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Opinion

Norfolk Southern issues far from resolved

Editorials

To some of the people who initially kept up to date with developments stemming from the fiery Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, just west of that state’s border with Pennsylvania, the black plume of smoke that hovered over the town in the derailment’s aftermath is merely an unfortunate closed chapter of Northeast railroad history. But, in reality, those individuals are wrong. The situation surrounding the derailment, which involved 20 units carrying hazardous chemicals, obviously, now, is far from being closed. Despite the passage of more ...

Senate won’t vote itself out of existence

Letters to the Editor

Several members of the Democratic Socialists of America have won Democratic nominations for several offices. The party has proposed abolishing the Senate, the Presidency, the Electoral College, and the Supreme Court. They have not told us how they intend to do this. Article One, Section One, Clause One reads: “All legislative Power herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.” Article Two, Section One, Clause One reads: “The executive Power of the United States shall be vested in a President ...

AI needs a constitution

Letters to the Editor

Artificial intelligence is advancing at an extraordinary pace. Within a few years, AI systems may make decisions in medicine, finance, transportation, defense, scientific research and critical infrastructure that exceed any individual human’s understanding. That potential offers enormous benefits, but it also creates unprecedented risks. The central question is no longer whether AI will become more capable, but whether it will remain aligned with human values. Good intentions are not enough. Advanced AI should be designed so that it is structurally prevented from violating ...

Remember who builds this country

Opinion

Labor Day is a celebration of the people who build America. They are the workers who wake before dawn, put on a hard hat and steel-toed boots, and head to a job site. They build the roads we drive on, the buildings where we work, the power plants that keep the lights on and the pipelines that deliver the energy that makes modern life possible. But workers need something to build. Right now, America has a tremendous opportunity to put both its resources and its workers to work. After years of delays and uncertainty surrounding critical infrastructure, the country is confronting the ...

Frankstown case a lesson for others

Editorials

Probably, many public officials in the six-county Southern Alleghenies region have not heard about the ethics-violation case involving a supervisor in Blair County’s Frankstown Township. Regardless, most Southern Alleghenies region officials probably would be doing themselves a favor if they sought and reflected upon details of that case. The case can be very instructive. It’s appropriate to use the words “involves” or “involving” in reference to the case, rather than “involved,” because there has been no assurances put forth that additional proceedings related to ...

Remember PSU for its positives

Letters to the Editor

I am writing this regarding the recent developments at Pennsylvania State University (main campus) and the alleged drug ring operations which have tied two fraternities and their members to a large cocaine distribution network. Although I find this appalling and proper measures should be taken to discipline all of those involved, I feel that this can tarnish an otherwise excellent university with a solid academic reputation. Let’s look at some of the positives involving Penn State, which has achieved significant milestones across academics, research, student philanthropy and ...