Lede News

From the time we are children, we are taught to play nice in the sandbox. Share your toys. Take turns. Be kind. Avoid conflict. Those are valuable lessons that help children learn to function in groups and build friendships. When I was a sophomore in high school, I discovered Robert Fulghum’s book, “Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. Those words resonated with me. Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Nap. Nowadays, however, those same lessons can sometimes be taken to an extreme. Modern society increasingly rewards agreement and seems to discourage disagreement. Community leaders, elected officials, business people, nonprofits, and even everyday citizens often feel pressure to avoid conflict at all costs. Nobody wants to be labeled difficult, divisive, or controversial. As a result, many important conversations never happen. The question is worth asking: Is our “play nice in the sandbox” culture actually good for our communities? I think the answer is yes and no. Stick with me. Communities obviously benefit from civility. Respect matters. Listening matters. Treating others with dignity matters. It is all important. No community can thrive if every discussion turns into a shouting match. We see enough of that on television and social media. Good grief, don’t believe me? Post a dissenting position on someone’s social media. If you are really brave, try a news page. People become entrenched in their positions, refuse to listen, and view anyone with a different opinion as an enemy rather than a neighbor. Healthy communities require cooperation. Economic development projects, charitable initiatives, public safety efforts, and infrastructure improvements often depend upon people with different views finding ways to work together. Progress rarely occurs if everyone is fighting. At the same time, communities also suffer when everyone becomes so focused on getting along that nobody is willing to challenge ideas, ask difficult questions, or point out problems. History shows that meaningful progress often begins with disagreement. Every major improvement in society started because someone questioned the status quo. Someone challenged conventional thinking. Someone was willing to stand apart from the crowd and say, “There may be a better way.” Communities need people who ask hard questions. There is nothing wrong with asking if taxpayer money being spent wisely? Are public officials being transparent? Are businesses receiving fair treatment? Are schools meeting the needs of students and the community? Are nonprofit organizations addressing the right priorities? These questions are not signs of division. They are signs of engagement. Unfortunately, our desire to maintain harmony sometimes creates an environment where questioning decisions can be viewed as criticism rather than participation. Individuals who raise concerns may be viewed as troublemakers. I know I have been a time or two (or 10). Citizens may choose to remain silent rather than risk upsetting friends, colleagues, or community leaders. That silence can be costly. When nobody is willing to challenge assumptions, mistakes go uncorrected. Weak ideas survive because nobody wants to create discomfort. Decisions become concentrated among a small group of people while others simply nod in agreement. Communities become stronger when diverse viewpoints are welcomed. That does not mean every disagreement should become a battle. It means people should feel comfortable expressing different opinions without fear of personal attacks or social isolation. The most successful organizations often embrace what has been called constructive feedback. Team members should be encouraged to challenge ideas while respecting one another. Better solutions emerge because people bring different experiences and perspectives to the table. The same principle applies to communities. Imagine a council meeting where every member votes the same way on every issue. At first glance, that might appear efficient. In reality, it may indicate that important questions are not being asked. Imagine a nonprofit where every proposal receives unanimous support without board discussion. That may feel harmonious, but it could also mean opportunities for improvement are being missed. Imagine a community where residents never speak up about concerns because they fear being criticized. Such a community may appear peaceful on the surface while underlying problems continue to grow. The goal should not be conflict for the sake of conflict. The goal should be honest dialogue. Respectful disagreement often produces better outcomes than superficial agreement. I spent many days disagreeing with friends and colleagues on the House floor. But the Body had rules and decorum. When the session was over, there were (often) no hard feelings, and we went back to being friends and colleagues. Many of us can think of people we respect even though we disagree with them on important issues. Those relationships remind us that disagreement does not have to destroy relationships. In fact, it can strengthen it. Strong communities are not built because everyone thinks alike. They are built because people care enough to engage with one another despite their differences. Perhaps the real lesson from the sandbox is not simply to play nice. Perhaps the lesson is to play fair. Playing fair means listening before responding. Playing fair means respecting the person even when disagreeing with the opinion. Playing fair means recognizing that no individual or organization has a monopoly on good ideas. Communities flourish when kindness and candor exist together. Too much conflict creates division. Too much avoidance creates stagnation. The challenge for modern communities is finding the balance between the two. We should absolutely treat one another with respect. We should absolutely seek common ground whenever possible. We should absolutely work together toward shared goals. At the same time, we should not be afraid to ask tough questions, challenge assumptions, and engage in thoughtful debate. A healthy community is not one where everyone always agrees. A healthy community is one where people can disagree with their neighbors and continue working together for the common good. That may be the most important sandbox lesson of all. Read the full article

