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Opinion

Mahoning Valley’s future begins in the classroom

Columns

Five years ago, we saw the Mahoning Valley on the cusp of economic growth it hadn’t seen in years, perhaps decades. It frightened us. It frightened us because we weren’t sure we could provide enough human capital to fill all the jobs being created by large companies, including Fortune 200 firms, locating and expanding here. Any failure could come at the expense of our existing, locally owned businesses who might not have the wherewithal to compete for their workforce needs. Then, last year, we assisted Hubbard art teacher Josh MacMillan’s volunteer effort to organize the ...

Affordable housing remains a challenge for many Ohioans

Editorials

Affordable housing remains a challenge for Ohioans — and that challenge only grows as rent puts a greater strain on an increasing number of households. According to the 2026 Gap Report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, there are 422,098 extremely low-income renters in the state, and 73% of those report spending more than half their income on rent. That is an increase from 66% only five years ago. “For people at the bottom of the pay scale, rent is gobbling up most of their paychecks. But this report shows the rent ...

DeWine’s final address, rightly so, focused on educating youth

Editorials

In his final State of the State address, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was right to spend so much time on education — particularly reading. If we aren’t giving our children the best start possible, it’s hard to see how public officials are going to be able to get much else right. They’ll just be playing catch-up. But there are bright spots on that horizon. DeWine’s persistence regarding the Science of Reading may be helping our youngest readers improve their reading performance. The governor and his team at the Department of Education and Workforce must be seeing evidence that has ...

Law Enforcement Accreditation Program available for agencies

Editorials

Given that Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services data shows there were 2,837 “use of force” incidents from 1,040 police agencies in the state in 2025, one would think law enforcement agencies would be clamoring to take advantage of the new Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Established in 2024, the program gives law enforcement agencies an opportunity to demonstrate they are meeting standards set by the state Public Safety Department. “If an agency is willingly opening their doors to criticism, that shows great leadership. Having someone else come in and ...

‘Spring forward’ of clocks mark brighter days ahead

Editorials

Spring doesn’t officially begin until March 20, but the combination of unseasonably mild temperatures and the annual “spring forward” of clocks this past weekend seemed to signal that better days are ahead. Longer days, too. Daylight Saving Time means less light in the morning, but more in the evening. It aligns with the annual feeling of renewal that comes with spring — especially this year after one of the worst winters in recent northeastern Ohio history. That doesn’t mean we’re finished with cold weather or even snow, but there is more and more light at the end of the ...

Do what is best for the majority of residents

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: The main basis in believing a Perry Township trustee is…TRUST, as it incorporates their logic, education, experience, empathy, skill, knowledge, and above all, their communication. Once that trust is broken it is rarely regained and rightfully so. This applies also to the Salem City Council and even moreso, because of its moratorium regarding the marijuana dispensary. When authorities initially establish an intent and purpose like the moratorium and leave it in stagnation, it needs to be investigated for reasons. This changes their intent and purpose to cause and ...