Breaking News

Opinion

America has fallen from its founding

Opinion

Last Tuesday, the full, 17-judge U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard consolidated oral arguments in a crucial case that is all but guaranteed to make it to the U.S. Supreme Court. The predictable controversy surrounding the litigation, which involves similar but distinct mandatory Ten Commandments display laws arising out of Texas and Louisiana, is revealing as to just how far America has fallen from its Founders’ vision. In 2024, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed into law a bill requiring that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom — from ...

Midterms a moment of truth

Opinion

Donald Trump has called 2025 “the greatest first year” of any president, but a majority of Americans strongly disagree: In the latest CNN poll, 58% describe that year as a “failure.” The single biggest reason Trump won a second term was economic discontent with the Biden administration, and it’s the single biggest reason so many voters are now disillusioned. In the CNN survey, 55% say Trump’s policies have actually made things worse and almost two-thirds say he has not done enough to reduce their cost of living. Even among Republicans, reports the AP, only 16% say Trump has ...

When do billionaires share with all of us?

Letters to the Editor

Marco Rubio said on an ABC interview that U.S. oil companies will take over and run Venezuelan oil fields. He claimed that the oil revenues will be shared with the Venezuelan people instead of going to a handful of billionaires. It is so nice to live in America where our billionaires share their money with the people. All US citizens benefit from the bountiful generosity of our billionaires. How stupid does Rubio think we are? George Christ Loretto

Republicans should vote in special election

Letters to the Editor

Since the composition of the current State House district system in 1968, the 79th District has never held a special election. This year, on March 17, voters residing in the 79th (formerly held by Lou Schmitt) will face an historic opportunity to vote in a special election. While unfamiliar, this process will unfold similarly to a general election, where any registered voter can vote. It is of paramount importance that we rally behind our Republican nominee for the March 17 special election, Andrea Verobish, to ensure that the people of the 79th have representation to fulfill the ...

Game Commission seeks public comment

Letters to the Editor

When the Game Commission asks I assume it’s required by law or because they think it makes them look good. If they really care about what the hunters want, survey all the hunters when they purchase their licenses each year. Since this is all computerized, it should be rather easy to do. Then publish the results, this should limit all the controversy they create. I believe most hunters would be better in tune with the decisions they make if they knew this is what the hunters want. Dennis Lee Nevling Altoona

Sunshine Law issue needs resolved soon

Editorials

An article published in the Mirror’s Jan. 12 edition began with two paragraphs that are deserving of elaboration. First, the paragraphs in question: — “In December, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision ruled that with a majority vote, government entities could add anything to a meeting agenda without first offering public notice.” — “It’s a loophole created by what legislators say was a poorly written exception within the state’s 2021 Sunshine Act, a law intended to promote transparency in government.” Lawmakers, whether they be state or federal legislators, ...