The Cardinal's Nest

Leaving West Virginia I am West Virginian, born and bred. I was born 15 minutes down the road from where I would live in Logan County. My parents raised me in an unincorporated community outside a very small town in a river valley. Apparently, they took me to… Read More

Here at the Cardinal Institute, we’re devoted to prosperity for West Virginia. However, it’s hard for anyone to prosper when they are attempting to cope with anxiety, depression, and addiction. To start a business or have a successful career, one must have a sound mind. The good news is that… Read More

So Long, Farewell Nostalgia. Gratitude. And a tinge of bittersweet sorrow. It is the only way to describe the complex storm of emotions I currently hold onto. At the end of the month, I will bid farewell to the organization that has been my home, my sanctuary, and source of… Read More

Research About Certificate of Need Regulations Grows At the beginning of June, I had the opportunity to spend two days in Morgantown with a collection of scholars. They came from around the country, but all had ties to West Virginia. We spent that time learning about, providing feedback to new… Read More

What a State Celebrates Matters Show me what a state celebrates, and I will show you what a state values. For now, one would have to assume that revenue is the “highest good” for the state’s political leadership. On one level, this is understandable, but it’s important to recognize… Read More

West Virginia Has Some of the Worst Barriers to Work in the United States A new report from the Archbridge Institute has revealed just how difficult big government makes working in the Mountain State. In terms of occupational licensing burden, West Virginia clocks in at… Read More

West Virginia Should Become a Top State for Remote Workers In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, remote work is here to stay. In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 35% of men and 42% of women are working from home – either some or all days per… Read More

School Choice Helps Children Achieve Their American Dream Every child should have access to a quality education. Education is the bedrock of a prosperous society, equipping future generations with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Thus, it is essential that we provide each student wi… Read More

Wonderful Policy Changes to Celebrate in West Virginia On Tuesday, June 20th, our beloved West Virginia celebrates 160 years of statehood. While this year’s celebration may lack the same pomp and circumstance of 2013’s sesquicentennial, there’s plenty over the last 10 years to be excited about. &nbs… Read More

Mother’s Day is a West Virginia Invention From time to time, we have the opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions of West Virginians on this blog. Did you know that Mother’s Day first began in West Virginia? The Mountain State was the first in America to formally recognize a… Read More