This is an “off year” in politics. There are no elections for federal office. That comes next year when there will be elections for Congress. That doesn’t mean that the elections this year are unimportant. Who we elect for County Executive, the County Legislature and other local offices ...

The tentative 2026 County Budget recently unveiled by the County Executive appears to be largely a status quo budget. The Tentative Budget continues the routine of raising County Real Property Taxes every year by $1,700,000 or so, it keeps County government employment at about 1,200 ...

For decades, illegal drugs from all over the world—and particularly from Central and South America—have come into the United States. As decades have passed, illegal drugs have become more and more lethal. The drug trade is no mere set of commercial transactions. It is no mere set of ...

A giant of the film industry died just recently, and his passing brought back a flood of memories. As I explored those moments, I realized that in a small, eye-opening way, Robert Redford changed my life. But first, a little history. Four years before I saw Redford, a date invited me to my ...

There’s a place in southeastern Turkey that most people have never heard of — a windswept hilltop called Gobekli Tepe. It was built long before the pyramids, long before organized farming. And it’s important for human beings to know its story, because when the site was discovered in the ...

We appreciate the thoughtful discussion taking place regarding the Paint CHQ Mural Festival and the role of public art in Chautauqua County. Public art has long been recognized as a catalyst for community pride, economic vitality, and cultural vibrancy. While opinions may differ on funding and ...