Conspiracy theories on Acton altercation at fair condemned

September 11, 2026

While Amy Acton, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, wasn’t attacked at the Canfield Fair, we don’t know what could have happened had her security detail not intercepted an armed man heading toward her, knocking people down. But it’s disturbing to read and hear conspiracy theorists dismiss the altercation as a hoax on the toxic playground known as social media. We don’t know the intentions of Patrick Havas, the 38-year-old Canfield man accused of lunging toward Acton at the Canfield Fair on Sunday. That will be up to a court to decide. Havas faces four misdemeanor counts: ...

Supreme Court lacks clarity in dismissal of abortion case

August 28, 2026

It wasn’t a surprise that the Ohio Supreme Court dismissed Trumbull County Domestic Relations/Juvenile Division Judge David L. Engler’s lawsuit seeking to stop abortions in the state, but the justices could have at least explained why. Instead, the justice ruled 7-0 Aug. 19 that the state’s “motion to dismiss is granted. Accordingly, this case is dismissed.” Besides that, the court’s four-sentence entry declared that the matter originated with it and the American Civil Liberties Union’s motion to have more time to file a brief in support of the motion to dismiss was ...

Cutrona lets fly legislation to regulate Flock cameras

August 21, 2026

While not as controversial as data centers, Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras are not too far behind. Originally sold to communities as a way to make it easier to catch criminals, instances of abuse and a lack of transparency and public accountability have been reported. But even worse, many people are tired of being watched with their movement tracked and fear the lack of privacy. The high-speed stationary cameras take photos of every vehicle that passes them — which can be thousands a day. Flock doesn’t just sell the cameras to law enforcement. If you’ve ...

Data centers rise as key issue in race for governor

August 14, 2026

In connection with affordability issues, data centers have emerged as a hot-button issue in politics. Data centers are needed in our digital world. Whether you are texting, checking your email, opening an app, doom scrolling, watching a video or doing anything with your phone or computer, a data center is needed. They’re increased in numbers with the major growth of artificial intelligence. Data centers also consume tremendous amounts of electricity, which adversely impacts power grids and increases costs to residents, and uses massive amounts of water to keep servers from ...

Democrats face uphill climb in Valley races for Congress

July 31, 2026

Thanks to gerrymandering and the financial advantages of incumbency, only four out of the 15 U.S. House races in Ohio on the Nov. 3 ballot are considered competitive. Among the safe Republican districts are the two that include the Mahoning Valley: the 14th Congressional District, a seat held by U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Bainbridge, who is seeking his eighth two-year term; and the 6th, which has been represented by Congressman Michael Rulli, R-Salem, since he won a special June 2024 election. The 14th District favors Republicans 58.5% to 41.5% for Democrats based on partisan statewide ...

It’s beginning to look a lot like a close governor’s race

July 24, 2026

It’s premature to handicap the Ohio gubernatorial race in July as a lot will happen between now and the Nov. 3 election. But it looks like the state will have one of its most-contested governor’s races in a number of years. Ohio governor races aren’t typically close. Since 1982, there’s only been three races that could fall into that category. In 1998, Republican Bob Taft beat Democrat Lee Fisher by 5.3%. In 2010, Republican John Kasich beat Democrat Ted Strickland, who was the incumbent, by 2%. In 2018, Republican Mike DeWine defeated Democrat Richard Cordray by ...