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Gut Punch: Fast food spending sign of a bigger problem

Here in Appalachia, we know how to make good food at home — when we can. What comes out of our gardens and woods is better than much of what is prepared at a five-star restaurant. But the trouble is these days, not everyone has a garden or the luxury of time to head into the woods, let alone ...

Finances: S&P rating is reason to be proud

Much as we give the folks in Charleston a hard time about managing the people’s money, it must be said that those in some departments do an excellent job of it. Last week, State Treasurer Larry Pack’s office announced that for two decades now, S&P Global Ratings has given the state’s ...

High Points of the Valley

* Ahead of a landmark celebration in the U.S. and plenty of reasons to celebrate locally, Highmark West Virginia hosted an event that combined recognition of Flag Day, our veterans, first responders and their families, and a nod to the America 250 festivities and Independence Day. “We’re ...

Reporter's Notebook: The politics of love

The month of June plays a recurring role in my life, which is odd given that my birthday is in July. For example, storied (and sometimes infamous) Democratic U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd died on June 28, 2010. In a way, the death of Byrd was the catalyst for meeting Jessica, who would become my ...

Look Back: Drive-ins steal the show

In April of 1949, movie goers in Parkersburg had quite a choice of venues — the Hiehle, Burwell, Parker, the Smoot, Virginia, Strand or the Palace. Just a month later, on May 2, a new, unconventional option became available for movie-goers when the Belpre Open-Air Theater opened. Their ...

Housing: Politicians must address homelessness

It’s easy to take rising prices and the housing shortage lightly when it gets turned into a punchline on social media, but increasing financial and quality-of-life challenges are hitting West Virginians hard. One way in which the challenges are visible is the increase in homelessness here. ...