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Difference between consuming news and being influenced by it

Editorial

During an age in which a universe of information is at most people’s fingertips, it is no surprise to learn some are changing their approach to how they consume what they consider to be news. In fact, Pew Research Center analysts, with funding from the Knight Foundation, reported last week a study showing approximately 20% of Americans say they regularly get what they consider to be news from digital influencers — most of whom (85%) are found on Elon Musk’s social media platform X. Only a slightly higher number of those who responded said they were Republicans than Democrats. This ...

Replacing Vance will be challenging for DeWine

Editorial

“Being a United States senator is a big deal,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said earlier this month. “It’s a big deal for the state, and we need to get it right.” Given circumstances in Ohio and the U.S. right now, “big deal” might be an understatement as DeWine is tasked with finding a replacement to fill JD Vance’s U.S. Senate seat. Many who seem like easy options to consider are not really candidates. Vivek Ramaswamy has given other work to do, for the Trump administration. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and state Attorney General Dave Yost are likely to face each other in their bids ...

Be an angel and help with Christmas giving

Editorial

Across our communities, some businesses and retail establishments have chosen to host Salvation Army Angel Trees this season. They are tangible reminders that each tag hanging from a branch is a child who, without you, might not have as merry and bright a Christmas morning this year. But with your help, so much is possible. Each tag is a child whose parents aren’t in a position to ask Santa to fulfill a wish list so long the gifts under the tree spill over into the next room. But just maybe, with you acting as a go-between, there will be a few new toys, clothing, shoes, books, games ...

Columbus Neo-Nazi march was repugnant

Editorial

Letter writers to The Columbus Dispatch were spot on earlier this week with a response to a neo-Nazi march in the Short North neighborhood of our state’s capital on Nov. 16. “The variety of people living and enjoying themselves in each other’s company in this neighborhood must feel to them like a constant repudiation of their goals and fantasies. Let’s keep it up,” wrote Justin D’Arms and Joanne Goldhand in a letter the Dispatch published Tuesday. Other city and state officials rightly jumped to denounce the tiny gathering of those so covered in clothing and masks it was ...

Smokeout is a great time to ‘clear the air’

Editorial

Today is a good day to clear the air, so to speak. It’s the annual Great American Smokeout — marked on the third Thursday in November — when smokers, hopefully, will make the commitment to stop smoking for the day. The goal is to convince smokers that if they can quit for 24 hours, they can quit for good. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with Day 1, literature from the American Cancer Society reminds. It’s a great first step to stopping an extremely bad habit that could lead to dire consequences. Like with most efforts, there is good news and bad news to ...

Supporting each other: Preventing suicide and healing together

Local Columns

As the coordinator of the Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition, I want to take a moment to reflect on the challenges our county has been facing. Recently, we’ve seen a rise in suicides, and with the holiday season fast approaching, I feel it’s crucial to address how we can support one another. The holiday season is often associated with warmth, joy, and togetherness, but for many, it can also be a time of deep sadness, isolation, and heightened stress. The pressures of the holidays can amplify these feelings, making it an especially difficult time for those who are ...