is rightfully directed at elected officials who have repeatedly promised to “fix the roads” and seemingly never deliver. So while we highly ...

WVU scores with new hire; misses gender layup

We’d like to welcome Mark Kellogg and his family to Morgantown. We hope they feel that country roads have indeed brought them home.  Kellogg comes to us after coaching the Stephen F. Austin women’s basketball team for eight years. Under his guidance, the Lumberjacks averaged 24 victories per season and played in two NCAA tournaments. This past season, his team finished 27-7 and advanced to the second round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. If you’d like to read more about Kellogg and his future among the Mountaineers, visit the sports pages.   We are ...