Breaking News

Editorials

Merry Christmas, everyone!

As the rush to Christmas day nears its end, families across the Mid-Ohio Valley are settling into their traditions and regaining their grasp on the reason for our celebration. Many will find themselves in candlelit sanctuaries singing “Silent Night” together as we remember the birth of an infant holy, tender and mild. Born in the humblest of circumstances to overwhelmed parents in a land that was not their own, but that of their ancestors, this child came with tidings of “peace,” and “good will toward men.” While we celebrate with strings of twinkling lights rather than a ...

The Science of Reading

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 colleges and universities 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 ...

Effort paying off for fishers

Ohioans got an early Christmas gift this year, as the state Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife announced this week it can confirm the sighting of a fisher — the weasel-like animal, not a person standing in hip waders — caught on a wildlife camera in Cuyahoga County. Fishers have not been seen in Ohio since about the mid-1800s, according to the ODNR, until recently. They were run out because of unregulated harvest and loss of habitat. But this latest sighting joins 40 others in Ashtabula, Columbiana, Geauga, Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage, Lake, Jefferson, Harrison, ...

Funding freeze needs another look

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 ...

Local parks bring light to our quality of life

Though it’s been cold and snowy (or a bit warmer and muddy) lately, and perhaps many have been less likely to spend time outdoors, it remains true that our region’s outdoor spaces are an important part of what improves quality of life in our communities. They serve as places to play, stay fit, enjoy a quiet moment in nature — or even take in the sights of wonderful holiday displays or community events. But they don’t stay beautiful on their own. Cities, counties, volunteer groups and civic organizations make sure these treasures continue to serve their purpose. Even the state ...

Lives depend on doing better for ALL

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 the Buckeye State 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 ...