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Editorials

Antisemitism must not stand

If it feels as though hate and division are only growing worse in this country, you’re not wrong. A report published Monday by the Anti-Defamation League says final statistics for 2023 show a total of 8,873 incidents of antisemitic assault, harassment and vandalism across the country. According to a report by WCPO, that’s a 140% increase from 2022 (itself a record-setting year). Kelly Fishman, regional director of the ADL in Cleveland, told WCPO there was a 367% increase in reported incidents in the Buckeye State last year. “One of the things we see tied to this is white ...

Making Ohio’s roads safer

Ohio has made great strides in trying to reduce the number of people hurt or killed in vehicles here, with a stricter law that makes it a primary offense to use or hold a cellphone or electronic device in your hand, lap or other parts of the body while driving. Gov. Mike DeWine seems eager to keep up the momentum, with a push to make seat belt violations a primary reason for pulling over. Right now, a seat belt violation can earn a ticket only if the driver is caught for another violation — speeding, for example. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $30 for the driver and $20 ...

Preparing kids for prom

Perhaps a little sunshine and warm temperatures will finally help us realize that we are rapidly approaching prom and graduation season in the Ohio Valley. That means it is time for some important conversations between students and their parents or guardians. First step? Parents, be honest with yourselves about what was on YOUR mind and what YOU were getting into as juniors or seniors in high school. Many of you probably thought you were essentially adults to whom the rules of childhood should no longer apply. Now consider that social pressures are in some ways tougher for kids now ...

Implementing people’s will

Despite work by Ohio lawmakers to oppose the will of voters by fiddling with the law governing legalized recreational marijuana, it seems one government agency understands its job and has gotten to work. According to a report by WBNS, the state’s Division of Cannabis Control is ready to roll out recreational marijuana this summer, with a proposed set of rules for dispensaries ahead of issuing licenses. WBNS reports the Division of Cannabis Control appears ready to give its first licenses in June to facilities that are handling medical sales. A second wave of licenses for non-medical ...

Cheers & Jeers

CHEERS to all the young men and women who have been named to the homecoming courts at high schools around the region. Best of luck to you all! JEERS to the fact that the Ohio River came very close to flooding the Austin Master frack waste recycling facility in Martins Ferry last week. The site allegedly is housing thousands of tons of dangerous waste. CHEERS to local schools and others who got the word out that it would be dangerous to view Monday’s eclipse with the naked eye. People were safely able to enjoy the spectacle as a result. JEERS to the need for Jefferson County ...

Bad political behavior

An independent, state-ordered investigation into reportedly “erratic and abusive behavior” by Ohio Rep. Elliot Forhan, D-South Euclid, concluded legislative leaders were justified in disciplining him. Because of accusations of confrontations with other lawmakers, constituents and lobbyists, Forhan lost all his committee assignments and was barred by House Minority Leader C. Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, from contacting interns, pages and Democratic legislative aides. He also was required to have a House sergeant-at-arms accompany him while he was at the Statehouse. But the ...