Metronews Commentary Archives


YesterdayMay 21, 2025

Noem’s Gaffe on Habeas Corpus a Problem

Gaffes are unfortunate. They embarrass. They make one cringe – whether from committing them or simply witnessing them. Sympathy and empathy are appropriate responses to those who err. But sometimes, gaffes expose something deeper, something that needs fixing. That’s the case with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who on Tuesday offered an incorrect explanation of

TuesdayMay 20, 2025

Am I wrong?

“Am I wrong?” It’s a question I ask myself more and more since I took over the co-hosting duties of Metronews Talkline a few months ago. Each day, as I prepare to discuss topics and interview guests, I sift through information on various subjects and often encounter something I was not aware of.  The exercise

MondayMay 19, 2025

President Trump Takes on Walmart

President Trump has picked a fight with Sam Walton’s company. He likely will not win. He may not care if he does or doesn’t, if he gets a deal done soon. On Saturday, he took to social media with this message. “Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout

FridayMay 16, 2025

West Virginia Supreme Court Refuses to Play Ball

The West Virginia Supreme Court’s refusal this week to answer a certified question from the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, concerning the role of prescription drug sales in the state’s opioid epidemic, is like the kid in right field who doesn’t want the ball hit to him. Nervous, perhaps scared of dropping the ball,

WednesdayMay 14, 2025

Ohio County board may be first through the wall

“The first guy through the wall, he always gets bloody—always.” This memorable line from the film Moneyball, delivered to Oakland Athletics General Manager Billy Beane by Boston Red Sox owner John Henry, underscores a universal truth: challengers to power or the status quo often bear heavy criticism. The Ohio County Board of Education’s recent decision

MondayMay 12, 2025

Mr. Wilson was Right

Making a data-driven argument is usually the aim of this commentary. Not today. Today is a reflection – subjective and entirely personal. Your indulgence is appreciated. Each weekday morning around 8 a.m., the MetroNews team gathers to shape that day’s edition of Talkline. Hosts, reporters, producers, and content creators sit down to sift through a

FridayMay 9, 2025

Sunday is Mother’s Day

Let me be among the first to extend warm wishes to all mothers across the great state as we pause to honor and celebrate motherhood. Grafton native Anna Jarvis is widely recognized as the founder of Mother’s Day. But her mother, Ann Jarvis, played an essential and often overlooked role. According to the National Park

WednesdayMay 7, 2025

Paying illegals to leave makes sense

Offering illegals money to self deport is not wrong; on the contrary, it’s a good idea. A “business president,” a dealmaker taking this course should not come as a surprise to the country. Perhaps more surprising to Americans? The fact nobody tried it until now. Think about it. President Trump is offering those here illegally

TuesdayMay 6, 2025

NCAA on collision course with politics

During the first 100 days of his second term, President Trump pushed the authority of the executive branch by issuing hundreds of executive orders on a wide range of issues. Now, the president is contemplating an executive order to reign in the wild world of Name, Image, and Likeness in college athletics. Trump spoke with

FridayMay 2, 2025

Tariffs are about to get real

Put aside the questions of whether tariffs are sound policy or if trade imbalances are good or bad. It appears we have moved past that debate, unfortunately. After all, tariffs are taxes and restrict economic activity, not promote more of it. Refocus on what happens next. As President Trump pushes forward with his tariff strategy,

WednesdayApril 30, 2025

PEIA’s yesterdays are long gone

The golden days of PEIA — when a generous state benefit helped offset lower-than-market wages — are behind us. That era isn’t coming back, at least not based on today’s economic realities. That’s regrettable. Still, it’s time to stop longing for what was and start facing what is. The numbers illustrate the challenge. According to

TuesdayApril 29, 2025

Homelessness was once nearly solved in Morgantown

Morgantown voters go to the polls Tuesday to decided a referendum on the city's camping ban.

MondayApril 28, 2025

Trump is right to collect on student loans again

Student loan debt is crippling. The weight of these obligations feels inescapable, and the lost opportunity cost of dollars that could be otherwise invested is staggering. It’s a significant problem. Consider these numbers: Approximately 42.7 million Americans currently have outstanding student loans. The average debt per borrower is $38,375. Undergraduate borrowers owe an average of

FridayApril 25, 2025

Age Caps on Federal Offices?

Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois is calling it quits. The longtime Democrat announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election to the United States Senate. First elected to the U.S. House in 1983, Durbin—now 80—will retire in January 2027, capping a 30-year Senate career. “The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy,”

WednesdayApril 23, 2025

President Trump Faces a Question, ‘Is Hegseth Worth It?’

Politicians talk a good game, often loudly and at length. It’s part of the show. But behind closed doors, they get down to brass tacks. Donald Trump is likely no exception. Now, as questions swirl around Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump faces a simple but crucial question: Is Hegseth worth it? Let’s take a closer

TuesdayApril 22, 2025

Legislature needs to refocus mission

COMMENTARY After spending more than a week contemplating the completed 60-day legislative session, trying to grade the session is an exercise in futility.  Everyone can put their political spin on the session to make the case that it was a roaring success or an unmitigated disaster. What should be obvious is that the session lacked

MondayApril 21, 2025

Riley Moore’s Photo – Offense, Reaction, and Civic Responsibility

Many West Virginians are angry with Congressman Riley Moore over his now-viral “thumbs up” selfie while touring the CECOT prison facility in El Salvador. Others, however, are praising the photo and appreciate that he shared it for all to see. Moore appeared on MetroNews Talkline Friday to explain, saying: “Look, I’m giving an affirmative gesture