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Opinion

Let’s hope lawmakers choose us

Editorials

A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland delivered some unsettling news as we roll toward the holiday season. Indicators suggest there is a 24% chance the U.S. economy was in recession last month. The Cleveland Fed represents Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky, where the Ohio Capital Journal noted there have been a number of worrying indicators. Credit card debt is rising faster in Ohio than in all but four other states. We had the fifth-highest unemployment rate in the country in August (the Capital Journal notes “despite years of spending billions ...

Doing good in memory of Haddie

Editorials

The family of Hadassah “Haddie” Marie Williams, Belpre Church of Christ and a host of community partners have opened an accessible playground in Civitan Park, dedicated to Haddie’s memory. It is designed to be an accessible play structure for children of all abilities. Civitan Park also has a free little library sponsored by the Haddie Fund. After Haddie’s death in 2018, the church supported creation of that fund, which “exists to bless and equip children and families in the Mid-Ohio Valley dealing with medical handicaps,” according to Haddie’s mother, Kate. Those who ...

High education costs outweigh house income

Editorials

Though a well-trained, well-educated and skilled workforce is more important than ever, students seeking a higher education to prepare them for their careers are having a harder time being able to afford it. Sure, many people still believe having a college degree will translate to higher earnings, but students are increasingly challenged to decide whether the expense of that education (or the long-term debt they may incur) is worth the risk. According to WalletHub, the cost of attending a four-year public college has risen by an average of 30% over the past 20 years. And that cost ...

Let’s recover the art of hospitality

Life

By Mark Wilmoth One reason for the lack of civility in American discourse is that Americans have forgotten the courtesies of personal conversation. One commentator noted that, in a generation, we have gone from sitting on the front porch and visiting with neighbors to sitting on the back deck surrounded by a privacy fence. In many instances, interpersonal communication occurs mostly through email, texting or social media, leading to messages that are misunderstood or perhaps worded more strongly than intended. It’s much easier to recognize the impact of one’s words when speaking ...

Knowledge is power

Editorials

Given the degree to which so many in Washington, D.C., have shown us their reluctance to do their jobs — or remember for whom they work — lately, it is likely the 2026 elections will be a time for voters to take action. In Ohio, change is imminent, as redrawn congressional districts will mean upheaval for lawmakers and those heading to the polls. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is trying to get out ahead of any confusion by updating the office’s Find My District tool now. The hope is voters will not be caught off guard just as they are looking to cast their ballots in the ...

Necessary evolution

Editorials

“The industries that were once the backbone of our region are necessarily evolving,” said Ohio Sen. Brian Chavez, R-30th, as he heralded the launch of Marietta College’s Center for Appalachian Innovation. In fact, Chavez expects the center to “play a key role in exploring how we can reinvigorate and develop these industries with new and inventive approaches.” Surely the Center for Appalachian Innovation will do that and much more, as it is meant to focus on not just economic growth, but increased community engagement. Research will be aimed at tackling systemic regional ...