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Is the Iran War worth it?

K.L. Johnson Jersey Shore I don’t understand why Trump administration officials, and Republicans in general, cannot explain the consequences of Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. The current talking point seems to be “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” which fails utterly as an explanation of why. The reason is simple. If the current Iranian regime achieves a nuclear weapon, they will use it — believing that their god has ordered them to destroy both Israel and the United States, and also believing that they will be supernaturally protected from any reprisal. The only ...

People in prison also need to feel the sun and see the sky

Janet Irons State College Citizens of Clinton County may be rightly proud that their county jail, located in McElhatten, follows state law by permitting its incarcerated residents to get one or two hours per day outside, in a prison yard, weather permitting. This is not only a state requirement; it also benefits the residents of the jail, many of whom came to prison suffering from mental health issues. Multiple studies have shown the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors for all people. What many of us don’t know is that the jail in the county next door, Centre ...

United States adversaries pose threats

Donald Moskowitz Londonderry, NH The Heritage Foundation Study of March 4, 2026 exposes military threats from four countries. China poses the biggest threat to our national security. It has more naval vessels than the United States. China continues to claim sovereignty over the South China Sea and threaten Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan. It desires to control the Far East sea lanes, which could impact world trade. Russia’s nuclear arsenal, including non-strategic nuclear weapons, is second to the U.S. Its invasion of Ukraine creates an ongoing threat to Europe. Russia ...

Why is Governor Shapiro playing ball with Public Safety

Vicki Adams Mill Hall On March 26, the State Supreme Court gave Governor Josh Shapiro and the legislature a 120 day stay to pass a constitutional remedy involving automatic life-without parole sentences in Second-Degree murder cases violated the state’s constitution, (referencing one case, Commonwealth vs. Lee) of the nearly 1,200 cases in Pennsylvania. You would think and hope this Supreme Court request meant something to Governor Shapiro, but it didn’t, he was too busy trying to recruit NBA All-Star LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers! The Pennsylvania State Senate ...

Blood Crisis

Sherry Nealon-Shrive Wilkes-Barre The American Red Cross is facing only the second national blood crisis in its history — and donors are urgently needed now to help ensure hospitals have the blood products patients depend on every day. While thousands have stepped up since the emergency blood and platelet shortage was announced, the blood supply remains vulnerable. Additional donors are needed now to help protect patient care. Seasonal challenges in the weeks ahead could place additional strain on the blood supply. End-of-summer travel and back-to-school activities can ...

The Constitution belongs to us all

Doug Keith State College Most Americans don’t wake up thinking about constitutional law or the separation of powers. They worry about paying the mortgage, buying groceries, affording health care and putting gas in the car. They voted hoping life would become more affordable and secure. Instead, many are facing rising costs, growing uncertainty and a government increasingly focused on consolidating power rather than solving everyday problems. Throughout history, democracy has rarely disappeared overnight. It erodes when leaders weaken independent institutions, demand personal ...