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Tim Ryan could wield big impact on governor’s race

Local Columns

Though Democrat Tim Ryan has not pulled the trigger on a gubernatorial bid, all signs point to the former 20-year Mahoning Valley congressman running for the seat. The announcement could come this week or Ryan could wait until early December. Feb. 4, 2026, is the filing deadline for the May 5 primary. During a recent text exchange, Dennis Willard, Ryan’s spokesman, wrote: “He has not made a decision. He has asked his team to prepare to launch a campaign.” In my response to asking if Ryan is getting close to a decision, Willard wrote: “The fact that he has asked us to prepare ...

RR deal would be a boon to Ohio’s economy

Letters To The Editor

To the editor: A recent op-ed by Steve Stivers in support of the proposed Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) deal captures what’s truly at stake for Ohio’s economic future. As a former councilman in Wellsville, I’ve seen firsthand how strong infrastructure fuels the success of small towns and the industries that sustain them. This merger is a once-in-a-generation opportunity Ohio can’t afford to miss. For communities like ours in Columbiana County, railroads are more than just tracks and trains — they’re economic lifelines powering local manufacturing, ...

Redrawn congressional districts creates upheaval

Editorial

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 now. The hope is voters will not be caught off guard just as they are looking to cast their ballots in the ...

Salvation Army ringing in the season of giving

Editorial

If you have been arguing with members of your household about whether the time is right for putting up Christmas decorations (ahead of Thanksgiving), perhaps try mentioning that the bells are already ringing or soon will be at retail establishments that host Salvation Army red kettles. The season has begun. It’s hard to ignore the feeling that comes with hearing that familiar jingle as you go about your shopping and running errands. It’s harder to stay grumpy about whether it is too early for a certain Christmas song to become omnipresent or your neighbor’s roofline-high ...

Shutdown leaves Ohio’s kids behind

Editorial

Hunger isn’t the only worry for Ohio’s youngest residents affected by the federal government shutdown. Those who attend Head Start preschool and Early Head Start programs could soon see another disruption. Beginning with the lapse in grant funding Nov. 1, 140 programs across the country were affected, according to the Ohio Capital Journal. Seven programs in Ohio were affected — those in Scioto and Highland counties have already had to shut down. Last year, there were 59 total Head Start programs in the Buckeye State, with more than 33,000 children enrolled. Of those served, 1,741 ...

DeWine should promptly reject State Senate Bill 50

Editorial

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 bill ...