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Ohio’s first climate action plan should just be a start

It’s hard to believe there wasn’t already one in place, but better late than never as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration starts work on the state’s first climate action plan. According to a report by Energy News Network, the state is seeking $189 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act money to establish a statewide fund. That money would be used for electrifying government fleets, retrofitting public buildings and — for those of you still hung up on the electricity for those vehicles being provided by fossil fuels — install solar generation on city, county and state ...

‘Repeat Offenders Act’ is a thoughtful approach

Lawmakers looking to reduce the number of gun crimes without stepping on the Second Amendment have to take a precise approach if they are to do any good. In Columbus, it seems the “Repeat Offenders Act” might be a good start. Introduced by Reps. Bernie Willis, R-Springfield, and Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, the bill would increase penalties for a person caught a second or third time having a gun illegally, according to a report by WBNS. It would increase penalties for using a gun during a violent crime, and provide mandatory sentences for some offenses. “These repeat ...

Mother’s Day wishes for all the good moms

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. We offer all deserving moms our heartfelt happy Mother’s Day wishes. Along with roses, hugs and smooches on their cheeks for all the good moms out there — from the first-time mothers to elderly moms who realized that being a parent did not end when a child became an adult. Granted, there are many “bad” moms out there. You likely know one or a few. Or perhaps, sadly, had one. This tribute isn’t for them. Frankly, not all moms deserve praise which is pretty pathetic. But aren’t we lucky to have oh so many great moms around here? There are no age ...

Letter carriers will collect food Saturday

“Fill a Bag. Help Feed Families.” That’s what the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has been doing since 1983. The 31st drive will be held Saturday. It is annually our country’s largest single-day food drive. According to that organization, past drives have resulted in 1.9 billion pounds of food being collected which has helped feed millions of Americans. Items are distributed to local food banks, pantries, shelters and churches. The drive is held in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Island and ...

‘Social determinants of health’ and diabetes

An Ohio University medical student and an assistant professor decided to examine the relationship between six “social determinants of health” and the prevalence of diabetes. What they found isn’t really a surprise, but it could inform better decision-making — or at least a greater sense of urgency. According to a report by The Ohio Newsroom, a partnership of public media organizations across the state, these social determinants of health include factors such as safe housing, steady income or literacy. Student Samuel Borgemenke and assistant professor Allyson Hughes found the ...

Make sure you are registered to vote

Ohioans know how important the November general election will be — and those who are eligible and registered to vote are no doubt thinking seriously about the decisions they will make. They must also be certain they are registered properly, and not about to get a nasty surprise. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has ordered county boards of elections to begin a “routine but enhanced” sweep of the voter rolls to clean out inactive registrations. “Every state is required to have an ongoing process to verify the accuracy of its voter rolls, but Ohio has the most advanced and ...