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Editorials

Another exercise in nonpartisan cooperation ended sadly, as Donald Trump undoubtedly planned. Every year, the nation’s governors meet with the president to discuss common concerns. Trump had initially banned two Democratic members of the National Governors Association from attending — governors Jared Polis of Colorado and Wes Moore of Maryland. The association’s chair, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, objected to Trump’s banishing of two members. The governors’ gathering is one of the few cross-party events still held at the national level. “He can invite whomever ...

Work to end all violence, chaos at Belmont Pines

Editorials

Judging by the seemingly never-ending string of alarming police calls to Belmont Pines Hospital in Liberty, that behavioral health facility for youth has begun to resemble ground zero for chaos and mayhem in the Mahoning Valley. In recent weeks, township police have been called at least three times to deal with reported assaults, runaways, vandalism and other turmoil. Over the past year, many other disturbing reports have unfolded. Teens have been arrested after countless reported assaults on staff members. Portions of the residential treatment facility have been severely damaged amid ...

Orchids & onions

Editorials

ORCHID: To the 17 Inspiring Minds Youngstown students in grades 3 to 11 whose artistic and literary talents have been duly honored with a public exhibition of their artworks and poems in the Michael Kusalaba Public Library in Youngstown. Their talents have been well honed through the programming of the Inspiring Minds organization that for 10 years has provided hundreds of Mahoning Valley youth with enriching educational and creative programming after school and in the summer. The exhibit, mounted in conjunction with Black History Month, ends this weekend. Don’t miss it! ORCHID: ...

Trump: The insulter in chief

Editorials

Each time one thinks President Trump has reached the lowest level possible in insulting his enemies, he finds new depths to plunge. Following a 6-3 ruling by the Supreme Court, which included three conservative justices he appointed, the president called the justices “fools,” a “disgrace to the nation,” and “unpatriotic.” His critics might say such language is a disgrace to the presidency. Calling people names, especially names that are incendiary in content, wins no arguments and creates opposition instead of a fair hearing for one’s counter arguments. The president ...

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Letters to the Editor

The bad news is for at least the remainder of this year 47 will continue to tax Americans with his tariffs, probably start a war, drug prices will increase, he will embarrass America on the international stage, try to rig the midterms, make money off Americans, and violate the law on a weekly basis. The good news is the judicial system is still holding for the most part, more Epstein facts will come out, no-kings rallies will continue, more non-MAGA Republicans will see how 47 is hurting them — Campbell The city of Canfield just gave a 10-year 100% tax abatement for the new ...

Some in Congress still try to advance rail safety legislation

Editorials

More than three years after a disastrous derailment in East Palestine, Congress has continued to sit on its hands rather than upset its friends in the railroad industry by implementing desperately needed rail safety reform. Well, most of Congress, anyway. A few have repeatedly tried to push change. Most recently, a bipartisan group that includes U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, has introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2026. “Three years ago, many Ohioans understandably lost faith in the safety and reliability of our nation’s railways after the accident in East Palestine, Ohio. Since ...