U.S. Attorney Harvey presented the award during the annual West Virginia Association of Counties dinner at Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey has presented Ohio County Circuit Clerk Brenda Miller with the “Distinguished Service Award” in recognition of her decades of dedication to Ohio County and the State of West Virginia. “Brenda has dedicated her career to public service and has given much of her time and talents to the judicial system as Ohio County Circuit Clerk,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “I am honored to present her this award, and I am grateful to call her a colleague and a friend.” Miller will retire later this year after 28 years as Circuit Clerk. Throughout her tenure, she has earned a reputation for leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to strengthening the administration of justice in West Virginia. She has served on numerous statewide committees, including the State Elections Committee and the Legislative Committee. The West Virginia Supreme Court has also appointed her to several key groups, such as the Circuit Court Liaison Committee—where she represents the nine Northern Panhandle counties—the Regional Fatality Review Board, where she has served for more than 15 years, and the Access to Justice Committee, where she is one of only two circuit clerks selected statewide. Miller also served as President of the West Virginia Association of Counties from 2015 to 2016, representing 444 county-elected officials, including circuit clerks, county clerks, assessors, prosecutors, sheriffs, and county commissioners. U.S. Attorney Harvey presented the award during the annual West Virginia Association of Counties dinner at Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge. Read the full article

For decades, West Virginia had one of the least fair legal systems in the country, and it showed. We also had one of the worst economies in the nation — ranking last in workforce participation year after year, a distinction we seemed unable to shed. Then things started to change. West Virginia Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse and like-minded organizations began focusing the public’s attention where it belonged: the courts. First came the state Supreme Court. Then voters ousted a liberal, personal injury lawyer-friendly Attorney General. Then our efforts turned to the Legislature. For the first time in 84 years, Republicans took control of the statehouse. And as a result of long-overdue legislative reforms, the economy started to move. The results were real. Dozens of legal reform bills passed in just a few short years. West Virginia was removed from the American Tort Reform Foundation's Judicial Hellholes list. These reforms enabled burdensome regulations to disappear and controlling government spending became a priority; combined with an improving economy, it produced the largest tax cut in West Virginia’s history. Then the progress came to a halt. Patrick Morrisey won a four-way primary for governor in May 2024. The conservative, pro-jobs Senate President was ousted by a wave of out-of-state special interest spending and replaced by a leadership team more focused on social issues than economic growth. The two legislative sessions that followed produced little progress on jobs or the economy. In fact, dozens of bills were introduced in the State Senate that would have created new causes of action or expanded civil liability — precisely the opposite direction West Virginia had fought so hard to travel. Then came the most consequential blow yet: the 2026 primary. Out-of-state special interests poured more than $4 million into a campaign against conservative, pro-jobs candidates, defending status quo incumbents with a relentless barrage of false, negative ads fixated on divisive social issues. Republican voters were turned off. Turnout cratered. This came on top of another Morrisey-driven decision — convincing the West Virginia Republican Party to close its primary to independent voters — which further suppressed participation and handed national Democratic enthusiasm an opening it did not earn. Democrats and Independents showed up and they voted together against the Republican-endorsed candidates in both State Supreme Court races and the Intermediate Appellate Court seat. The results were stunning: despite Republicans holding every federal office, every seat on the Board of Public Works, and commanding supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature, their endorsed candidates for the statewide court races were defeated. What this means for West Virginia families remains to be seen, and the full impact likely won’t become clear until decisions begin coming down this fall and into next year. What is clear, however, is that significant changes have occurred in a relatively short period of time. Policies and reforms that shaped West Virginia’s legal system over the past two decades are now being revisited as new legislative priorities and political dynamics emerge.   One thing is for sure — the price of the out-of-state special interests maneuvering to control the state Legislature will be paid by West Virginia families. Our state is already one of only four in the nation that has lost jobs over the past two years, even as the cost of living continues to climb. West Virginia cannot afford to go backward, but that is the direction the special interests who now hold so much influence over this state seem determined to take us. Read the full article

