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When a political ad backfires

Guest columnists

Vivek Ramaswamy's desperation is showing. That was my immediate reaction to the cringeworthy ad his campaign posted on social media and then ran on television on behalf of the Republican's campaign for Ohio governor. Early last week, as the campaign entered its homestretch, the ad thrust viewers into an old, painful scandal from his Democratic opponent Amy Acton's childhood. The 60-second video features Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, calling her daughter "a liar," which later prompted Acton's brother to accuse Ramaswamy of turning childhood rape "into a political talking ...

Emphasize safety on Halloween

Editorials

Halloween is only a few days away. Trick or treating will be happening all over the Mahoning Valley. And while many organizations choose to host trunk-or-treat events as a somewhat safer alternative, there is still nothing quite like roaming the neighborhood in your costume, going from door to door to see who’s handing out the full-sized candy bars. There are real dangers for which parents need to prepare, though. Is the costume going to create a trip hazard? Does it make the child visible, or make them more difficult for drivers to see? Is there any flammable fabric or accessory ...

Rural health fund delivers for Ohio

Editorials

Rural communities have always been central to Ohio’s strength. From the farms that feed our nation to the small businesses that sustain local economies, these communities represent the hard work, resilience, and determination that define the Buckeye State. Yet for too long, the health care ...

2 visions for justice, rule of law

Editorials

Democrats, suffering from denial and delusion, tend to think of themselves as the guardians of the rule of law. Back in reality, nothing could be further from the case. Consider Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., who fancies herself a rule of law-championing model immigrant despite the fact she ...

Oliver is the change Mahoning County needs

Editorials

One way or another, change is coming to the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners. The only question is the variety of that change. Outgoing Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti wants her replacement to be fellow Democrat and two-term District 58 state Rep. Lauren McNally. She is battling Republican business owner and former Canfield City Council President Christine Oliver in what is expected to be a close race. If money talks, McNally should win. The former Youngstown City Council member spent almost four times what Oliver spent during the pregeneral election period. McNally ...

Retain Rulli in 6th District

Editorials

U.S. Rep. Mike Rulli, R-Salem, is running for a third term in Ohio’s 6th District. Rulli’s two-plus years in Congress have been peppered with criticisms from opponents. Among them are his clear loyalty to President Donald Trump and his administration and apparent unwillingness to participate in town hall events in his district. Then there are the stock trades. In an Aug. 12, 2026, story, The Vindicator’s David Skolnick reported that Rulli failed to timely disclose 22 stock trades, including some dating back to late 2024, a violation of a federal law designed to prevent insider ...