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Restore the power of the patent to win tech race

Local Columns

The United States is falling behind in the global race for technological leadership. China now leads the U.S. in 37 out of 44 critical technologies. This includes fields that will define the future, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced manufacturing. If we’re serious about keeping pace with China, we must restore the legal foundations that once made America the global leader in high-tech innovation. That means passing legislation like the bipartisan RESTORE Patent Rights Act. By strengthening inventors’ ability to stop the proven theft of their ideas, ...

Energy concerns grow across Ohio

Editorials

The high temperatures and humidity that the Tri-State Area has experienced during the past several weeks has led to many households cranking up the air conditioning and using plenty of electricity. And when you combine household need with that of Ohio’s industrial energy consumers, you reach the point where PJM Interconnection is advising the strain on our electrical grid may be too great. “At the current pace, we are projecting a shortfall of energy,” said David Souder, executive director of PJM operations, according to a report by WBNS-TV in Columbus. In fact, Souder said ...

25-Year Club tradition lives

Editorials

While the facilities of the Weirton Steel Corp. and its successors that once dominated downtown Weirton appear to be no more, that doesn’t take away from the history and traditions for which they stood. That includes an annual picnic where longtime steelworkers gather to reconnect and relive their experiences as they contributed to the building of America and the rest of the world. The Weirton Steel 25-Year Club has existed for more than 75 years, and, for much of that history, has organized a picnic for employees and retirees with at least 25 years of service in the local mill. ...

Reminder: Seat belts save lives

Editorials

Seat belts. For the vast majority of us, putting on a seat belt when entering the car is second nature. But for some, apparently, the act remains optional — and that’s leading to fatal results. In Ohio during the Fourth of July weekend, 10 people died in car crashes, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Of those 10 fatalities, six were not wearing seat belts. The issue goes deeper. According to the Columbus Dispatch, during the Fourth of July weekend, troopers issued 2,286 seat belt and child safety seat violations. How is that possible in 2025? The problem ...

Anniversary for special document

Editorials

An important milestone of this country’s early days and values will be recognized Sunday, the 238th anniversary of the Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States, North-West of the River Ohio — the Northwest Ordinance. There is much worth celebrating in that founding document. At the time, the authors made repeated references to religious freedoms, noting that “the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty … form the basis whereon these republics, their laws and constitutions are erected.” Article 1 of the ordinance: “No person, ...

Your donation can make a difference

Editorials

Repeated reminders of our need to take care of one another have often come with pleas from vital non-profits for support over the past few years. Charitable giving is a priority for many who are able to make it part of their budget — and the number of people who share that priority appears to be growing. According to the most recent Giving USA report, charities received approximately $592.5 billion in donations in 2024 — a 3.3 percent increase over 2023. The donations data used for this report came before the layoff of tens of thousands of workers for non-profits for 2025 due ...