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Side with Pennsylvanians, not polluters

For years, Pennsylvania communities have been battered by increasingly severe storms and flash flooding—a stark reminder of climate change that swamps our streets, strains our sewers, and threatens our homes. That is why the Trump EPA’s new proposal to roll back the “Endangerment Finding” is so dangerously short-sighted. Since 2009, this scientific fact — that greenhouse gases harm our health — has been the bedrock of key clean air protections, repeatedly upheld by the Supreme Court. This finding is the essential tool that empowers the EPA to restrict the pollutants ...

Paying the bill

I see that there were four municipalities that sent volunteer firemen into the city to assist with a fire on Lyons Place. I hope those municipalities charge the city of Williamsport for those services since Williamsport likes to charge for their services rendered. And, yes, I am aware of some of the contracts, but those don’t cover all the services provided by the volunteers. This makes it a lot easier for the city to have a small department like they do. What’s good for one is good for the other. TIM HETNER Williamsport Submitted by Virtual Newsroom

E-bikes and e-scooters

I found the picture of a man screaming at a child riding a scooter in a cross walk wearing a helmet to be problematic. Roads and sidewalks need to accommodate all users. Of course there needs to be reasonable rules. Will the new crosswalk on Maynard Street make it safe for pedestrians, cyclists and scooters to cross the busy street? Should our first priority to the free flow of cars? A city that values the safe access to all is one where people want to live. DAVID STONE Williamsport Submitted by Virtual Newsroom

When dialogue dies, violence prevails

The echoes of a voice advocating for discourse, not violent confrontation, have been tragically silenced. Charlie Kirk’s life, dedicated to the principle of engaging in political discourse through debate and discussion rather than through violence, was brutally cut short, an outrageous violation of the very message he championed. This heinous act stands as a stark reminder that retaliatory acts of violence, no matter how deeply felt the grief or anger, should be condemned because they will perpetuate the cycle of destruction he sought to break. Especially those of us who differ with ...

The Constitution needs you

The Constitution needs you — now more than ever. As our nation faces growing authoritarian threats, I write to urge every member of our military and law enforcement to remember the oath they swore—not to a man, a party, or a flag, but to the Constitution of the United States. That oath was not ceremonial. It was a solemn promise to defend the principles that make this country free: civilian rule, equal protection, rule of law, free speech, the right of due process, the right to protest and descent, the prevention of excessive or cruel punishment and democratic governance. When ...

Knee-jerk reaction

I am disgusted with Cal Thomas’ September 9, 2025 op-ed column in the Sun-Gazette, “Madness in and around Minneapolis.” Cal discussed the recent terrible Church shooting at the church were many kids were killed or injured by a deranged shooter. Then Cal said in paragraph 7, “I am a supporter of the Second Amendment, but with a caveat. No one should be allowed to buy a semi-automatic rifle as the one used in Minneapolis....” Why? The gun did not shoot the kids, a nut case did. Why shift the BLAME from the alleged violator to the means used? The Second Amendment is not about ...