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Sen. Brown’s proposal good but still needs some work

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s heart is in the right place as he introduced the Countering Adversary Reconnaissance Act of 2024, even if the details need a little work. The measure’s aim is to “protect U.S. national security facilities, critical infrastructure and American citizens by prohibiting connected vehicles produced in China and other adversaries near U.S. military bases and other federal installations.” Brown, D-Ohio, asserts the information and communications technology in internet-connected vehicles can collect sensitive information that poses a security risk. “Chinese ...

Ohio Arts Council provides $22.7M to artists, programs

Schools and communities that value and support the arts and arts education understand such things are not a luxury. The arts are essential. Fortunately, it appears state officials and lawmakers understand that, too. This year, the Ohio Arts Council has been supported to the degree that it was able to approve a record $22.7 million in arts grants — 935 of them to statewide artists and arts organizations. It is the largest single round of grants distributed to OAC funding applicants in the agency’s history. “On behalf of the board, the Ohio Arts Council thanks Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. ...

Ohio’s Tax Free Weekend stretched to 10 full days

August arrives next week. And with it comes the waning days of summer vacation for local students. More so it seems nowadays with classes beginning earlier and earlier for many districts. Can you remember back when the school year did not start until after Labor Day? We do. Barely. Of course now is the time for parents, grandparents and guardians to get a jump on school shopping including supplies and clothing. Shoppers will be getting soon a little break. What used to be a Tax Free Weekend has been expanded to 10 days. Ohio sets aside at least three days each year (to include the ...

Columbiana County, Canfield fairs remain timeless treasures

There’s no glitz, glamour or full-scale high-tech wizardry used to awe which seems to be needed — or felt is needed — in this day and age of providing entertainment. No fancy 21st century version whistles, horns or gimmicks are involved. No, the summer fairs in our area like the 179th Columbiana County Fair, which officially opens Monday, and the upcoming Canfield Fair, which opens August 28 for its 178th year over 353 sprawling acres, are two examples of what is right with our area. Fairs provide good, old-fashioned entertainment for the young, old and all in between. And you ...

TechCred is a valuable tool for our workforce

As Ohio works to reinvent itself as the tech capital of the Midwest, officials understand there are many smart, hardworking Ohioans who need nothing but a little education and training to remain part of our evolving workforce. To their credit, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation set out to help with its TechCred program. Since 2019 the program has awarded more than 100,000 credentials. “This milestone is a celebration of the hardworking Ohioans who have dedicated time and effort to learning new skills and earning the tech-focused credentials necessary to support ...

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is saving lives

Good ideas don’t always prove to be effective once put into practice. But the implementation of Ohio’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline two years ago has proved to have been worth every ounce of effort. According to a report from Gov. Mike DeWine’s office, the lifeline has responded to nearly 340,000 contacts during that time. Hundreds of thousands of people facing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide found support when they picked up their phones. “988 is saving lives,” DeWine. “The lifeline is providing free, around-the-clock support to Ohioans in crisis by ...