Stars, Stripes & Summer Traditions Celebrating Independence Day at Oglebay Park Resort is a cherished tradition for many families. Join us July 3–5 for Salute to Patriotism, presented by Community Bank and the Schenk Charitable Trust. This three-day celebration features patriotic traditions, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and spectacular fireworks. As part of Oglebay's America 250 Celebration, this special weekend honors our nation's past while creating new memories for future generations. Gather your family, celebrate the spirit of America, and experience three days of red, white, and blue fun surrounded by the beauty of Oglebay. Plan Your Weekend

Construction of St. Joseph’s Cancer Complex Beginning this Summer Construction instead of demolition. Growth rather than decline. New, not old. That’s what is expected in Center Wheeling once the $122 million WVU Cancer Institute St. Joseph Regional Cancer Complex is under construction later this year, and the hope is there will be a renewed vibe buzzing around new retail and housing once the center is completed in the late summer of 2028. That was truly the best-case scenario for the property when Wheeling’s City Council voted unanimously in June 2020 to take possession of the former campus of the Ohio Valley Medical Center. The deal with Medical Properties Trust (MPT) was instigated by Councilman Dave Palmer’s idea to renovate the former Ohio Valley Professional Center into the new headquarters for the police department, and after a couple of years of maintaining and marketing the other 770,000 square feet of space, the City finalized an agreement with WVU Health System. The OVMC campus went silent in late September 2019 when Alecto-West Virginia shuttered the facility after just two years of operation. “I believe the people of the Wheeling area are going to witness the resurrection of Center Wheeling, that’s for sure,” said Jessica Moore, associate vice president of Foundation and Community Relations for WVU Medicine. “And I believe it will also increase the crowds at Centre Market because those businesses were impacted in a big way when the hospital was shut down. We talked a lot about the jobs that were lost there, but there was a lot of loss at Centre Market, too. “The negative impact was massive,” she said. “So, we’re excited for the businesses that are there now, and for the ones that open because this development is on its way. Right now, we’re looking at an $88 million economic impact during the construction phase alone. “That's why we chose that campus for this facility. It’s going to continue to be a place of healing, and it will be an economic driver for downtown and the Center Market area.” The corner of 22nd and Chapline streets is cleared now, but in two years, the WVU cancer complex will continue the tradition of healthcare on the property. The Centre Market businesses inside – and surrounding – the city’s two market houses realized immediate revenue reductions once Alecto-West Virginia shuttered all aspects of the medical center, a decision that erased more than 700 jobs in late September 2019. “But once the construction starts later this summer, it’s very likely that construction workers will be picking up Coleman’s fish sandwiches for their families or running down after work to pick up dinner from one of the other restaurants,” Moore said. “And while they’re there, they might stop at a shop for food or beverages or something else. “The contractors will need items from Lowe’s and other businesses in that area, too,” she explained. “It’s those kinds of purchases that aren’t thought about very often, but it’s all going to add up during construction, that’s for sure.” The SMITHGROUP renderings reveal a new, four-story, 122,477-square-foot structure that will be constructed into the hillside with parking in the front and rear. Ready, Set … The two-year demolition of the campus began in October 2023, and crews completed site clearance late last year. A utility building in the northeast corner of the property was removed a few months ago, and the hillside’s void was filled and secured in April. In other words, the property