Breaking News

Editorials

Blair prison needs some serious ideas

It is instructive for officials of local-level governmental entities to watch what is happening in units of government around them. By doing that they can avoid others’ errors but also obtain valuable guidance on how to pursue their projects or other initiatives. They also can obtain valuable perspectives on how to justify what they are seeking to do and regarding the steps and strategies necessary to accomplish their objective or objectives. Apply that thinking to the situation involving the Blair County Prison, which has been on “life support” for decades as county leaders, ...

Red Cross announces emergency situation

Despite the drum beat of month-after-month pleas for blood donors to help the American Red Cross meet a desperate need, the organization’s supply has actually plummeted more than 25%. Consider what that means for those who rely on the Red Cross to supply blood and blood products that could save their lives. “The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces dangerous levels of heat and people head out for final summer travel plans,” the organization said Monday. “Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%, ...

Holidays crucial to our national healing process

Although much of the national attention is — and will continue to be — focused on developments related to the Nov. 5 presidential election, the world beyond the political front is far from being in slumber mode. For example, on the retail front, merchants are not sitting back, intent on waiting until after Halloween to make important decisions associated with the busy Christmas shopping season. Many merchants already are knee deep in planning for the products with which their shelves will be stocked in the weeks leading up to Dec. 25. Also, on their mind and capturing their ...

What other papers are saying: Congratulations to Josh Matheny!

Kudos to Upper St. Clair’s own Josh Matheny, who made his hometown proud at the Summer Olympics in Paris, where Matheny competed in the 200-meter breaststroke event. While he placed seventh in the final, Matheny turned in an impressive 2:09.52, which was better than his Tuesday semi-final time of 2:09.70. Matheny, a 2021 graduate of Upper St. Clair High School, is no stranger to the local newspaper sports pages. As a USC senior, he won a fourth WPIAL title in the 100-meter breaststroke and led USC to the team championship. That year, he also was named The ...

Is $396 million in spending practical?

We believe most Americans value protecting the environment. Here in Pennsylvania, we are surrounded by natural wonders. But going too fast has some pitfalls, as can be seen in neighboring New York state. And the need to protect the environment needs to be balanced with its impact on families, communities and on our nation. The cost must also be a part of the decisions. Further, we need to make sure that the measures taken will actually help the environment. So we’re urging caution after a recent announcement by Gov.Josh Shapiro. He was joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ...

NS delays bad news for Amtrak

For the most part, adhering to laws, rules, regulations, and/or just plain, routine expectations avoids many problems over the long run. Under a law passed by Congress in 1973, trains of the rail passenger service Amtrak are required to be given priority when they cross a freight railroad’s tracks. That requirement makes sense. However, the Norfolk Southern railroad company, regarding its New York to New Orleans route, is accused of causing what have been described as “chronic delays” by forcing Amtrak trains to wait while its trains of massive length pass. For instance, ...