Editorials

Big Changes in Education

Though they have already significantly weakened the State Board of Education, Ohio lawmakers are now working to eliminate the public’s voice on the board. Members of the House of Representatives passed their version of the state budget last month. It included the reduction of the state board’s membership from 11 elected members and eight members appointed by the governor to five — all appointed by the governor. According to the Capital Journal, as the terms expire for each of the current elected members or their positions become vacant, the seats would simply be ...

Keeping Cellphones out of Classrooms

Though a step behind some of our neighboring states (and a step behind some of our counties in West Virginia including Ohio County), lawmakers and Gov. Patrick Morrisey did an important thing with House Bill 2003 this year. It bans the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices in K-12 classrooms during instructional time, and requires county boards of education to implement policies for storage of those devices during the school day and establish consequences for breaking the rules. “I think this is going to make a significant difference for teachers and ...

Safe Day on Water in Ohio

They say the two best days in a boat-owner’s life are the day they buy and the day they sell. But somewhere in between is a good day on which boaters finish their Ohio Boating Education Course and know they are better prepared for a safe summer on the water. “Spring is the perfect time to get prepared for a fun and safe boating season,” said Andy Foos, Ohio Department of Natural Resources boating education coordinator. “The Ohio Boating Education Course is a great way to make sure you understand key safety measures, navigate legal requirements, and become a more confident ...

The Trump Family Crypto Business

President Trump likes flying close to the sun regarding his family business, and the flight is closer than ever in his second term. Is no one advising Trump that his family’s crypto plans are inviting trouble? Trump said last month that he’ll host a dinner with the top 220 holders of his $TRUMP meme coin at his Washington, D.C.-area golf club on May 22. Step right up and invest in the Trump crypto enterprise for a chance to rub elbows with the leader of the free world. The President says all of this is above board. But it nonetheless raises the appearance of a conflict of interest ...

Put Money to Use for West Virginia

How many of us had a good idea how much we would be receiving with our tax refunds, and had already mentally spent that money before it arrived? We can’t blame state government for being in the same boat, as an “April surprise” arrived in the form of the largest single month of tax collections above estimates. More than $237 million in surplus revenue has come in, with two months remaining in the fiscal year. But during its regular session, the legislature approved more than $126.2 million in supplemental appropriations using one-time money through available surplus ...

Parents Can’t Be ‘Cool’

It’s that time of year again, when many families start planning their prom, after-party, graduation, graduation party schedules. As they do so, the Ohio Department of Commerce and the Ohio Department of Public Safety have joined forces to remind them these accomplishments and milestones can be celebrated without alcohol. In fact, the departments included liquor permit holders in the wide net they cast to address those who can help kids safer this season: “Addressing underage drinking requires a united effort from all members of the community, including parents and schools. By ...