is ready. “From a building standpoint, we’re about a month away from when people are finally going to see activity on the property. That’s going to be a beautiful thing because so many people have been waiting to see what’s going to follow the demolition of everything on that land,” Moore explained. “There are so many interesting parts of the construction, too, including a continuous pour to construct the ceiling and walls for the radiation oncology space in the building. “There are three treatment rooms, and the walls and ceilings will have a minimum of four-foot concrete shielding walls with an additional seven-to-eight-foot concrete shielding belt,” she explained. “It all has to be poured continuously so there are no joints or cracks in the shielding wall, so that will be an interesting beginning to this project.” The City of Wheeling and WVU Health System partnered to finance the demolition of the former medical facility. The SMITHGROUP renderings reveal a new four-story, 122,477-square-foot structure to be built into the hillside, with parking at the front and rear. The lot will feature plenty of landsculpting, a drive-up entrance, a balcony, and a bottom-level gathering area. “We are looking at seeing our first patients in the third quarter of 2028,” Moore revealed. “There are a lot of preparations taking place now that people may not be able to see, but residents will be seeing some movement on the property this month. The property has been silent for a little while because the crews were allowing the moved dirt to settle enough for the construction. “People saw a lot of dirt being moved around once the demolition was completed, and that’s because they were moving it to get the lot ready for the construction,” she said. “So, for the most part, the space is ready for the building’s construction, but there will be some other earthwork performed on the parking areas. There’s been a lot of permitting to get done for a project this size.” This roadway once took visitors to the center of the OVMC campus in Center Wheeling. A House of Healing For 129 years, this particular piece of property was a destination for those seeking help, and once the St. Joseph’s Cancer Complex begins operation in two years, that tradition will resume. The new center will welcome both local and regional patients, and many of the facility’s employees already are WVU Medicine employees, according to Moore. “On the complex is completed, we're looking at 150 full-time employees there in year one, and by year five, we'll probably add about 20 more employees,” she explained. “Now, several of those folks will be pulled from Wheeling Hospital's oncology department and Reynolds Memorial Hospital's oncology department, but that just means we're still putting 150 new people who haven't populated that space. This rendering was one of the first released by WVU Health System. “We're excited about the opportunity to help that community thrive again,” Moore added. “When I'm talking about this project from a Foundation standpoint, I talk about the other benefits that are going to be in that center because I feel this is also a very thoughtful project. One example of that is the fact that we're installing the windows that we were able to save from Mount de Chantal into the chapel.” The design is different than that of a hospital, and creating convenience was, well, on purpose. “There's so much that impacts healing,” Moore said. “Experiencing everything that goes into fighting back against cancer and then recovering from that fight is one thing, but when a patient experiences any kind of inconvenience during that battle, it’s very frustrating,” Moore said. “All of those kinds of aspects to receiving treatment were taken into account when this center was designed. “An example of that is the first-floor location of the treatment areas,” she said. “One of the things they appreciate most about this new facility is that our patients will be able to park easily and walk right into their appointments in radiation oncology on the ground floor. It’s those things that have been included with every aspect of this building’s design.” Read the full article

