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Ohio, West Virginia falling behind in the innovation race

Editorials

Residents of this region pride themselves on a pioneering spirit that has spread across generations of those who helped fuel and build this country. But these days, we’re falling behind as others have picked up the torch. In fact, according to WalletHub’s “Most and Least Innovative States (2026),” Ohio ranks 40th in the country, and West Virginia ranks a predictable 49th. According to the study, the most innovative places are Washington, D.C., Massachusetts and California. Those measures are based on data points such as the share of STEM professionals, research and ...

Joe Cattell: A great public servant

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Columbiana County veterans will soon be losing a great public servant when Joe Cattell retires. Joe has served at the Columbiana County Veterans Service Commission since retiring from a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force. ​Joe treats every veteran with respect and has been a key figure in improving the quality of life for hundreds of our local veterans. Of course, his dedication makes life better for their families and friends as well. ​If Joe has helped you or someone you know, it would be a wonderful gesture to let him know he is appreciated. Please ...

Inspired by my time spent in Columbiana

Columns

I never thought two days in Columbiana would be so inspirational. The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce held their first signature event since executing an affiliation agreement this year. It was the 73rd annual Harvey Awards, named for Harvey Samuel Firestone, the prominent American industrialist and the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. The event was held at The Barn at Firestone Farms. The very place where Mr. Firestone grew up. The very place where Firestone, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford would frequently camp out and discuss ...

Sammy’s Law brings GOP, Dems together

Editorials

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Washington, D.C., has been working on ways to better protect kids online by giving parents the right to receive safety notifications through Federal Trade Commission-regulated third-party providers. Versions of Sammy’s Law, introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, are meant to help alert parents when their children are taking part in potentially risky interactions. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, has joined Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Katie Britt, R-Ala.; along with U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and Buddy ...

Rulli foe’s ballot wins heighten her profile for voters

Columns

Jullie Kelley, the lone Republican challenging U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli in the GOP primary for the latter’s congressional seat, has two victories over the incumbent’s campaign in the past few weeks. But wins in front of the Stark County Board of Elections and the Ohio Supreme Court to remain on the ballot is unlikely to translate into success for Kelley during the May 5 Republican primary. It’s understandable that Rulli of Salem, a congressman since winning a special June 2024 election for the 6th District seat, would want to avoid a Republican primary though realistically his ...

45 years, six days and still counting

Editorials

(First published Oct. 7, 2024) Isn’t it amazing? How you might forget where you placed, say, your car keys just minutes ago but can vividly recall a single moment from decades ago? Such an instance for me was actually a first professional moment for me: getting my first byline as a daily newspaper staff member. The name Bob Lewis would strike a memory for only the most avid of golf historians. He was the 1978 Ohio Open champion. I interviewed him at the Salem Golf Club in August that summer — having just been hired as a part-time sportswriter for the Morning Journal. Dang, my very ...