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Letters to the Editor

AI transforming healthcare

To the editor: As an IT director at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, I see firsthand how technology is advancing medicine and changing lives for the better. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare by improving diagnostics, streamlining operations and helping healthcare professionals make faster, more accurate decisions. These advances aren’t just exciting — they’re saving lives. But in today’s world, where threats from ransomware, phishing and foreign-backed cyberattacks are growing, cybersecurity has become synonymous with data security, ...

Congress needs to pass H.R. 5031

To the editor: After thirty years serving the people of Ohio in state government and now volunteering with veterans and seniors in care facilities, I’ve learned that good intentions don’t always lead to good outcomes. That’s exactly what’s happening with Medicare Part D drug price negotiations. Nobody disputes that prescription drugs cost too much. We all want lower prices for seniors. But when Washington cuts drug prices without considering how those drugs actually reach our most vulnerable citizens, we create new problems while solving old ones. Long-term care (LTC) ...

RR deal would be a boon to Ohio’s economy

To the editor: A recent op-ed by Steve Stivers in support of the proposed Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) deal captures what’s truly at stake for Ohio’s economic future. As a former councilman in Wellsville, I’ve seen firsthand how strong infrastructure fuels the success of small towns and the industries that sustain them. This merger is a once-in-a-generation opportunity Ohio can’t afford to miss. For communities like ours in Columbiana County, railroads are more than just tracks and trains — they’re economic lifelines powering local manufacturing, ...

SNAP is vital element of social safety net

To the editor: SNAP is a vital element of the social safety net in the United States, significantly contributing to the reduction of poverty and the enhancement of food security for millions of Americans. As such, SNAP not only addresses immediate hunger but also establishes the foundation for enduring positive transformations within society. Our politicians in Washington are lamentably derelict in their responsibility to collaborate and resume their duties. We cannot remain passive while our fellow citizens are deprived of SNAP and other essential benefits. It is imperative that we ...

A successful tag day in Wellsville

To the editor: The Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office volunteered for the 14th year to conduct a tag day in Wellsville on Oct. 4 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Proceeds amounted to $2,100. A big “thank you” goes out to all the supporters who donated. The staff included Sheriff Brian McLaughlin, Special Deputy Willie Coleman, Sgt. Kevin Shulas, Deputy Jordin Campbell and Scherry Nolderi, assistant to the sheriff. KENNY BIACCO, Wellsville

October is Domestic Violence Month

To the editor: For Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025 and beyond, we commit to showing up for survivors, always. Each October Domestic Violence Awareness Month rolls around. The month serves as a reminder that domestic violence exists. It reminds us that children and adults are traumatized in their own homes by emotional, financial, verbal, and yes, physical assaults that largely go unnoticed by their neighbors, friends, and families. The theme this year is “With Survivors, Always.” Survivors need, depend on, and deserve safety, our support, and our solidarity. We need to ...