From Charleston Gazette-Mail: Unsurprisingly, a study published this week from Johns Hopkins University has found that shutting down the syringe exchange program operated by the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department has increased the risk of the spread of diseases like hepatitis and HIV and will likely lead to more drug overdose deaths.[Read More…]
Opinion
The Editorial category is a roundup of links to editorials and columns from West Virginia newspapers.
Opinion: Tariffs harmful to Appalachian hardwood industry
Dear Editor: Retaliatory tariffs from China have been a buzz saw through Appalachian hardwood businesses and the families that own and operate them. The hardwood industry provides an estimated $60 billion economic impact in the 12-state region but that will change this year because of trade with China. Exports make[Read More…]
Education: Another bitter West Virginia legislative battle will not be helpful
From The Parkersburg News and Sentinel: Many West Virginians have been anticipating a special legislative session on public schools for weeks, since the collapse in early March of efforts to enact an “omnibus education bill.” Now, lawmakers are scheduled to go back to Charleston for a special session beginning Monday. Education may[Read More…]
Editorial: Next generation may be best chance of reviving downtowns in West Virginia
From The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, W.Va.: For decades, the building at the corner of Louisa Road and 26th Street in downtown Catlettsburg, Ky., stood out for its appearance and its architecture. Its dark gray color contrasted with that of other buildings in the area, and its turret recalled a time[Read More…]
Editorial: The cost of a West Virginian’s life
From the Times West Virginian of Fairmont: What is the monetary value of the life of a West Virginian? Our attorney general seems to know. Earlier this month, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s office settled an opioid-related case against McKesson Corp. for $37 million. While it’s hard to turn one’s nose[Read More…]
Editorial: What federal investigations of Governor Justice say about West Virginia
From the Register-Herald of Beckley: Gov. Jim Justice is developing a track record in public governance and personal finance management that does not give West Virginia or his business acumen a good look. Put another way, our governor, as our representative on a national stage, is regarded as a reflection[Read More…]
Editorial: Drug abuse prevention, education key for West Virginia
From The Journal of Martinsburg: Some children are already using drugs at the age of 12 or 13, according to studies like the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. These kids, researchers estimate, are likely using even earlier. If abuse continues into later adolescence, abusers typically advance into other[Read More…]
Editorial: When it comes to education reform in West Virginia, shareholders need to do some more homework
From The Exponent Telegram of Clarksburg: If all had gone as originally planned, West Virginia lawmakers were supposed to convene in a special session on Monday to continue efforts to “reform” public education. Gov. Jim Justice and legislative leaders had designed the plan to save on costs, since lawmakers were[Read More…]
Editorial: Ensure West Virginia children can be educated
From The Intelligencer of Wheeling: Public schools are supposed to focus on teaching children, not filling gaps in nutrition, health care and mental wellness services. Yet in part because those lapses become evident in classrooms — and affect students’ abilities to learn — educators have had to do something about[Read More…]
Editorial: Huntington, W.Va., user fee is a necessary nuisance
From The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington: Every so often, the debate over the amount and use of the Huntington city user fee flares up. It happened again a couple of weeks ago. It started when WSAZ-TV Newschannel 3 aired a sweeps-month report raising questions about whether the money collected from the[Read More…]
