Breaking News

Uncategorized

Prince’s lawsuit questions media’s methods

Brenda J. Linert

I often have conversations with well-meaning callers offering news tips they believe could lead to a good investigative story about someone they think is doing something, well, shady. Sometimes I might agree. But sharing a story with the public requires so much more than just a news tip or a hunch. It requires independent verification and conversations (or honest attempts at conversations) with all parties involved. What “tipsters” often don’t understand is journalists, unlike law enforcement, do not have subpoena power. We can request information from private people or ...

Is AI future closer than originally thought?

Brenda J. Linert

I was in high school when “The Terminator” movie was released. I didn’t go to the theater to see the movie. I’m not a fan of action movies nor science fiction. Years later, when I was dating the man I eventually would marry, we were switching around TV stations in search of something good to watch when, suddenly, there it was. The minute I heard the excitement my then-boyfriend exuded about “The Terminator,” I knew immediately what I’d be watching for the next two hours. If you’ve never seen it, the Terminator is a “Cyborg assassin” disguised as a human ...

Reflect, respect heroes we’ve lost this Memorial Day

Brenda J. Linert

Monday is Memorial Day, a day that many Americans think of largely as the start of summer. The weather forecast is beautiful, and now that we have emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, we once again will be able to participate in large gatherings like local parades and picnics, along with ...

Staying in news ‘silo’ leaves us uninformed

Brenda J. Linert

After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last week signed a bill into law blocking public colleges from using federal or state funding on programs or campus activities that advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion or that promote political or social activism, liberals lashed out against the action. Many argued the bill would limit free thinking and a full breadth of information being offered in college classrooms. One Democratic opponent, Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones, said: “Education ought to be about teaching kids how to think through issues, not what to think about issues. ... The ...

Study: Honesty in workplace (and life) is lacking

Brenda J. Linert

Our newspaper’s attempts to hire good, qualified employees seems to be a never-ending process. It doesn’t matter if it’s news reporters, newspaper carriers or ad sales people, we have a need that likely needs filled. And just like most businesses around the country, the hiring process these days has become even more challenging. Perhaps most exasperating is when applicants take the time to send a resume applying for an advertised position, but then, inexplicably opt to ignore hiring managers’ phone calls and emails. It’s a phenomenon commonly known these days as ...

Building relationships a big part of success

Brenda J. Linert

During a recent one-on-one interview with our politics reporter David Skolnick, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose spoke about his possible run for U.S. Senate and the importance of the relationships he’s built through the years. “What I have are things that can’t be bought,” LaRose said. “They have to be earned, such as deep relationships with people all over the state...” Coincidentally, the very same day LaRose spoke on the importance of relationships, a similar message was being delivered by NBC News’ senior national political reporter Henry Gomez, who gave the ...