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When did the other party become biggest enemy?

Just after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a New York Times/Siena poll found that Americans believe polarization is the second most serious challenge facing the nation. (The economy came in first.) As recently as one year ago, fewer than 1% of registered voters cited polarization as a national problem; this year, 13% said it was the most important problem facing the nation. Additionally, strong majorities agree that “America’s political system ... is too politically divided to solve its problems.” Not only do Americans believe we’re bitterly polarized; they worry that ...

Inside the politics of the shutdown, Obamacare, crime and deportations

One more time: There is no such thing as free lunch. Government has no money. It acquires the money used to pay for things one of three ways: Taxing, borrowing or printing. Democrat senators, with three exceptions, voted against keeping the federal government fully running because they want to add back spending reduced under the so-called Big Beautiful Bill; they want to spend even more; and they want to extend the expiring Obamacare subsidies. At a 2020 Democratic presidential candidates’ debate, the moderator said, “Raise your hand if your government (health care) plan would ...

It’s fall, y’all — time to prepare for what’s next

It’s time to batten down the hatches, apparently. There’s a crisp chill in the air these days, especially after the sun goes down. Leaves are changes colors and falling to the ground. Geese are honking loudly as they pass by overhead, making their way south for the winter. All these signs of fall seem to have inspired my husband, Mike. He has been “nesting” — for lack of a better term — over the past week or so. On his day off earlier this week, I arrived home from work to discover that he had been hard at work preparing our home for colder temperatures. Windows had ...

Passion is fine for relationships, NOT governing

This week a group from our church took a day trip to the Greenbrier Resort to see fall colors. We planned months ago to leave Charleston at 8:30 AM on Amtrak riding to White Sulphur Springs arriving at noon and have lunch. Each person or couple could choose whatever they wanted to do like: Visit shops. Walk around the grounds. Do the Bunker Tour or relax and read. We planned to catch Amtrak back leaving White Sulphur Springs at 5:05PM, returning to Charleston by 8:30 PM. Many in our group had not ridden a train for years and were looking forward to the train ride. At midnight on ...

Marking 20 years as a married couple the simple way

My husband, Mike, and I reached a milestone this past week. On Thursday, we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. It seems like just yesterday that we said our vows at The Barn — an event venue on the outskirts of Moundsville. However, a lot has changed in the intervening years. To mark the occasion Thursday, we considered taking a day trip and having a fancy dinner. We also thought about attending a concert we had been offered tickets to see. In the end, though, we just spent the day together, traveling around the area and making stops at some of our favorite spots. One way ...

Fall in love with Belmont County this autumn

October is when Belmont County really shines. The mornings turn crisp, the hillsides glow with color, and our calendars fill with experiences that remind us why we love calling this place home. We welcome visitors with small-town warmth and send them home with big memories — proof that tourism isn’t just about trips; it’s about community pride, thriving local businesses, and the stories we tell about who we are. This fall has been no exception. Barnesville’s signature event once again put our region on the map, showcasing giant pumpkins, packed sidewalks, and that ...