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White House’s approach to tariffs may bring serious consequences

As a result of the Trump Administration’s reckless tariff policies, America’s hardwood industry has faced a range of consequences, including lost revenues, cancelled orders and the high costs of diverting shipments already in route to China. The 125% tariffs that China applied to U.S. imports in response to the staggering 145% tariffs that the Trump administration placed on Chinese goods on April 2 jolted hardwood producers. Immediately, some hardwood prices plummeted, and many lumber processors halted purchases from sawmills, leaving those mills with limited outlets for their ...

A pro-growth agenda for Main Street

Last week, we observed National Small Business Week—a time to recognize the contributions of small business owners, workers, and entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania and the United States. But these individuals deserve more than recognition. They deserve real support from their government. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the strength of our communities. They’re the employers, the mentors, and the community leaders. From sponsoring youth sports teams to donating to local charities, they are the foundation of Main Street and the heart of towns across our ...

Governor’s ‘price cap’ could hike bills

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal to cap electricity prices could, perversely, lead to higher customer bills and a greater risk of blackouts, according to America’s Power, a trade organization of coal-fired power plants. Following negotiations with the governor, power grid operator PJM Interconnection submitted a plan to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to restrict prices for two years—a period that would extend, coincidentally or not, beyond Shapiro’s 2026 reelection campaign. On April 22, FERC approved the settlement. As usual, the governor ran a premature victory ...

Financial accountability and leadership

Public funds are not personal funds. Local, state, and federal tax dollars must be used responsibly—never as a slush fund for pet projects or personal agendas. That’s not how a modern city should be run. Elected and appointed officials who turn a blind eye to the misuse of public funds ...

Both print and digital access essential for public’s right to stay informed

A developer wants to rezone a public park to allow high-density housing. The local school board weighs a plan to close an elementary school. City council considers selling the sewer system to a private party. Knowing in advance that public officials are considering matters like these gives the public an opportunity to weigh in before decisions are made. After all, it is your right to know the plan for how your hard-earned taxpayer dollars might be spent, and the ways government actions could affect you and your family’s lives. Government agencies must publish public notices about ...

Goliath twists tale on skill games

It’s a tale as old as time in Harrisburg, but for those who read about skill games for the first time an obvious question often remains; how is this different from gambling? In simplest terms, skill games are interactive, where, with hand-eye coordination and a little intellectual acuity, the player can affect the outcome on every play. Games can be won by the player’s own skill. On the other hand, casino and lottery games are won by chance. The player has no input as to the spin of the slots, the roll of the dice, the cards dealt or when the roulette wheel stops. The outcome is ...