Our opinion: School phone policy about common sense

September 22, 2026

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

September 21, 2026

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

September 17, 2026

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

September 16, 2026

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

September 15, 2026

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

September 14, 2026

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 ...