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Extremist religious violence is wrong

No matter your thoughts on one social issue or another, most decent human beings can agree those differences do not warrant resorting to violence. But time and again over the past few years we see instances in which those who have bought in to the fear-and-hatred method of buying votes believe they are justified in translating their extreme views into action. Sadly, that has been — repeatedly — deadly. In the case of a community church in Chesterland, Ohio, the damage was only to a building, but the situation could have been much worse. Aimenn Penny, of Alliance, has pleaded guilty ...

Key development, jobs come to Appalachian Ohio

Though Appalachian Ohio got some good news recently with the announcement of hydrogen hub locations in our region, it is encouraging to know our representatives in Washington, D.C., continue to push for more. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office has announced $1.25 million to the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, for small and medium manufacturers in Appalachia. Brown, D-Ohio, says the funding is meant to grow production in energy and technology sectors. “Rural communities and workers have been overlooked for too long. If we want ...

Hamas to blame for attacks, not Israel and not Palestinians

As the horrors of the Israel-Hamas war unfold, events here demonstrate the consequences of our politicians’ recklessness in wielding fear as a tool for garnering votes. In appealing to the worst in us — in fact, by persuading some that those fears were not only appropriate, but to be acted upon — too many have been willing to trade human lives for political power. An appalling example came over last weekend, when police say a 71-year-old Illinois man fatally stabbed a 6-year-old boy and seriously wounded a 32-year-old woman because of their Islamic faith (and as a response to the ...

Make sure you understand what Ohio issues are about

As Ohio’s November election rapidly approaches, there is an alarming amount of confusion and intentional misinformation floating around. One reporter was confronted by a voter who firmly believed Ohioans were being asked to cast ONE vote that would count for BOTH constitutional amendments on the ballot. In other words, this person was skittish about voting in favor of Issue 2 because she believed it would also indicate support for Issue 1. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth, but one can see where confusion would arise when so many special interest groups are trying to ...

Plant profitability must never come at any cost

It’s safe to say that everybody wants to see Mahoning Valley industry grow and thrive. Business success and profitability are keys to triggering even more local economic development and future job growth, after all. But that profitability must never come at any cost. Worker safety and occupational health always must be priority No. 1. We are extremely disappointed that it recently became clear that at least one new industrial plant in our Valley has fallen incredibly short in this regard. Ultium Cells LLC, the new automotive battery cells factory in Lordstown, faces more than a ...

Think pink and be proactive in fight against breast cancer

It’s October, a time when pink is prevalent in our communities, making us aware it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to medical experts, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender — being a woman — and growing older. Early detection and treatment remain the best defense in how we can fight the disease. When detected early, breast cancer has a five-year survival rate exceeding 90%. However, Black women are most likely to be diagnosed at a late stage, resulting in a higher ...