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Editorials

Religious freedoms are fragile

As Christianity declines in the West, the faith is flourishing in sub-Saharan Africa, which is seeing the fastest growth in Christianity the world over. By 2060, more than 4 in 10 Christians worldwide are expected to live in sub-Saharan Africa, compared with just 1 in 10 in 1970, according to Pew Research. But this growth is coming at a cost. Unlike their counterparts in the U.S., African Christians increasingly risk violent death for their beliefs. Nigeria, home to one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing Christian populations, has also become one of the world’s deadliest ...

Researchers working on cancer puzzle

“Inflammaging” is far from being a household word now but, thanks to advances in cancer research, it apparently isn’t destined for obscurity much longer. Anyone being affected directly or indirectly by cancer needs to familiarize himself or herself regarding what is happening on the inflammaging front and recognize the good judgment of staying tuned for information on more developments, going forward. Meanwhile, no one ever knows if or when that dreaded disease might impact one’s life. What is particularly interesting about the research being conducted regarding the ...

‘Green growth,’ militarism merged

It’s an irony that the minerals needed to save the planet may help destroy it. Rare earth elements, the mineral backbones of wind turbines and electric vehicles, are now the prize in a geopolitical arms race. The trade agreement between Washington and Beijing restores rare earth shipments from China to the U.S., which had been suspended in retaliation against Donald Trump’s tariffs. Behind the bluster, there has been a realization in Washington that these are critical inputs for the U.S. They are needed not just by American icons such as Ford and Boeing but for its fighter jets, ...

President Trump made right choice to act on Iran

President Trump’s decision to strike Iran’s three most significant nuclear sites helped rid the world of a grave nuclear threat and was a large step toward restoring U.S. deterrence. It also creates an opportunity for a more peaceful Middle East, if the nations of the region will seize it. “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Mr. Trump said the night of the strikes. He made clear Iran brought this on itself. “For 40 years, Iran has been saying ‘death to America,’ ‘death to Israel.’ They’ve been killing our ...

Let the countdown begin for America’s 250th

Those annoying countdown clocks the cable TV networks use to let us know how much time remains before a presidential address or something else regarded as worthy of our attention might be useful as America begins the countdown to the 250th anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence. A question that would be helpful for discussion during our increasingly divided times might be: “What does it mean to be an American”? Is it defined in the lyric of the Lee Greenwood song “I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free”? That doesn’t fully ...

Readers’ opinions

Why are local gas prices so high? To the Editor: Recently, I drove through Orbisonia and Shade Gap, Huntingdon County. I saw gas prices at $3.29 a gallon. Also recently, I drove through McClure, Selinsgrove and Danville on my way to the Poconos. I consistently saw gas prices at $3.19 and $3.29 a gallon. I actually purchased gas in the Poconos for $3.01 a gallon. On the way home I purchased gas in Lamar, Clinton County, for $3.15 a gallon. As I drive past local gas sources in the Burnham and Reedsville areas, I continue to see $3.59 a gallon and $3.49 a gallon. I ask for ...