Road to women’s voting rights passed through Valley

August 16, 2020

Presidential candidate Joe Biden made history last week by selecting a woman of color, Kamala Harris of California, to share the Democratic ticket with him. Now, just days later, Americans will mark another election milestone — this one with significant local ties. Tuesday is the centennial anniversary of ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women in America their full voting rights. Like the long fight to win black Americans the right to vote — led in large part by recently departed civil rights icon and U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia — ...

Wear your mask, and hope for the best

August 9, 2020

My kids are grown — well, pretty much grown. My oldest just earned his bachelor’s degree, and my youngest is preparing to start his senior year in high school. Despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19, he’s made his choice and is adamant that he will return to in-person school this fall, hoping to go as long as school officials and the governor say that he may. As you know, Gov. Mike DeWine last week issued a health order requiring masks for all children, K-12, returning to in-person classes this fall. DeWine believes the mask mandate “gives us the best shot to keep ...

John Lewis inspired youth from Valley

August 2, 2020

The congressional website hosted by recently departed humanitarian and civil rights icon U.S. Rep. John Lewis remains active. Near the top of the site is a press release dated July 17, the same day he died, in which the Democratic congressman from Georgia explains a letter that he and fellow Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-California, and other bipartisan members sent to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos supporting two Center for Civic Education grant applications seeking funds “to expand the Center’s work to provide school teachers with professional development in the fields of elementary, ...

Let the kids play in sporting events this fall

July 26, 2020

My youngest son has been training since January for his senior cross country season that should be starting in coming weeks. Thanks to COVID-19, he already sacrificed his junior baseball season, even missing out on the high school team’s planned spring break trip to Myrtle Beach for a tournament in April. Who could have ever expected this past spring season to be a total wash? It’s been challenging as a parent, as a sports fan and as a journalist at a local newspaper that heavily covers high school sports. Here in this newsroom, we are moving ahead with our plans to cover ...

Fans won’t go easily with name change

July 19, 2020

The loyalty of Cleveland Indians fans soon could be tested again, this time as they face the possibility of not only the removal of their beloved Chief Wahoo mascot, but also now the team nickname. Via social media, the team on July 3 announced it was considering changing the 105-year-old Indians name. The Indians organization says it is considering the move in an effort to keep with the team’s commitment to have “a positive impact on our community” and its responsibility “to advance social justice and equality.” If that sounds familiar, it’s because it was the same ...

Brave local actors share stories of abuse

July 12, 2020

Several women recently came forward to relay testimonials about sexual harassment and assault in local community theater. They shared these stories bravely, without hiding behind anonymity, demonstrating great courage and strength. Certainly, they had to know going into this that there was a real possibility that, in cases like these, victims often become targets of doubt and harassment. Frankly, it’s easy to point fingers at accusers, especially when they come forward so many years after alleged sex abuse crimes occurred. Our reporter Andy Gray first broke the story detailing ...