The West seems strangely intent on committing suicide, even though it was Western Civilization that liberated mankind from its history of slavery, servitude, and poverty. The unparalleled freedom and prosperity we have enjoyed in this country are the direct result of uniquely Western — ...

Last July I wrote about Finian, our Maine Coon cat, and his stubborn need to be outside. For some reason he is well-behaved at the front door – as long as visitors don’t stand chatting with the storm door open. I mean, give the furry kid a break. A 10-minute open door is temptation even a ...

This week I have a few thoughts about money, which is always an interesting subject. As editor John D’Agostino recently pointed out while our governor complains about affordability in light of rising gas, grocery, utility and car insurance costs, she ignores the fact that much of the ...

As an aspiring journalist, it’s important to know which news stations are owned by who. It’s reasonable to not want to work for a station that doesn’t tie into your beliefs. While personal opinions should have no real role in fact-based journalism, that’s just the world we live in. ...

Across Chautauqua County, more families are struggling to make ends meet. Rising food prices, increased housing costs, utility bills, and other financial pressures have created a growing need for food assistance throughout our community. At Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, that need is visible ...

I must admit, upfront, that I am a bit biased in this matter... but I was delighted with the decision of Chautauqua Institution to hire Mark Johnson as its new President. He will be undertaking these new duties in the coming year. I first knew Mark as a kid growing up in Jamestown when we ...