Ohio County, WV – A portion of US 40 (National Road), in Elm Grove, will be restricted to one lane, beginning on Friday, June 19, 2026, through mid-July, for street light replacements.  Traffic will be maintained by flaggers. Motorists are advised to slow down and expect slight delays. Inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances could change the project schedule. Read the full article

WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Water Department is aware of the taste and odor issues affecting our system due to an algae bloom in the Ohio River.  The department has taken steps to alleviate that issue by increasing the amount of well water, flushing the system and other treatment measures.  The water is tested in the system and at the treatment plant every day to ensure the safety of Wheeling water customers.  We understand that it is not ideal, but the water is safe to use and drink. Read the full article

We encourage both the media and the public to come out and experience artists painting live throughout Wheeling. Participating locations include Heritage Port, Centre Market, Oglebay, the Suspension Bridge, Mount Wood Overlook, and other scenic sites throughout the city. Artists may begin painting as early as 7:00 a.m. and will be working throughout the day. The completed artwork will be featured in an exhibition at the Wheeling Artisan Center Gallery from July 2 through August 31.

Giguere becomes the franchise’s second head coach as the Gargoyles prepare for their sophomore campaign.

GREENSBORO, NC – The Greensboro Gargoyles, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and the AHL's Chicago Wolves, announced today that Mitch Giguere has been named the franchise's second Head Coach. Giguere joins the Gargoyles after spending the past three seasons as Assistant Coach of the Wheeling Nailers, where he established a reputation for driving success. A native of Montréal, Québec, Giguere brings nearly two decades of coaching experience spanning junior, international, and professional hockey. “We are excited to welcome Mitch and his family to the Gargoyles, and we thank the Wheeling Nailers for allowing us the opportunity to speak with him,” said Zawyer Sports & Entertainment Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Ernst. “Mitch's work over the last three seasons in Wheeling helping to build, recruit, develop, and win, combined with his detailed preparation, strong communication skills, and commitment to being an active part of the community, set him apart throughout the interview process. We look forward to seeing those same qualities make an impact with the Gargoyles, and we are excited to welcome Mitch, Audrey, and their four children as part of the Greensboro community.” Giguere, 40, began his coaching journey in 2008 and has since built a deep resume across roles as a coach, general manager, scout, consultant, and player development specialist while gaining experience in prestigious leagues including the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Québec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), and Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). During the 2021-22 season, Giguere guided Longueuil Collège-Français to the Napa Cup championship as champions of the QMJHL. He was also a member of the 2022-23 KHL Kharlamov Cup Champion Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, then led the University of Montréal to a fourth place finish in the nation. Giguere later joined the Wheeling Nailers in 2023, helping mentor a young roster to 2025-26 North Division Regular Season and Playoff Titles. “I have great excitement to rejuvenate the culture of Greensboro Hockey. I have spoken with former Monarchs and am ready to make the Gargoyles a team fans come to the rink and identify themselves with and players are proud to represent on and off the ice,” said Giguere. “I look forward to building a space where players want to be coached and feel they are trusted and believed in. Coming from a big family, with four kids and a wife, we want to build one big family between the players, coaches, and fans. There is a strong core here, now we focus on adding the next pieces.” Widely regarded for his work in player development, Giguere has coached and mentored numerous players who have advanced to the National Hockey League and American Hockey League levels. His developmental résumé includes work with current NHL players and prospects, with over 40 professional contracts signed in North America and Europe. Notable names include NHL 1st Round Draft Picks Peyton Krebs, Matthew Savoie, Connor Geekie, Owen Pickering, NHL 4th Round Draft Pick Daimon Gardner, NHL 6th Round Draft Pick Josh Filmon, 2022 Team USA Olympians Andy Miele and Kenny Agostino, and Chris Wideman, among others. Giguere becomes the franchise’s second head coach as the Gargoyles prepare for their sophomore campaign. Read the full article

The Wheeling Miners ask fans throughout the Valley to join us in welcoming Austin Nestor to the team as he begins the next chapter of his athletic career right here at home.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore presented a $2,000,000 check to the City of Wheeling for the federal funding to complete Northern Parkway Project today. The Northern Parkway Project is a critical infrastructure investment Rep. Moore secured through his work on the House Appropriations Committee in Fiscal Year 2026. The funding will allow for the complete reconstruction of an essential connector route between Main Street and several residential neighborhoods. The roadway serves families, school buses, emergency vehicles, and local commuters every day, making it a vital transportation corridor for the community. Years of deterioration have threatened the safety and reliability of the route, creating challenges for residents and first responders alike. The project will restore dependable access, improve mobility, and strengthen public safety for Wheeling families. Congressman Moore secured the funding as part of the Community Project Funding process to address one of the city's most pressing infrastructure needs. Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement: “An investment in critical infrastructure projects is an investment in the safety and the future of our communities. The Northern Parkway is an essential route that thousands of Northern Panhandle residents rely on every day, from parents taking their children to school to emergency personnel responding to urgent service calls. As this corridor continued to deteriorate, it became clear that major investment was necessary. I was proud to secure $2 million through the House Appropriations Committee to help rebuild this roadway, improve public safety, and ensure the people of Wheeling have reliable transportation infrastructure for years to come.” The reconstruction of the Northern Parkway will enhance connectivity between Main Street and surrounding neighborhoods while ensuring residents, businesses, and emergency services have safe and dependable access throughout the city. Please direct all media inquiries to Lauren Ridinger ([email protected]).  Follow Congressman Moore on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, and sign up for his newsletter here. Read the full article

