By Jamie Crawford COLUMBUS — With nearly 82 percent of Americans planning to travel this summer, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions is urging Ohioans to be on the lookout for travel scams and fraud as they plan their summer getaway. Last year Booking.com reported there had been between a 500-900 percent increase in travel scams over […]
POSTED: 06/05/25 at 9:07 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
By Judge Jill T. Worthington Every day, courtrooms across the United States are filled with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders. Without treatment to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, many will continue to cycle in and out of the justice system, burdening law enforcement and at tremendous expense to taxpayers. […]
POSTED: 04/24/25 at 9:33 pm. FILED UNDER: Opinions
By Gary Richards After recently participating in a major online discussion with hundreds of other people across the USA about the pros and cons of tipping for services in this country and how it has grown out of control, out of proportion, is being abused by many businesses and people working in the service industry […]
POSTED: 04/02/25 at 10:14 pm. FILED UNDER: Opinions
By Jamie Crawford COLUMBUS — As Ohioans await credit card bills from the recent holiday season, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) is sharing tips to help consumers work through any post-holiday financial headaches, whether it’s managing surprisingly large invoices or dealing with potentially stolen credit cards. The National Retail Federation reported late last year that sales […]
POSTED: 01/07/25 at 1:43 pm. FILED UNDER: Opinions
By Jarrod Clay COLUMBUS — With 2024 consumer spending expected to reach a new record this holiday season, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) has unveiled a free Holiday Gift Budgeting Guide to help Ohioans successfully navigate the upcoming season with fiscal responsibility in mind. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumer spending during the upcoming winter […]
POSTED: 11/13/24 at 2:09 pm. FILED UNDER: Opinions
By Jarrod Clay COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Unclaimed Funds is currently safeguarding approximately $4 billion in unclaimed funds that is waiting to be claimed. Last year alone, Ohioans were able to put more than $139 million back into their pockets. Unclaimed funds are lost or forgotten money that businesses and […]
POSTED: 04/25/24 at 9:05 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
As the Representative for Ohio’s Fifth District in Congress, I have visited and inspected our nation’s southern border four times. I take these opportunities because I believe the federal government has a duty and responsibility to protect and secure our nation’s borders. That is why I traveled to the small southern border town of Eagle […]
POSTED: 01/08/24 at 9:53 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Many people underestimate the impact that mental illness can have on an individual or family. It can be difficult to admit that you have a mental health problem in your life. Secondly, it can be just as difficult in getting the people you know to understand your situation without making any kinds of judgments. As […]
POSTED: 12/18/23 at 1:40 pm. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Your home is one of the most important financial – and emotional – investments you’ll make. It provides shelter, security, and a sense of stability. Now, thanks to the creativity of fraudsters, it also comes with the risk of a relatively new type of scam called deed or mortgage fraud. Scammers are forging deeds to […]
POSTED: 04/17/23 at 10:21 am. FILED UNDER: Opinions
Earlier this month, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288, which prohibits the use of electronic wireless communication devices (EWCDs) while operating a vehicle. I applaud Gov. DeWine and the Ohio Legislature for taking a necessary stand against a deadly issue for our state: distracted driving. The new law goes into effect in April. […]
POSTED: 01/31/23 at 12:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Opinions