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Opinion

The starvation in Gaza must end

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, In the past two months, more than 1,000 people seeking food have been killed, according to the UN Human Rights Office, as 28 nations this week condemned the “horrifying” killing of Gazans trying to get food, according to Simon Mabon, Lancaster University (The Conversation). The Israelis are tearing my heart out. How dare the descendants of the greatest crime of all time — the Holocaust — not realize they are committing an equal crime against the people of GAZA, many of whom are children. How dare Bibi Netanyahu blame his victims for the Israeli murder of ...

Rulli’s response

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I recently sent a letter to Rep. Mike Rulli about my concern with his bill, “the Gambler Act,” to increase funding by $300 million for ICE. (According to the president of the U.S., ICE is only picking up hardened criminals.) My letter suggesting changing the law so that a speeding ticket, a parking ticket, or failing to renew a green card would not be considered a crime. He acknowledged that these are low tier criminal offenses. In making this change, ICE would not have to pick up so many immigrants. Rep. Rulli wrote, “The U.S. is a nation of laws ... violators must ...

There’s still time to soak up summer in Belmont County

Columns

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still time to make memories right here in friendly, beautiful Belmont County. Whether it’s enjoying a festival, paddling a quiet lake, dancing to polka music, or discovering scenic trails, our communities are alive with adventure, culture, and connection. This weekend, head to Martins Ferry for Betty Zane Days, a tradition hosted by the Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department. Named after the legendary Revolutionary War heroine, this multi-day celebration blends history and hometown pride with live music, amusement rides, a 5K race, food ...

Intel work may stop

Editorials

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall when Gov. Mike DeWine, leaders of the Ohio Department of Development and JobsOhio learned the “well, actually …” that should have been attached to news a couple of weeks ago that Intel was going to “further slow the pace of construction in Ohio.” It was a red flag then that the company did not announce a new expected completion date. Now we know why. According to a report by WCMH, Intel also said it might have to stop work on the Ohio facility altogether if it cannot find external customers for new 14A technology that won’t debut until ...

Cheers & Jeers

Editorials

CHEERS to the coming Tax-Free Holiday in Ohio, where shoppers can save money on clothes, school supplies and many other items for two weeks. JEERS to word that epizootic hemorrhagic disease is likely affecting the white-tailed deer population in Eastern Ohio. A case has been confirmed in Athens County, and numerous dead deer have been reported there and in Washington County. CHEERS to the return of the Betty Zane Days Festival to Martins Ferry. Running Wednesday through Saturday this week, it promises fun for all. JEERS to a report that states 33% of American adults had mental illness ...

Making Ohio’s roads safer

Editorials

Ever been driving out the interstate and watched a commercial truck swerve a little and wonder how in the world they drive as much and as often as they do and keep themselves and the rest of us safe? Well, the truth is sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they make mistakes because they are distracted. Other times, it is because they are exhausted. But Ohio officials have a plan to make a difference on that front by adding at least 1,400 truck parking spaces across the state where drivers can stop to rest for as long as they need. “As Ohio’s economy continues to grow, so do the ...