Gary Stout

“Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” -Winston Churchill

On Nov. 1, a letter from Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman was published in this newspaper criticizing Allegheny County for its home-rule system of government. Sherman also praised his efforts in being a conservative watchdog of taxpayer dollars.

The Oct. 21 issue of New York Magazine, in its usual sensationalistic style, did a deep-dive report titled “Can the media survive?”

Nonprofits are critical to the welfare of communities across America. They range from small organizations with a charitable purpose to religious institutions, hospitals, and universities. Most U.S. organizations granted nonprofit status by the IRS have one thing in common – they are generally exempt from paying taxes. Cities and towns lose billions in tax revenue, even though a nonprofit benefits from the same public-school systems and municipal services as the struggling individual or private business across the street.

Starting at $3.75 week.

Financial literacy is defined as “the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting and investing.” In recent years, personal finance has become more complex. It is now more important than ever to understand the economy and how to employ the newer credit and investment products offered to the public.

I was baffled by the contrasting messages coming out of Syria, where rebel fighters overthrew Bashar al-Assad after decades of despotic rule, and from progressive Democrats following the recent election of Donald Trump.

Following an excess of holiday giving and receiving, many of us make New Year's resolutions to tidy up the house and to discard what we no longer need. We also make solemn promises to organize all of our stuff.

History gives us many examples of individuals who supported an out-of- favor political cause who were then forced or opted to live outside their native country.

An unexpected development in the 2024 election was the coalition of traditional MAGA voters and ultra-wealthy tech billionaires who joined hands to return Donald Trump to the White House. I will explore the genesis of this alliance and all the reasons that this marriage of visionary tech billionaires and populist Trump supporters cannot last for long.