MLK’s dream should be a dream for all Americans

January 17, 2026

During recent years, it has become clear race remains an important point of separation for many in our country. Sadly, that has been a reality for years and years in our nation. But there are thousands and thousands of Americans securely joined by a love for country and a love for fellow man — regardless of race or creed. With the official celebration Monday of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, many Americans will be involved in activities emphasizing our commitment to supporting anti-racism. Dr. King was born Jan. 15, 1929 and died April 4, 1968 — an ...

Finding timely mental health care is challenging for many

January 16, 2026

With increasing talk about a growing sense of anxiety and fragile mental wellbeing, it makes sense that some Ohioans are seeking needed mental health care. For most of them, finding timely care is a challenge. Health Policy Institute of Ohio says 75 of the state’s 88 counties are mental health shortage areas, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal. “We also did some focus groups with parents and caregivers of children needing mental health services and just asked about their experiences and some of them talked about wait lists two years long to get into a certain ...

Winter can intensify mental health issues

January 13, 2026

Winter can be a tough time for those struggling with fragile mental health and other challenges. But for some, the struggle is more than seasonal — and can be deadly. Ohio’s Suicide Prevention Foundation notes adult men in particular experience disproportionately high suicide rates. For some counties, the need for support is even more profound. So, a two-year initiative will partner with local organizations to reduce the suicide rates for adult men in Clark, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning Marion, Montgomery, Richland and Summit counties. Projects will focus on ...

Upward Mobility Act would help families

January 12, 2026

Working families who are supported by federal benefits can sometimes find themselves in a difficult spot when a potential promotion or raise at work is not cause for celebration, but sparks worries about falling off the benefits cliff. Those receiving federal public assistance can see a complete loss of federal resources after even a small increase in income. But the Upward Mobility Act, introduced by U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, is meant to change that. Better still, it would help streamline some of the bureaucracy that feeds off such programs. It would create a five-year pilot ...

Veterinary sedative joins drug epidemic

January 8, 2026

It is breathtaking to watch the manner in which the substance abuse epidemic in our region continues to evolve. Just last month, officials in Gallia County in southern Ohio, warned a growing danger has reared its head — Xylazine. The powerful veterinary sedative, which is, of course, not intended for human use at all, has been found in the region; sometimes mixed with fentanyl and other opioids. Of course, it would not be foolish to believe that such drugs are out in our own readership areas and not limited to southern Ohio. A wider area — or “turf” — coverage the better for ...

Sometimes it’s more than a common cold

January 7, 2026

It is the season during which many of us simply accept that we will get the common cold or come down with the flu, but failure to do all we can to prevent such viruses can be dangerous. In some cases, it can be deadly. Last week, Ohio reported its first pediatric flu death of the season — a teenager under 18 in Greene County, according to state health officials. In fact, each year there are between one and seven pediatric flu deaths in the state. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nationwide 6,300 to 52,000 people died from the flu annually between 2010 ...