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Ohio and West Virginia not picking up pace in innovation

Editorial

Public officials in our region have said for years that one of their priorities is attracting and retaining new and exciting industries — and the kinds of individuals (and their families) who work for such companies. According to WalletHub’s “Most and Least Innovative States (2025),” neither Ohio nor West Virginia has picked up the pace on making that happen. In the list of most innovative states, Ohio ranks 42nd and West Virginia is 49th. Louisiana and Mississippi continue to cushion the Mountain State from hitting rock bottom. Ohio ranks 38th for both human capital and ...

Measles outbreak shows why vaccinations are so important

Editorial

Those wondering about the necessity of strong vaccine requirements should take a look at news out of Ashtabula County that this year’s first case of measles has been reported in Ohio. “The fact that we now have a measles case in Ohio adds emphasis to the importance of being fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the state health department. “This disease can be very serious, but it is preventable. I strongly encourage you to protect yourselves and your children by getting vaccinated.” The Ashtabula County case was an adult — and unvaccinated man who had ...

Education voucher system needs returned to its intended purpose

Editorial

As Ohio lawmakers consider expanding funding for education vouchers, it appears as though the programs may have veered off course from their original intended purpose. According to a report by WCMH, data from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce shows nearly 90% of the students enrolled in the state’s voucher program are NOT low-income qualified. When EdChoice was established, the whole idea was to broaden educational opportunities for low-income students who were not receiving the education they needed in struggling districts. Now, with the EdChoice Exp program, any ...

Editorial

When we talk about shortages of workers in certain fields in Ohio, the legal profession is not often mentioned. But according to Mary Amos Augsburger, CEO of the Ohio State Bar Association, there is an attorney shortage so severe here that it is jeopardizing legal rights. “While those accused of a crime have a constitutional right to counsel, the legal needs of Ohioans extend far beyond criminal defense, and people need lawyers to help them with adoptions, divorces, starting a business and protecting their property,” Augsburger told the Ohio House Finance Committee. “Without ...

Lawmakers, legalized marijuana and listening to voting majority

Editorial

One does not need to have voted in favor of the 2023 legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio to understand what lawmakers are now attempting is misguided at best. Both the state Senate and House of Representatives are working on bills that would significantly change the marijuana laws that allowed for the start of sales in August 2024. Back in November 2023, approximately 57% of those who voted in Ohio were in favor of a regulated adult recreational use marijuana market in the state. When Issue 2 passed, tax revenue from sales was to be divided: 36% to the cannabis social equity ...

Predators may be targeting your kids through technology

Editorial

Technology can make life easier and better in many ways. Think about it. You can order something today with the miniature computer in your pocket or purse and often have it delivered to your doorstep tomorrow. You can stay in contact with family and friends on several social-media platforms. Medical technology has advanced to the point where diseases or accidents that once left people dead or severely disabled can be successfully dealt with — sometimes with a minimal hospital stay or on an outpatient basis. But the downside of technology is something we often don’t like to ...