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National Columnists

US Steel future in limbo after Biden block

The fate of the Edgar Thomson Works, a massive steel plant at Braddock, Pennsylvania, that has hugged the same spot along the Monongahela River since 1875, became even more uncertain Friday morning when President Joe Biden announced he would block the sale of United States Steel to Nippon Steel ...

Firm foundation’s paramount as we begin 2025

Just before New Year’s Eve, a Gallup poll survey headline accurately captured the feelings of many people in our nation: “Americans Predict Challenges in 2025, With a Few Bright Spots.” The top concerns were unsurprising, including anxiousness about the economy and a growing budget ...

MAGA takes on Elon Musk’s ‘tech bros’

Just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump was scheduled to return to the White House, the coterie of American tech oligarchs who played a decisive role in re-electing him was busy exerting their own power in ways that suggest the MAGA coalition may be heading for a crack-up. Trump ...

When terrible things happen to good laptops

There wasn’t a full moon. I didn’t walk under a ladder or break a mirror. No black cats crossed my path. Yet it was undeniably one of those days when I felt cursed. It started with the demise of my coffee maker, followed by the nervous breakdown of my washing machine, and an unfriendly ...

Trump earns salute as super-phoenix of politics

The year 2024 will be remembered for three marvels: Donald Trump, Donald Trump and Donald Trump. He is Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Even Harry Houdini would be jealous. The facts speak for themselves. President-elect Trump outfoxed and steamrolled four felony prosecutions in New ...

Congress needs to fix Social Security

In the dreamlike days between Christmas and the regular work week’s return in the new year, it’s easy to believe all things are possible. Indulge in as much pie as you like — a resolution to eat healthier in 2025 will balance the scales. For most of us, this is harmless ...