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Convene study of health coverage for all to fight racial disparities

To date, COVID-19 has cost the lives of more than 250,000 Americans. The virus has altered virtually every aspect of our way of life. In its wake, the pandemic places a harsh spotlight on a hard truth: Structural racism in America causes fatal inequities in health-care outcomes. We see this unfold as COVID-19 continues to kill, or leave chronically ill, African Americans, Hispanics and other minority populations at statistically significant higher rates than whites. Sadly, COVID-19 puts a fine point on a larger problem. More than ever in our lifetimes, we are reminded that racial ...

Presidential endorsement: Joe Biden

Editor's note: We invited the chairperson of each Trumbull County major political party to share with our readers their arguments supporting their party's presidential nominee. Trumbull County Democratic Party Chairman Dan Polivka declined our request. Instead, we have substitued this column from the Mahoning County Democratic Party chairwoman. Instead of focusing on Donald Trump’s failures and broken promises, we’ve chosen to focus on why Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the best choice for America. The priorities of Joe Biden and Donald Trump could not be more different, ...

Presidential endorsement: Donald Trump

Editor's note: We invited the chairperson of each Trumbull County major political party to share with our readers their arguments supporting their party's presidential nominee. You are facing a procedure of dire consequences with a choice of two surgeons. One, hands-down, is the best in his field, but he is gruff, arrogant with grating bedside manner. The other has a great demeanor and calming approach, but possesses limited familiarity with the issue you face. Most would select the one best in his field because when stakes are high, we need the job done right. This brings to mind ...

Ohio’s energy industry primed to drive growth

In 1788, the same year as the ratification of the Constitution, settlers with the Ohio Company made their way into southeastern Ohio. The men and women who first crossed the Appalachian Mountains were pioneers, yes, but they were also the leading innovators of their day. Their skills extended to navigation, engineering and the agricultural sciences, all critical to establishing a successful outpost in the Northwest Territory. Fast forward 230 years, and Ohio is the same incubator of innovation it has been since its very beginning. Today, it is the energy industry that provides Ohio’s ...

Learn how the Constitution shaped America

Thursday is Constitution Day. Do you know what it took to become America? It’s a simple question; however, with so much controversy in our country today, I wondered how individuals would answer. The bottom line is that America did not happen overnight. There were growing pains. The following information provides a chronology of the vision our founding fathers had for our nation’s future and what it has taken to continue these dreams for America. • April 19, 1775: Battle of Lexington, Mass., involved a British attack at dawn that started the way for independence. • July 4, ...

Your kindness will last decade

In my 13 years as president and CEO of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, I have repeatedly witnessed the unyielding kindness of the people of Appalachian Ohio. We care deeply about others, and when asked to help, we step forward. Amid the challenges we face today, it is easy to feel powerless. However, there is one simple way we can all make a difference now and that’s by completing the 2020 Census. The census will determine federal funding, elected representation, and how resources are allocated to our communities for the next 10 years. And right now, all but four of Appalachian ...