Breaking News

Opinion

Concerns about Ohio EPA’s data centers draft permit

Editorials

Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency has extended the public comment period to Jan. 16 as it considers fast-tracking a general wastewater permit for new data centers in the state. Right now, the state EPA’s draft permit includes “a lowering of water quality of various waters of the state associated with granting coverage under this permit necessary to accommodate important social and economic development in the state of Ohio.” But among the questions such a statement raises are why it is necessary? WCMH spoke to water quality advocate Amy Swank, of Dublin, who said the ...

‘Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus’

Editorials

As has become this newspaper’s holiday tradition, today our editorial board once again offers readers a belated gift in the form of what we believe is the best Christmas editorial ever written. It initially appeared not in December, but in September 1897, in the New York Sun, after 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon asked her now famous question: “Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus … Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?” We believe no one has answered the question better, nor has anyone better described the spirit of Christmas. In fact, the Sun’s ...

The Biblical story of Christmas Day

Editorials

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and ...

Have yourself a wonderful Christmas and holiday season

Editorials

The original version of the following piece appeared in the Salem News way back in 2004. The response created back then and each and every year is truly appreciated. It is presented having undergone a tweak, nip and a tug over the Christmas seasons. Thank you for your kindness! Merry Christmas to kids everywhere who tonight will squeeze tightly their eyes and strain to hear reindeer footsteps on the rooftop. They will finally fall asleep in a bed full of warmth and full of dreams. And Merry Christmas to all of us who wish we could still believe in a Santa Claus. Merry Christmas to ...

Some state universities, colleges not aligned with Science of Reading order

Editorials

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been focused for years on improving literacy in the state; and in 2023, a law was passed to require teaching universities and colleges to align with the Science of Reading in its curricula for those who hope to become teachers. But a recent state audit shows that while most (33) have complied, five are in partial alignment and 10 are not in alignment. Among those 10 are Ohio State University and Ohio University. DeWine says the state has made “great strides” in implementing the Science of Reading in its K-12 classrooms, but that all 10 of the colleges ...

Maternal care islands a big concern in Ohio

Editorials

Officials have known for years there are maternal healthcare challenges in Ohio, but it always comes as a shock to see the numbers. This month, the state Department of Health announced it is hosting trainings for some new programs meant to help prevent the deaths of mothers due to pregnancy-related complications. Such programs are necessary because in Ohio an average of 24 mothers die every year during pregnancy or within one year of the end of their pregnancy, because of pregnancy-related complications. The Department of Health says 62% of these deaths are considered preventable. But ...