Breaking News

Opinion

Find your purpose, then work your gift

Editorials and columns

During the opening week of the fall semester, I had the honor of giving the convocation remarks for The Ohio State University's Lima campus incoming freshman class. It was a perfect autumn morning, even though I still find northwest Ohio a little nippy during this time of year. The students were engaged, appearing eager to get college underway. I began by telling them to reflect on their key life milestone of graduating from high school as they start the next chapter with their beginning courses and eventually declare a major to prepare for their future careers. I then shifted my ...

What's your rush?

Editorials and columns

Growing up in Alpena was one of the best experiences of my life. I remember as a young teenager walking all over town where everyone was a welcoming familiar face. People were, for the most part, truly friendly and genuinely cared about one another. Neighbors looked out for each other. ...

Some roof materials can last a lifetime

Editorials and columns

Dear Jim: There is a leak in my attic. My dark asphalt shingles are less than 20 years old. What are some roofing material options that have a longer life? - Steve W. Dear Steve: Less than 20 years is not a long life for even the least expensive asphalt shingles. Inspect the condition of the shingles. If the edges are not curled up and you do not see any breaks, the shingles may still be fine. Have a roofer inspect for other sources, such as the flashing, of the leak. There are several alternative roofing materials which will last much longer than asphalt shingles. Many also reduce ...

An app a day keeps the parents away

Editorials and columns

Well, it's back-to-school season again, and parents across the country know what that means: It's time to download some new apps. Yes, you already have 10 apps; that's true. There's one for the park district, one for summer camp, one for your oldest kid's teacher to post weekly updates, ...

Florida is the new ground zero for both political parties' civil wars

Editorials and columns

Florida, you might have heard, is no longer a swing state. Since Ron DeSantis became governor, Republicans have gained nearly 2 million registered voters on Democrats in the Sunshine State. It is an astonishing change in partisanship for the state that famously decided the 2000 presidential election by 537 votes. The outcome of the statewide races in Florida this November, such as those for governor and U.S. senator, are therefore not in much doubt. Democrats might dream about making Florida competitive again, but they might as well believe in the tooth fairy. But if Florida isn't ...

Todd Blanche's one promise: Dishonesty

Editorials and columns

Todd Blanche was Donald Trump's personal attorney, so it was natural that when he was elevated to attorney general, a journalist asked whether he would "pledge that the Justice Department will always act independently of the White House?" The correct answer to such a question is obvious: The ...