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Lincoln’s words remain powerful

The Civil War was far from over on Nov. 19, 1863, when the dedication ceremonies were held for the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg. Politicians and dignitaries had gathered in the small Pennsylvania town to remember the battle of July 1-3 of that year in which Union forces had defeated Confederate armies in what proved to be a major turning point in the war. The dedication came more than a month after the reburial of Union soldiers from their battlefield graves had started on Oct. 17. The featured presentation was supposed to be made by Edward Everett, a prominent ...

Education costs are disturbing

Though a well-trained, well-educated and skilled workforce is more important than ever, students seeking a higher education to prepare them for their careers are having a harder time being able to afford it. Many people still believe having a college degree will translate to higher earnings, but students are increasingly challenged to decide whether the expense of that education (or the long-term debt they may incur) is worth the risk. According to WalletHub, the Washington, D.C.-based personal financial website, the cost of attending a four-year public college has risen by an average ...

An easy way to check out new map

Given the degree to which so many in Washington, D.C., have shown us their reluctance to do their jobs — or remember for whom they work — lately, it is likely the 2026 elections will be a time for voters to take action. In Ohio, change is imminent, as redrawn congressional districts will mean upheaval for lawmakers and those heading to the polls. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is trying to get out ahead of any confusion by updating the office’s Find My District tool. The hope is voters will not be caught off guard just as they are looking to cast their ballots in the ...

Holiday spirit ready to shine

We’re solidly into November, and, while the weather has offered a few hints during the past week, the calendar reminds us that the spirit of the holiday season is ready to shine brightly in communities throughout the Tri-State Area. Area activities got underway Thursday in Weirton, when the annual North End Christmas Tree Lighting was held at the corner of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. That spirit will continue to shine in Weirton on Nov. 22, with the Christmas on Main Street event. Scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in front of the Millsop Community Center, it will ...

Dig deep and help friends, neighbors

Tri-State Area residents take pride in doing what we can to take care of one another. If there is a need, we try to meet it. Given that there are still so many struggling throughout the region, that need is not likely to lessen any time soon. It is fortunate, then, that according to WalletHub’s annual report on Most Charitable States, that our region has a couple of the highest-ranking states: Pennsylvania is ninth, according to the Washington, D.C.-based personal financial website, while Ohio is 16th. West Virginia ranks 44th. Pennsylvania ranks 12th for volunteering and ...

State Senate Bill 50 makes little sense

Gov. Mike DeWine has legislation on his desk that should not be difficult to reject. State Senate Bill 50 would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. during the school year. According to a report by the Cincinnati Enquirer, the law would require permission from a parent or legal guardian and a work permit from a school, but it would allow students (some of whom could be in the eighth grade, based on their age) to work 18 hours a week or three hours a day during the school year, and 40 hours a week when school is not in session. The most surface-level reason to reject the ...