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The Strait of Hormuz and the long chessboard

The crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is often framed as a regional military confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. In reality, it is far larger: it is a systemic challenge to the global economy, to international maritime law, and to the domestic political stability of major powers. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil moves through this narrow waterway. Any sustained disruption therefore becomes not merely a military event but a global economic shock. The immediate effects of such a disruption are well understood. Oil prices rise sharply, ...

Williamsport home rule — good or bad?

Recently, I received on Facebook a lobbying effort by current City Council members concerning Home Rule for the City of Williamsport. In the 2026 Primary Election to be held May 19th, city voters will get to vote on a government study Commission. Some of the members of that Commission have already revealed their views, notwithstanding that not a word has yet been written by the Commission. According to the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, the state Department of Community and Economic Development has made a recommendation that the city pursue the creation of a Home Rule Charter for the ...

Public notices require independence

Life is hectic. Keeping track of work, home and family commitments is challenging enough. Now imagine adding another task to your daily routine: checking multiple government websites just to find out what your local and state officials are planning to do. You would have to monitor the websites of your school board, township supervisors, borough council, sewer authority, zoning hearing board, county commissioners and other government bodies that make decisions affecting your daily life. That could become reality if lawmakers weaken Pennsylvania’s public notice law by allowing ...

‘I like unions, I just don’t like my union’

“I like unions. I just don’t like my union.” Time and time again, I hear this sentiment from employees nationwide. Most will express frustration with their union officials, who’ve disappointed or even mistreated them and other members. Some tell me how they tried and failed to improve their own union from within. They imagine there’s a better union out there — one where union officials actively improve the workplace and help employees achieve some measure of personal freedom. Polling confirms this sentiment. Gallup found that about two-thirds of Americans broadly approve ...

Pennsylvania deserves the truth — help us keep delivering it

We pay for our government, and it should answer to us. But too often, that’s not how it works. Records get buried. Agencies stonewall. Officials wait out the news cycle or attack reporters rather than answer hard questions. Spotlight PA files hundreds of public records requests every year, pushes back when the door slams shut, and publishes what we find — regardless of who it implicates. Spotlight PA was built on a simple premise: the powerful in this state count on the public not paying attention. We exist to make sure that doesn’t work, but we need your help now. The work ...

For the love of the game — and country

Paul Skenes is smiling from ear to ear, draped in red, white and blue, along with the rest of his teammates, as they begin the first exhibition game representing Team USA at the World Baseball Classic at Papago Sports Complex in Phoenix. Skenes told the MLB Network why it means so much to represent his country in the games. “First and foremost, I care because I’m from America. I love America. I’ve seen the WBCs in the past, and there’s no bigger stage or no greater honor than wearing USA across your chest,” he said ahead of the game. There was another reason Skenes said he ...