Opinion
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Op-Ed: Over 67,000 veterans enrolled in VADIP in 2025
The Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) was established in 2014 by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 as a Pilot Project. It was designed to provide premium-based dental insurance for veterans.
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Op-Ed: GAO validates veterans’ need for dental care
A Government Accountability Report (GAO-26-108467), released on September 23, 2026, revealed that since Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, the number of disabled veterans eligible for dental benefits increased by seventy (70%) percent to 2.3 million.
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Letter to the Editor: Vote ‘No’: Batavia Township Fire/EMS levy
This is not a vote against fire protection, EMS, or the dedicated men and women who provide these vital services. The question is how those services should be funded without placing another substantial burden on existing property owners.
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Op-Ed: Veterans get win on “Discharge Petition”
On September 15, 2026, Representative Nancy Mace signed House Resolution (H.Res.) 1247, the Major Richard Star Act “discharge petition.”
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Op-Ed: Do we need a veterans’ national elysium memorial?
On September 13, 2026, several hundred people journeyed to the National Elysium Memorial in Alrewas, Staffordshire, England, dedicated to veterans and active-duty personnel who have died by suicide.
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Letters to the editor: election season guidelines
Letters to the editor may be submitted for consideration of publication with the following guidelines: Each letter must contain the name of the submitter and phone number for verification (not publication). The maximum word count is 400 words. You may not submit a letter to the editor about your own…
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How to identify new and emerging leaders
Every thriving small town has one thing in common: people who are willing to step up, invest their time, and work alongside others to make their community better. Strong leaders don’t just keep good work moving forward. They inspire others, build momentum, and help shape a brighter future for everyone.
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Op-Ed: U.S.-China summit will hinge on critical minerals
The world will be watching closely when President Trump hosts China’s President Xi later this month. And considering the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and the conflict with Iran, there’s plenty for the two to discuss. But one issue is absolutely paramount for the two leaders to solve—Beijing’s threat to cut off…
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Op-Ed: VBA sacrifices vets’ claims’ accuracy for speed
For the “America 250” events, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins pledged the VA would clear the disability compensation claims backlog.
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Op-Ed: Unintentional fraud committed by veterans
It is possible for veterans to commit fraud accidentally when dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This can occur through reporting mistakes, the VA’s confusing rules, and the errors made by third parties, who complete the disability compensation claim in behalf of veterans.











