By Erin Baldwin, Community Engagement Specialist, West Virginia Virtual Academy A few years ago, online learning was almost always discussed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to virtual classrooms delivered a huge range of experiences and reactions as parents, teachers, and students adjusted to an unfamiliar[Read More…]
Opinion
The Editorial category is a roundup of links to editorials and columns from West Virginia newspapers.
OPINION: 5 Daily Habits That Can Transform Your School Year
By Erin Baldwin, community engagement specialist, West Virginia Virtual Academy The back-to-school season often brings a mix of emotions: excitement for a fresh start, relief at the return of routine, and sometimes, the overwhelm of all that needs to be done to prepare. It’s not uncommon for parents to approach[Read More…]
Bil Lepp: Spare Tucker County, bring data center here (Opinion)
By Bil Lepp, Charleston Gazette-Mail I knew a kid who was at a high-school dance. He built up his courage and asked a girl to dance. She ignored him. Said nothing. Didn’t even look. He stood there a moment. He knew she could hear. He’d seen her hear before. He[Read More…]
LETTER: Thanks, but no thanks – a better way for downtown
By Jeff Hynes, Charles Town Councilman CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — I want to congratulate the Jefferson County Commission on its recent purchase of its new buildings on Lawrence and North George Streets in beautiful Charles Town. The Commission has explained in numerous meetings, reports and presentations why it believes this[Read More…]
Taylor Kennedy: With NIL legalized, where does W.Va. prep sports go from here?
By Taylor Kennedy, Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Some high school coaches, especially veterans, have said they never expected to see the day prep athletes could profit off their name, image and likeness (NIL). That day has come. A policy was put in place in July allowing high school and[Read More…]
OP-ED: A once-in-a-generation opportunity for downtown Charles Town
By Pasha Majdi, Jefferson County Commission President, for the Spirit of Jefferson The City of Charles Town has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in its downtown, pick the right businesses in keeping with its “historically hip” vision, and make Charles Town a destination. How? By buying the County’s Washington Street[Read More…]
OPINION: How to Help Your Kids Stay Motivated This School Year
By Erin Baldwin, West Virginia Virtual Academy The start of the new school year brings many feelings for parents and students alike. Maybe it’s the excitement of seeing friends again, the nerves that come with a new teacher or classroom, or a mix of both. As parents, we want them[Read More…]
OPINION: The Pending Impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on West Virginia Hospitals
By Jim Kaufman, president and CEO, West Virginia Hospital Association President Trump enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) July 4, 2025, creating sweeping policy changes that will significantly affect West Virginia’s healthcare system. This legislation contains multiple healthcare provisions that will reshape Medicaid enrollment and funding across the[Read More…]
OPINION: Becoming an Organ Donor: A Life-Saving Choice for West Virginia
By Dr. Tom Takubo As West Virginians, we take pride in our sense of community—the willingness to lend a helping hand, to lift our neighbors in times of need. That spirit can shine brightest through one of the most profound gifts one person can offer: organ and tissue donation. That’s[Read More…]
OPINION: Medicaid Reforms are Serious, but Now is not the Time to Panic
By Rich Sutphin, executive director, Rural Health Association On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a sweeping package of tax cuts and spending reforms, became law. Among its most controversial measures is a drastic restructuring of Medicaid, a cornerstone of health security for over half a million West Virginians. The[Read More…]
