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America’s other Independence Day has arrived today

Today the Mahoning Valley joins the rest of the country in celebrating a national holiday of freedom and independence. No, we’re not leapfrogging two weeks ahead to the massive America250 Fourth of July hoopla. Rather, June 19 marks Juneteenth or as former President Joe Biden proclaimed it for the first time in 2021, the Juneteenth National Independence Day. The two federal holidays remain intimately entwined. This year marks 250 years since the 1776 Declaration of Independence, which proudly pronounced “all men are created equal.” But for millions of enslaved African ...

Rising cost of fast food puts people in a pinch

We know how to make good food at home — when we can. What comes out of our gardens and woods is better than much of what is prepared at a five-star restaurant. But the trouble is these days, not everyone has a garden or the luxury of time to head into the woods, let alone time to prepare such meals. And affordable, accessible, fresh and healthy food is not always an option either, in a region riddled with food deserts. So families turn to what is available, and do their best to afford it. In fact, a recent WalletHub survey that looked at the cost of fast food as a share of median ...

We’re back to pinky promises from Iran

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” This was the message President Donald Trump broadcast to the world via his Truth Social platform on Sunday to announce the supposed end of the war with Iran. In the days since, MAGA-world has worked overtime not only to celebrate the deal to end all deals, but also to ...

Everyone should be free to stay in or get out of Social Security

Trustees of the Social Security program just issued their annual report. Each year, the picture of the program’s solvency is dismal. But this year it’s even worse. Rather than falling short in 2033, as reported last year, this year the shortfall is projected to be in late 2032. That’s six years from now. Without action taken, benefits, per the report, will be cut 22% late in 2032. That means that every young working person is now forced to pay, by law, 12.4% of their pay — half paid by them and half paid by their employee — into a bankrupt system. As I recall, ...

State entities are embracing new tech jobs

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is on board with a new effort by JobsOhio, which increases pathways to high-demand technical careers in the state. The Experiential Learning Initiative is a $300 million, 10-year effort in its early phases. “Ohio’s workforce challenge will not be solved by hoping more people find these careers on their own,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “Manufacturers need a stronger pipeline of skilled talent, and Ohioans need clearer pathways into good careers. Experiential learning helps connect both sides of that equation.” At first, the ...

Can Platner be redeemed?

Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna conceded at a rally for the Maine senatorial candidate that Graham Platner’s actions have not been sterling. Voters considering Platner don’t like his “shameful” actions against women, the Californian said, but “they are willing to extend him grace and redemption.” Maine Democrats have just chosen Platner to challenge five-term Republican Susan Collins in November. Maine is a purple state, and Collins is a moderate by current Republican standards. But here’s the problem for Platner: Redemption is a theme in religion whereby someone who has ...