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Get rid of junk fees

You just bought those two concert tickets at $200 each. You go to check out ... only to find that your real price is $250 each thanks to hidden fees. A recent survey by Consumer Reports found that most Americans have been confronted with hidden fees, and 96% find them to be very annoying. A report released by the office of Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Bob Casey described it this way: “Consider searching for a coat online and finding that Cheap Gear Shop sells it for $50, while Honest Clothes Mart sells the same product for $60. (A mom), after entering all of her billing and shipping ...

East Palestine visit overdue

President Joe Biden has finally decided to visit East Palestine. He is set to visit the scene of a fiery Norfolk Southern derailment Friday — more than a year after it happened. Community and state officials have criticized Biden for not making an appearance earlier, and rightly so. They’ve also asked for a federal emergency declaration that still has not been made. And though other administration officials have made a few visits — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator Michael Regan, for example — Biden seems to have waited until he feels as though the sense of ...

Economic bump in road

Residents of rural and Eastern Ohio were probably steeling themselves for the news out of Intel earlier this month. After all, they have been prepared by the disappointment of one local-economy-saving large employer after another making promises and then disappearing. To be fair, Intel says it is not disappearing. In fact, they claim this pumping of the brakes is simply a change in timeline. Now, rather than finishing the $20 billion chipmaking project in New Albany by next year, the company says it plans to complete work by late 2026. More time for communities to figure out their ...

A pass to see history

As our country approaches its semiquincentennial, the America 250-Ohio commission has come up with a fantastic idea for getting young people interested in our state’s (and, let’s face it, therefore our country’s) history. With the 4th Grade History Pass, fourth-graders across the state will have the chance to visit history-related museums and sites for free, if accompanied by a paying adult. “We believe that this opportunity will inspire fourth grade students to explore and appreciate Ohio’s history, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their roots,” said Todd ...

Get informed and vote

It’s time again for Ohioans to begin considering candidates, issues and levies ahead of the March 19 primary. This year candidates are vying for positions all the way up to the headline-grabbing presidential race. But as always, local residents must become educated and choose carefully when it comes to the races here that will likely have a greater impact on their everyday lives. Those who are eligible have until Feb. 20 to register to vote. But simply registering is not enough. Learning about and understanding the people and issues on the ballot is essential. Once a voter is ...

Beware of burn risks

Most of us learned pretty early that it is a bad idea to play with fire. But even when we are not playing, it is important to be vigilant against burn risks. This week is Burn Awareness Week, and a perfect time to remember the dangers of fuels such as flammable liquids. “We must acknowledge the serious danger that flammable liquids present in our daily lives,” Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon said. “By educating our community and emphasizing safe practices, we aim to drastically reduce the occurrence of these preventable injuries.” According to the American Burn ...