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In Our Opinion

U.S. Deserves Answers About Venezuela

What does “America First ” mean? It’s a question that President Donald Trump may have to finally answer in his escalating campaign against Venezuela. The stakes for Americans couldn’t be higher. Across Trump’s runs for the presidency, he appealed directly to Americans who were tired of high-minded talk of defending the “international order,” nation building, regime change and spreading American values abroad. He tapped into popular discontent about the long, difficult wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He vowed to put America first. But that simple phrase could mean very ...

Embracing The Possibilities 2026 Holds

We’ve done it. We’ve reached the end of 2025 and are looking ahead to all the possibilities 2026 holds. Some may be planning to put 2025 firmly behind them and not look back, others may have much upon which to build from one year to the next. Whatever the case — whether our dreams include making a national project of the year or just working harder on being the best we can be for ourselves and those around us — most of us can agree we are hoping for a year in which we are able to lift up one another and work toward the good of all. On a personal level, there may be ...

There Never Will Be Consensus On Medical Aid In Dying Law

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature on legislation approving Medical Aid In Dying was, to put it nicely, not universally approved. Many state lawmakers didn’t like the decision. More importantly, tens of millions of state residents didn’t like it either. And the chances are they won’t change their mind. We won’t sit here behind our collective keyboard and try to sway anyone on either side of the issue. People have their own, perfectly logical, reasons for their views on medical aid in dying whether they’re for or against. What we can say is that the legislation that will ...

Sports Gambling Debate Is Far From Over

More than $2 billion a month is spent on sports betting in New York state - including a record $2.64 billion in October 2025. Needless to say there was pent-up demand when state legislators approved online sports betting back in 2022. And, let’s be honest, the state was looking for a new revenue stream to pay for new programs. It was a match made in heaven. But the longer we go down the road with mobile sports betting the more some legislators are having second thoughts. It’s obvious that, in their zeal for new money to spend and the cacophony of people pushing for mobile ...

Punishments Must Be Harsher For Student-Teacher Sex Crimes

Twice in less than two months, area teachers have been accused of inappropriate conduct with students. First came news that the Westfield Academy and Central School Board of Education was aware of claims against a current staff member accused of inappropriate behavior. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, a Pine Valley teacher and coach was charged with charged with third-degree sexual abuse, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child. Slisz turned himself in at the Chautauqua County Jail for central arraignment. He is to answer the charges in the Town of Cherry Creek ...

Addressing Tuition Costs Should Be A Top Priority

Though a well-trained, well-educated and skilled workforce is more important than ever, students seeking a higher education to prepare them for their careers are having a harder time being able to afford it. Sure, many people still believe having a college degree will translate to higher earnings, but students are increasingly challenged to decide whether the expense of that education (or the long-term debt they may incur) is worth the risk. According to WalletHub, the cost of attending a four-year public college has risen by an average of 30% over the past 20 years. And that cost eats ...