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National Newspaper Week

National Newspaper Week, an important reminder of the vital role newspapers play in informing and uniting the communities they serve, is coming to a close. Newspapers are more than a source of headlines — they are the heartbeat of democracy at the local level, providing trusted, accurate reporting that helps citizens understand the world around them. For generations, newspapers have stood as guardians of truth, holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency in government. From your local council to your school board, no institution better chronicles the workings of ...

Violence in the home

A recent Ohio Domestic Violence Network report included some horrifying data that should make every Buckeye State resident want to get to the root of a deadly trend. The network has seen an incredible 37% increase in domestic violence deaths in the state over the past year. According to a report by WSYX, 157 were killed in 108 domestic violence cases in the state between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Lisa DeGeeter, a spokeswoman for ODVN, told the news station the increased number of cases this year was stunning, as was “how much more violent and brutal the cases ...

Celebrating our state parks

When you hear Ohioans brag about the state’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities, it might sound like hyperbole to hear we are “the best.” But an award from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association backs us up. Ohio won the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. “Our state parks protect Ohio’s natural resources while providing incredible opportunities for people to explore, learn, and connect with nature,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “From protecting ...

DeWine on free speech

Freedom of speech is on a lot of minds these days — even for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who spoke at the state Department of Higher Education’s Trustees Conference recently. According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, DeWine felt it important to remind policymakers on college campuses that an environment in which people are comfortable speaking freely is essential. His remarks were inspired, of course, by the killing of Charlie Kirk and its aftermath, though he noted the notion of whether Kirk’s death could have been prevented was a security issue, not a speech ...

Realistic approach needed

Data centers have generated plenty of buzz in Ohio, as some economic development officials have touted them as an integral part of our state’s economic future. That may be true, but the Ohio Chamber of Commerce has some words of caution as it releases a new report through its research foundation on the economic impact of those centers. SRC EvalMetrics LLC prepared the report, which took a look at Ohio’s spot in the upper echelon of North American data center markets, but also noted a few challenges. For 2024, the data center industry here “supported more than 95,000 jobs across ...

Kindness on display

Kindness seems like a pretty simple concept that we should all know and understand, yet there doesn’t seem to be enough of it to go around. Merriam Webster defines the noun kindness as: “the quality or state of being kind.” The adjective “kind” is itself defined as: “of a sympathetic or helpful nature.” The Ohio Valley Mall is teaming up with The Arc of Ohio and the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department this month to urge area residents and visitors to be more kind to one another. The effort is aimed at people of all ages, and the groups are providing a variety of fun ...