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Our opinion: Plenty of positives in riverfront plans

Our Opinion

There appears to be some momentum growing for the city’s riverfront. Last week, a proposed master plan envisioned a sweeping transformation of the area between the Hickory Street Bridge and Conewango Creek, with expanded recreational opportunities, improved access to the Allegheny River, new gathering spaces and connections to downtown. City Mayor Dave Wortman during the event Sept. 10 said the project grew out of the city's comprehensive planning process, which identified development of the riverfront as a high priority. Council adopted the comprehensive plan in 2023. "This is a ...

Our opinion: We hope Lake Erie renaming bill is a joke

Our Opinion

We have no doubt that a state House member’s bill to rename Lake Erie stands as good a chance of becoming law as Lake Erie does of going dry tomorrow. Rep. David Maloney, R-Boyertown, recently released a co-sponsorship memorandum for a House Resolution that would ask President Donald Trump, Congress, and the United States Secretary of the Interior to take the necessary steps to rename Lake Erie as "Lake Pennsylvania." Maloney's resolution is unlikely to be passed in the House or signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro even if it was approved in the GOP-led state Senate. We’d be surprised if ...

Our opinion: Our lawmakers need to act on games

Our Opinion

While we cannot pretend to know the exact details of the compromise the state Legislature needs to reach, we know the state Supreme Court's decision on skills games places undeserved stress on civic organizations -- including fire companies and veterans organizations -- across the state. Many such organizations have come to depend on revenue from the electronic gaming terminals. These organizations use that revenue in ways that help neighborhoods and communities across our region and beyond. Some of the leaders of these organizations recently spoke out about the deadline at a rally ...

Our opinion: Lawmakers turning lobbyist a valid concern

Our Opinion

As Pennsylvanians, we believe our state government owes the public certain assurances -- that their interests are carefully contemplated, that the state's government is responsive to their needs and that officials and authorities treat them as equal constituents in determining what changes in approach or direction the state should undertake. A Spotlight PA article recently noted that dozens of former lawmakers have registered as lobbyists in Harrisburg. Critics of the practice, the article notes, say it incentivizes lawmakers to ingratiate themselves with the industries and interests ...

Editor’s corner: On devastating day, news was center stage

Our Opinion

Headlines and heartache filled this week exactly 25 years ago. Across the nation, stunned residents gathered in front of televisions or turned on radios for minute-by-minute updates on the horrors happening in our homeland. Another large segment of the population turned to newspapers — ...

Self-inflicted wound state can still avoid

Local Commentaries

How do you intentionally cut the income of tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians? By undermining an industry that’s become essential to local businesses, veterans’ organizations, fraternal clubs and small businesses across the commonwealth. For nearly two decades, skill games have been part of Pennsylvania’s local fabric. They help keep neighborhood establishments open, support VFWs and American Legions, fund volunteer fire companies and provide a financial lifeline for organizations and social clubs. In all, thousands of Pennsylvanians rely on the supplemental income from these ...