Breaking News

Opinion

Some state universities, colleges not aligned with Science of Reading order

Editorials

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been focused for years on improving literacy in the state; and in 2023, a law was passed to require teaching universities and colleges to align with the Science of Reading in its curricula for those who hope to become teachers. But a recent state audit shows that while most (33) have complied, five are in partial alignment and 10 are not in alignment. Among those 10 are Ohio State University and Ohio University. DeWine says the state has made “great strides” in implementing the Science of Reading in its K-12 classrooms, but that all 10 of the colleges ...

Maternal care islands a big concern in Ohio

Editorials

Officials have known for years there are maternal healthcare challenges in Ohio, but it always comes as a shock to see the numbers. This month, the state Department of Health announced it is hosting trainings for some new programs meant to help prevent the deaths of mothers due to pregnancy-related complications. Such programs are necessary because in Ohio an average of 24 mothers die every year during pregnancy or within one year of the end of their pregnancy, because of pregnancy-related complications. The Department of Health says 62% of these deaths are considered preventable. But ...

MEP funding freeze could lead to closures

Editorials

Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership is facing a sudden freeze on millions of dollars in federal funding after the U.S. Department of Commerce cited an ongoing federal review of the program. According to the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the loss of funding could mean several programs will be halted at the end of the year. At issue is the Commerce Department’s Office of Inspector General looking into allegations of fraud or misconduct — and deviating from its usual procedure because it has not filed a report on preliminary findings that would give administrators of the MEP ...

Details on the property tax situation in our state

Columns

To the citizens of Columbiana County: In compliance with Ohio law, we have submitted and received approval of our Triennial Update by the Ohio Department of Taxation. As you may recall, in an effort to keep your taxes as low as possible our office sent three different proposals prior to this and all were rejected. Although the resulting increases approved by the state are more than I personally agree with, we are bound by Ohio Revised Code to process them. The increases will be reflected in the property taxes in the first half of 2026. However, if Governor DeWine signs the four house ...

Secretary of State offers update on latest scams

Editorials

‘Tis the season for so many things including scams. We’ve written and reported on various scams aimed at all of us, especially our sometimes too-trusting seniors. Now we offer an update of the last scams making the rounds, courtesy of Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. Follows is information provided from his office via news release we received yesterday. Read and heed: do not become a victim and keep an eye out for any porch pirates roaming your neighborhood. The release reads: As Ohioans shop, travel, and donate throughout the Christmas season, Secretary of State Frank ...

As our population ages we must protect our elderly

Editorials

Our region’s population is aging, and that growing older population is increasingly vulnerable to a number of abuses. Sometimes they fall victim to complex scams, in this digital age. Sometimes they fall prey to those on whom they should most be able to rely. WalletHub estimates elder abuse is an issue that costs more than $2.3 billion per year. But the human toll is incalculable. Certainly, policymakers do their best to put in place measures to stem everything from gross neglect and exploitation to financial abuse. But some parts of the country are doing better than others. ...