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Our opinion: Phone restrictions a part of life

There is nothing wrong with schools dictating cell phone use for its students. In 2025, U.S. News & World Reports said at least two-thirds of the states had policies for the devices. In Warren County, the school board this month came up with its own regulations. For older and more responsible students, there are certain restrictions while allowing use. It’s not the same for those in kindergarten to eighth grade. Those elementary and middle-age students are not allowed to use the electronics. It makes sense. According to the Institute of Education Science, “Teachers have ...

Our opinion: Riverfront plans are exciting

Warren residents have been hearing about improvements to the Allegheny Riverfront for the past couple of years. Talking about the project whets the appetite, but we think there will be more excitement for the future of the Allegheny Riverfront in Warren after the first phase of work begins in 2027. The boat launch, which will include space for approximately eight boat trailers, pedestrian parking, a floating dock and an ADA-accessible launch, is the first in a series of projects that will reshape the city’s relationship to the Allegheny River. The larger master plan includes a ...

Our opinion: School phone policy about common sense

We’re glad to see the county Board of Education has passed a new cell phone policy that limits the devices’ use during school hours. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade would not be permitted to have cell phones out or accessible during the school day. High school students in grades nine through 12 would have more flexibility, with limited exceptions for legitimate educational or other approved needs. Board member Misty Moore questioned how the district would ensure teachers consistently enforce the policy. "I still feel that there is a lot of gray area," Moore said, ...

Our opinion: Don’t jump to conclusions on data centers

We do not expect the furor about data centers to die down. What we can say about proposals to build data centers must be similar, as a matter of principle, to what we say about any development: If or when it is done, there are right ways to do it, transparent ways that address the concerns of neighbors and place the appropriate guide rails and limitations on development. The concerns with the use of non-disclosure agreements likewise apply to other developments in other fields. We hope public officials take heed of these concerns and can work on adhering more closely to the spirit of ...

Our opinion: Plenty of positives in riverfront plans

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

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 ...