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Looking to improve our life expectancy

For many residents of the Tri-State Area, the choice to live here comes down to it simply being home. We’re here because we want to live here. But data released recently by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows some of the region’s residents are not living as long as residents of many other states. Ohio ranks 40th in life expectancy in the country, based on 2021 data. In the Buckeye State, the average lifespan is 74.5 years (77.5 years for women and 71.7 years for men). The national average is 76.4 years (79.3 for women and 73.5 for men.) And, numbers from ...

Concerns about Intel’s project

It’s getting harder and harder to be excited about new economic development announcements in Ohio, as the ones already on the table seem to be dropping off at an alarming rate. Intel’s One Ohio project may now be even closer to that edge. According to a report by WCMH-TV in Columbus, there are rumbles that Intel may be considering how to handle its computer chip manufacturing arm, as part of cost-cutting efforts. Intel has already said it is planning to lay off 15 percent of its global workforce, suspend its stock dividends program — and the company reported $1.6 billion in ...

Stepping up for foster children

Ohio’s most vulnerable children are in need of a larger support network, as the number of families willing to be part of the foster care program is shrinking. Further, the number of families who have training in dealing with children with behavioral challenges is even smaller. This despite approximately one-quarter of children having come into children’s services custody not because of abuse or neglect, but because of behavioral health, intellectual disabilities or juvenile justice involvement. “That surprises a lot of people,” Scott Britton, assistant director of the ...

Program helps W.Va. veterans

West Virginia’s Veterans’ Home Loan Program launches this month, after passage of state Senate Bill 261 earlier this year. The program will help eligible veterans purchase their first homes. In this real estate climate, that help could be significant. Republican State Treasurer Riley Moore, state Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, and representatives of the West Virginia Housing Development Fund were in Weirton Tuesday to talk about the program’s Sept. 12 launch. Moore is running for the U.S. House West Virginia 2nd District seat in November, and Weld is unopposed in his quest to ...

Tip tax legislation would be big help

Ohio Rep. Jay Edwards, R-Nelsonville, is working on a piece of legislation that would let hard-working Buckeye State residents keep even more of the money they earn, though the details are still hazy. According to a report by WCMH-TV in Columbus, Edwards is sponsoring House Bill 643, which, for now, is meant to “Express intent to exempt tips and gratuities from income tax.” All that is certain, then, is that the General Assembly intends to take a look at the matter. “These aren’t people getting rich. These aren’t millionaires. These are blue-collar people that are trying ...

Urgent need for blood remains

Those looking to this space for perspective on the pressing issues of the day may wonder why it contains yet another appeal for blood donors and support of the American Red Cross’s mission. It is because the need is that urgent, and only growing more so. Over the weekend, the Red Cross issued a plea for help, as the blood shortage that had already presented a challenge is getting worse. Severe weather, including the remnants of Hurricane Debby has canceled a significant number of blood drives that might have helped fill that gap. “The American Red Cross continues to ...