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Who was the sucker in the Middle-East?

We are all familiar with the famous saying that, “there is one born every minute.” The aphorism is referring to suckers; people who will believe what they are told regardless of how absurd or outrageous the representation may be. In the Middle East, there is a word, a well-known colloquial, when someone is called a “friar.” Plainly stated, it refers to someone who could be easily suckered. Is Donald Trump playing the role of the sucker in the Middle East trip? The President believes that peace comes through economics. After all, why fight with somebody from whom you are making ...

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 ...