WHEELING, W.Va. — The Wheeling Miners are proud to announce the signing of local standout kicker Austin Nestor following an impressive performance at the team’s recent tryout. A Wheeling native and 2022 graduate of Wheeling Central Catholic High School, Nestor has built an impressive athletic resume while establishing himself as one of the Ohio Valley’s most accomplished multi-sport athletes. Currently a student in the Pharmacy program at West Virginia University, Nestor excelled on the soccer pitch during his time with the Maroon Knights. He was a three-time OVAC All-Valley Soccer Team selection from 2019 through 2021 and earned OVAC Class 1A-3A Player of the Year honors in 2020. During that standout season, Nestor scored 24 goals and added 14 assists while helping lead Wheeling Central to its third consecutive sectional championship. He was later named First Team All-State and served as captain of the prestigious All-Valley Team. While soccer may have been his primary sport, Nestor’s athletic versatility was on full display throughout high school. In addition to soccer, he also competed in hockey, lacrosse, and track and field, demonstrating the work ethic and competitive drive that made him one of the area’s most respected student-athletes. Now, that athletic journey brings him to the professional football field. Following a successful tryout, Nestor earned the opportunity to join the Wheeling Miners and will bring his leg strength, accuracy, and hometown pride to the organization. “We’re always excited when we have the opportunity to add local talent to our roster,” said Chris Cipriani, GM of the Wheeling Miners. “Austin has proven himself as a competitor throughout his athletic career, and we’re thrilled to give a hardworking Ohio Valley athlete the chance to represent his hometown on the professional stage.” For Nestor, the opportunity carries special meaning. After years of competing throughout the Ohio Valley, he now has the chance to wear the Miners uniform and play in front of family, friends, former coaches, classmates, and the community that helped shape him. The Wheeling Miners ask fans throughout the Valley to join us in welcoming Austin Nestor to the team as he begins the next chapter of his athletic career right here at home. Read the full article

“I’m going to miss what I do, but I’m going to look forward to spending time with my grandsons and my husband and my kids,” she said. “I’m going to travel too.”

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There was a storm warning that came across our phones, and it mentioned something about flash flooding as it had before. And then it rained, hard in most areas of Ohio County, but then it stopped, and all was good. At least that’s what most believed. But what was happening in Valley Grove, Triadelphia, and Elm Grove was writing a much different, tragic, deadly story as many residents were forced to cling to what kept them from being swept away in what’s been described as white-capped water that claimed most of what was in its path. Everything from storage containers to backyard swing sets was consumed, and nine individuals – from 3 to 83 – lost their lives. Thousands of pounds of debris were cleared from the affected communities in Ohio County, and it was gradually hauled away over the weeks following the fatal flooding. Now, one year later, some wish to remember, and some, understandably, want to be left alone. As many as 500 folks attended the unveilings and dedications of the memorials yesterday at the Triadelphia United Methodist Church, and now the names of the victims will be remembered by all who visit. Michael Bokanovich, Michael and Connie Veronis, Lisa McMasters, Jesse Pearson, Kyleigh and Parker Shotton, Travis Creighton, and Sandra Parsons. But anyone who pumped out of their basements, or shoveled muck, ripped out walls, found a porch chair a mile down the road, and continues to battle back today needs to be honored as well. Sure, FEMA and the SBA finally arrived and were able to assist those who suffered material loss, but nothing can replace the photos, the diplomas, the birthday cards, the jewelry, the wedding dresses, or the first-step booties. More than 100 automobiles were destroyed by the flash flooding that took place one year ago this weekend. They know that now, and so should we. While several residents were permanently displaced and others have refused to return and rebuild, many residents who were directly affected have been forced to bend with nature, to live without answers, and to endure one “worst day” after another “worst day.” There are forever triggers, too; things as simple as a thunderstorm, the smell of dried mud, the sight of a crumpled car, and even the sound of a weather alert on our cell phones, and only time has the chance to heal those invisible wounds. Anyone traveling U.S. Route 40 through Triadelphia and Valley Grove these days can see the scars, the water marks, the empty lots, and the new construction, but what they don’t learn on those drives concerns the current residents, their communities, and their collective resolve to rise above and resurrect. Those will be the next stories to tell.   Read the full article