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We can do better with our health

It’s easy to make a cost/benefit analysis on some expenditures and make a decision about whether it is worth spending the money. But when it comes to our health, most of us do not have that luxury. While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates the average American spends $13,500 per year on personal health care, research by the Kaiser Family Foundation suggests the U.S. is falling behind several other wealthy countries when it comes to the quality of that care. And, as always, the conundrum is worse for those living in some states than in others. While many West ...

Festival looks to build community

For many summers, downtown Steubenville has come alive in early August with a community festival organized to help celebrate African American culture. The name might have changed during the years, but the goal always has been the same: For all residents of the area to join together for a day of fun activities, great food and the chance to enjoy each other’s company. That’s why organizers of Saturday’s Family Reunion Community Fun Day are excited about this year’s edition, which will run from noon to 3 p.m. at North End Park. They’re looking to build on the success of what ...

Plan aims to cut energy red tape

Bureaucracy exists to serve itself, rather than the taxpaying public. Bureaucrats can wield licenses, permits, deadlines and other forms of red tape like precision weapons. Their zeal in doing so has bogged down our economic diversification and growth for far too long. But a plan presented by U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., could speed things back up, at least for one sector. The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 is meant to eliminate some of the time and hoops that stall energy projects of all kinds. “The United States of America is blessed with ...

Assault funding is a good start

On at least one front, Gov. Mike DeWine has maintained the tenacity he displayed as Ohio’s attorney general. His office continues to support efforts to hold accountable those who commit sexual assault. In February, DeWine launched the Ohio Sexual Assault Investigations Grant Program, to be awarded through the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services. Earlier this month, the program awarded nearly $900,000 for law enforcement organizations, prosecutors and victim advocacy groups. The Forensic Nursing Network will get more than $244,000 for training ...

Art money will help area groups

Schools and communities that value and support the arts and arts education understand such things are not a luxury. The arts are essential. Fortunately, it appears state officials and lawmakers understand that, too. This year, the Ohio Arts Council has been supported to the degree that it was able to approve a record $22.7 million in arts grants — 935 of them to Buckeye State artists and arts organizations. It is the largest single round of grants distributed to OAC funding applicants in the agency’s history. “On behalf of the board, the Ohio Arts Council thanks Gov. Mike ...

State tax holidays provide a break

Ohio and West Virginia are preparing to welcome back-to-school shoppers with sales tax holidays. And while residents of both states have become accustomed to that yearly break as they prepare to send their children back to the classrooms, Ohioans will see one big change: This year’s tax holiday has been expanded, and will run from midnight Tuesday through 11:59 p.m. Aug. 8. That’s a week and a half for families to take advantage of tax-free purchases — made in-person or online — of eligible items up to $500. West Virginians, meanwhile, will get their sales tax holiday from ...