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Raising of property tax raises his ire

To the editor: We just received our property tax statement and I now see why there is a movement to get the property taxes issue on the November ballot. The raising of any taxes should not be left up to any one persons. It should be up to the voters. If the state needs more money, put an issue on the ballot and not just raise the property taxes. I have heard about elderly people in the northern part of the state not having enough money to pay for the property taxes and the commissioners telling them they will have to find another place to live. Work your whole life, get your house ...

Will the U.S.-assisted Iranian protests bring regime change?

Protests in Iran are growing against the despotic regime, and President Trump declared American solidarity with the protesters. “If Iran shots (sic) and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, “the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go.” The words lacked diplomatic subtlety, but the mullahs in Tehran got the message. Top Iranian officials issued frantic statements in response, and the press now has reason to pay more attention to the protests. But Iran’s security ...

MLK’s dream should be a dream for all Americans

During recent years, it has become clear race remains an important point of separation for many in our country. Sadly, that has been a reality for years and years in our nation. But there are thousands and thousands of Americans securely joined by a love for country and a love for fellow man — regardless of race or creed. With the official celebration Monday of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, many Americans will be involved in activities emphasizing our commitment to supporting anti-racism. Dr. King was born Jan. 15, 1929 and died April 4, 1968 — an ...

Finding timely mental health care is challenging for many

With increasing talk about a growing sense of anxiety and fragile mental wellbeing, it makes sense that some Ohioans are seeking needed mental health care. For most of them, finding timely care is a challenge. Health Policy Institute of Ohio says 75 of the state’s 88 counties are mental health shortage areas, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal. “We also did some focus groups with parents and caregivers of children needing mental health services and just asked about their experiences and some of them talked about wait lists two years long to get into a certain ...

Can the U.S. solve its electricity crisis?

As America moves into 2026, consumers are looking for relief from an ongoing “affordability crisis.” While prices for some key items have mercifully held steady—or even come down—other costs such as rent, dining out, and hospital visits continue to climb unabated. U.S. electricity—the one sector that affects all consumer industries in some way—is also racing upward. America’s electricity costs have jumped 32% in just the past five years. That’s a major problem for our new digital economy. Why are electricity prices rising so rapidly? Soaring power demand—particularly ...

Communities keep momentum in fight against addiction

As we begin 2026, I am filled with optimism for the progress Ohio is making in the fight against addiction. Across our state, communities are working together to save lives, support families, and restore hope. This year, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to build on that momentum. This past year marked a turning point for the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, the nonprofit organization created by our state’s leaders to manage and invest 55 percent of the funds received from the national opioid settlements. Through its first cycle of regional grants, the Foundation awarded ...