Opinion

In 2026, residents will have some pretty big decisions to make—at the polls. This year features an extremely important election cycle that you’ll be hearing more about that in the coming weeks.

In 2026, residents will have some pretty big decisions to make—at the polls. This year features an extremely important election cycle that you’ll be hearing more about that in the coming weeks.

FROM THE EDITOR: 2025 was no joke—and ‘26 is a critical one for Osceola County

Ken Jackson
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Since we had to send the Jan. 1 print edition to the press a bit early last week due to the midweek holiday, this edition truly feels like the first paper of 2026.So let me officially wish all of you loyal readers a Happy New Year.It’s a good time to discuss our resolutions.
The second most impressive change (following their extensive shift to EVs) was the extent China has finally moved from paper money and coins to digital payment methods.

The second most impressive change (following their extensive shift to EVs) was the extent China has finally moved from paper money and coins to digital payment methods.

Cashless China — when does it arrive here?

John Richard Schrock
Friday, December 26, 2025
While speaking in China, I noted the second most impressive change (following their extensive shift to EVs) was the extent China has finally moved from paper money and coins to digital payment methods.
From Chamber President Dirk Webb: "The older I get, the more I understand that every day is a gift and the people I love are the actual wrapping that makes each moment so special."

From Chamber President Dirk Webb: "The older I get, the more I understand that every day is a gift and the people I love are the actual wrapping that makes each moment so special."

GUEST EDITORIAL — Maybe it IS the thought that counts

Dirk Webb
Thursday, December 25, 2025
On this Christmas Day 2025, I’m aware we can find this time of year very stressful. We usually have extra events to attend, year end deadlines to meet and, of course, the shopping, wrapping and exchanging those Christmas presents. Let me tell you a short story that recently happened.
CAPITOL COLUMN — Keep the faith, MAGA true believers

CAPITOL COLUMN — Keep the faith, MAGA true believers

CAPITOL COLUMN, the finale — Keep the faith, MAGA true believers

Bill Cotterell
Friday, December 12, 2025
Editor’s Note: News Service of Florida columnist and longtime Florida journalism Bill Cotterell, who wrote about Florida government and politics for more than four decades, died Nov. 24 at age 82. Four days before his death, Cotterell filed this column.
Letters to the Editor — Nov. 28, 2025

Letters to the Editor — Nov. 28, 2025

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — ‘All Inclusive’ class plan should be reversed

News Staff
Friday, November 28, 2025
Dear Editor:It seems Osceola County has unilaterally decided to make it’s school classes “all inclusive,” in that all students will go to “regular” classes, regardless of their ability to do things like ascertain and learn the same material as their classmates, use restrooms as their classmates, be...
Graphic/Metro Creative

Graphic/Metro Creative

SLICES OF LIFE: Black Friday—which one?

Jill Pertler
Thursday, November 27, 2025
I’m a Black Friday purist.All year long I see the ads and I’m torn. I love deals, but I also embrace tradition. And I don’t think I’m a gullible fool. Because of this I’ve decided to finally speak out.
METRO CREATIVE

METRO CREATIVE

GUEST EDITORIAL — A Thanksgiving message

Dirk Webb
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Is it just me or is 2025 going by in a blur? It seems it was just last week that we turned the page on 2024!I wanted to pause for a moment and consider an attitude of gratitude before Nov. 27th comes. Do you mind if I start with myself?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom led an initiative aimed at redrawing districts to elect more Democrats to the U.S. House. (Photo/California governor’s office via News Service of Florida)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom led an initiative aimed at redrawing districts to elect more Democrats to the U.S. House. (Photo/California governor’s office via News Service of Florida)

CAPITOL COLUMN — ‘Who Can Out-Cheat the Other One?’

Bill Cotterell
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
In a perfect world, our legislators could blow up 28 balloons to exactly the same pressure and squeeze them into a big cake pan shaped precisely like the state of Florida, then declare that to be the legal map of our congressional districts.
The Capitol Columnist writes that some Florida legislators are spicing the agenda for the election-year legislative session with a bunch of stuff that seems designed to make voters very happy.

The Capitol Columnist writes that some Florida legislators are spicing the agenda for the election-year legislative session with a bunch of stuff that seems designed to make voters very happy.

CAPITOL COLUMN — Lawmakers offer election-year goodies

Bill Cotterell
Friday, November 14, 2025
Like little kids trying to be extra good as Christmas approaches, some Florida legislators are spicing the agenda for the election-year legislative session with a bunch of stuff that seems designed to make voters very happy.Whether some of it works or not is another matter.
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