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Our opinion: Adding fear to railroad issue

Be forgiving toward anyone who is concerned, or even fearful, about the safety of railroad freight cars these days. Most of the people who read a recent Associated Press report about railcar safety inspections no doubt still are amazed that there have not been numerous other serious rail accidents, especially like the one last year that caused so much havoc, damage and fear in East Palestine, Ohio. Regarding fear, that reaction continues to be real even today, in and around the Ohio community. And it is important to note that any trepidation still oozing from knowledge of what ...

Swelling homeless numbers create crisis nearby

BARCELONA, N.Y. — He was seated at Route 5 and North Portage Road in this small hamlet near Westfield that boasts a thriving summer shoreline and pier along Lake Erie. Holding a cardboard sign, the individual made a humble and desperate plea. “Homeless. In need of cash.” Residents and ...

Our opinion: Togetherness, without violence

For as much as our culture likes to hold itself as above political violence, people historically sure do a lot of it. The horrendous attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump, as he campaigned in Butler, Pa. is another wretched entry to an equally wretched list. Political violence extends beyond presidents and candidates, of course — consider the shooting of Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and the assault of Paul Pelosi, both among recent examples. In 2022, a man paused and called the police on himself during an attempted assassination of conservative Supreme Court ...

Our opinion: A proper state marijuana process

Reporters for Spotlight PA describe the push to legalize pot for recreational use as a “loser” in the 2024 budget process. We must suggest, in that case, that Pennsylvanians as a whole are winners. Tying legalization to the budget process constricts it to a narrow timetable. Our state budgets, for good reason, are expected to be passed by certain deadlines. There is no good reason why such a monumental change in policy in Pennsylvania should be subject to those deadlines. Instead, it should be an open-ended process, allowing legislators on both sides of the issue every chance ...

Our opinion: Record of service necessary

Gov. Josh Shapiro has less than two years of experience as governor as the Democrats considered whether he should be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Unfortunately, he is only the latest name in a concerning trend. Vice presidential nominees Sarah Palin, Kamala Harris and JD Vance and presidential nominees Barack Obama and Donald Trump: When these candidates first joined a national ticket, they had 12 years of experience as either a governor or in the U.S. Congress between the five of them. We understand that in some instances, other attributes may compensate for an ...

Our opinion: Fun returns to the fairgrounds

If you’re ready for an extravaganza of food and family fun as well as 4-H spirit, the Warren County Fair is the place for you. The fair officially opened Monday and runs through Saturday. 4-H members not only actively engage in a variety of activities that showcase their skills and projects, but it provides them with an opportunity to present what they worked on for the past year. Typically, members exhibit their projects, ranging from livestock to arts and crafts. Again, this is a year in the making so it’s a culmination of their hard work and dedication. It’s not ...