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Flu precautions are still needed

While lawmakers in neighboring states debate loosening vaccine requirements for school-aged children, Ohio is facing a frightening example of how quickly potentially dangerous (and deadly) illnesses can spread. In fact, doctors in the Buckeye State are stressing that even at this point in the season, it is important to get vaccinated against influenza — if you have not done so already. Among those urging getting the flu shot was Dr. Mia Antinone, Ohio Health’s family resident physician, who spoke with WSYX-TV in Columbus after the state recorded its first pediatric flu death of ...

Time to move on broadband

While Bill Johnson was serving Ohio’s 6th District in Congress, he tried twice — in 2021 and 2023 — to introduce legislation that would help Americans — particularly those living in rural areas— have easier access to broadband internet. His successor, U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Salem, has taken up that mantle and has again introduced the Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act. It may be an uphill battle, as others have also tried. U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., introduced the same bill in 2024 after Johnson resigned. None of these efforts ever ...

Spotlight will shine on area restaurants

Area residents should take the opportunity to pick up a meal or two next week from a local restaurant. Weirton Restaurant Week begins Sunday, with more than 20 local establishments set to take part with offers of special, limited-time menu items and discounts for all to enjoy. The event was organized by the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce as a way to highlight some of the many locally owned restaurants and eateries available in the Tri-State Area, and to encourage residents and visitors to get out and support local ...

Difficult decision about free lunch

State lawmakers are going to have to start making difficult decisions about where they want to gain political points and where they want to do better for Ohioans. The two goals are not always reached by the same path. Continued economic uncertainty, rising food insecurity and proposed changes at the federal level to programs such as the Community Eligibility Provision mean hundreds of thousands of students could be at even greater risk of being hungry throughout their school day (and beyond.) But a bill proposed by state Sens. Bill Blessing, R-Colerain Township, and Kent Smith, ...

WVU lacking transparency

It was somewhat of a shock on Friday when Coastal Carolina University — in Conway, S.C. — announced that West Virginia University’s next president would be Michael Benson. This happened a day after WVU’s board of governors, in a self-imposed cone of silence as it sought a new leader to replace departing president E. Gordon Gee, announced it had chosen its finalist — but failed to disclose the candidate. Benson, who was Coastal Carolina’s president officially until this weekend, has accepted the job. He appears to be an excellent fit for WVU and Morgantown, and the ...

Working to keep pharamcy access

A significant percentage of Ohioans rely on prescription medication to maintain their health. As the region’s population grows, so, too, does the number of people in need of the services of a local pharmacy. Yet, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, pharmacies in the Buckeye State are closing at an alarming rate. The number of openings of retail outpatient pharmacies peaked in 2015. Then, the trend reversed. In 2016, there were a record number of closings. Closures continued — in 2023 there were 55 closures, and in the following year there were 191. Using the Ohio ...