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Credit card debt a problem for many Ohio residents problem for Ohioans

When finances get tight, some households turn to credit cards to get by. It’s not an ideal solution, and can lead to bigger problems down the road, but sometimes feels like the only way. According to WalletHub, the collective credit card debt of the United States is approximately $1.28 trillion — and $109 billion of that came from 2023 alone. But some regions are faring better than others. “Some parts of the country are racking up credit card debt at an alarming rate,” financial writer Adam McCann reported in WalletHub’s “States with Largest and Smallest Credit Card Debt ...

Harris could help Valley Dems on November 5

Before Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden as the presidential nominee, Mahoning Valley Democrats were rightfully concerned that the incumbent at the top of the ticket would drag down the rest of the party’s candidates on the Nov. 5 ballot. Biden’s disastrous June 27 debate performance left Democrats, who were unenthusiastic about him before that, in a position where they knew if he remained the presidential candidate that he would definitely hurt other candidates by his mere presence. Harris has infused energy into the party that it never would have experienced had Biden remained the ...

How about drilling for a solution?

To the editor: As a lifelong resident of the Salem area, I have been concerned and upset with our city’s policy regarding water and sewer service for those who reside outside our city. I’ve resided in Salem (city or Perry Township) my entire life except for 10 years near the intersection of Slater and Tower roads. When we moved back to Salem we chose to reside on N. Union just north of the city limits, residing there nearly 50 years. I’m grateful for having city water and sewer service, and didn’t mind the 50 percent rate increase required to receive our service. What ...

Ohioans cheated, deceived by elected leaders

To the editor: A new record: twice in one week Ohioans were both cheated and deceived by their elected leaders. On Monday (August 12, 2024) Ohio’s Attorney General, Dave Yost settled with First Energy for $20 million. That is less than a third of how much First Energy paid in bribes ($61 million) to Larry Householder and other state legislators to give them their $1.6 billion bailout. All money out of the pockets of Ohio taxpayers. And Yost settles for a measly $20 million. Ohioans cheated again. On Friday (August 16, 2024) Ohio’s Secretary of State Frank LaRose wrote language ...

Parents are first line of defense

To the editor: In my years serving Wellsville, I’ve seen firsthand that strong families are the foundation of our town. As a former councilman and school board member, I understand parents’ unique challenges in raising children in today’s digital age. While the online world offers immense opportunities, it also presents significant risks that parents must navigate to protect their children. Across Ohio, parents are the first line of defense for their children’s safety, teaching right from wrong and guiding them toward success. The same standard should apply online, but the ...

China weaponizing minerals monopoly

For more than a decade, Washington has talked a big game about breaking China’s grip on the world’s mineral supplies. And both presidents Trump and Biden have labeled America’s mineral vulnerability—along with China’s mineral dominance—an unacceptable and urgent risk. The alarming reality is this: China’s grip on the world’s mineral supply chains is growing tighter. And America’s reliance on Chinese minerals is growing deeper. This is a crisis that demands to be an important election issue. Now, China is all but goading candidates Trump and Harris to make it one. ...