Allegheny Independent Media

Allegheny Independent Media

Trump Approval Rating in the Second Term

Much has been made of Trump’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case and the passage of the so called Big Beautiful Bill. Subsequently, It usually takes a week or so before events like these register in the polls. It generally takes a few days to conduct them and they are expensive. Often the news mediaContinue reading “Trump Approval Rating in the Second Term”

Combatting Antisemitism in the Alleghenies

Yesterday, I spoke with Adam Hertzman of the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh. We spoke of ways of combating antisemitism in the Alleghenies. Conversely, there were 4 busloads that traveled to the rally in support Israel in Washington from Pittsburgh on November 13. According to a survey by Anti Defamation League and NORC (national opinion researchContinue reading “Combatting Antisemitism in the Alleghenies”

A Tie for First Place in the Best Nonfiction Book of All Time Poll

I’ll take another break from Coronavirus to talk about my book and the second anniversary of my Best Nonfiction Book of All Time poll.  Hopefully it’s more inspiring this holiday season.  First my book. Christmas tree created by Duane Webb showing books by local authors (myself included).  You can bid on it at the CommunityContinue reading “A Tie for First Place in the Best Nonfiction Book of All Time Poll”

Coronavirus and the 2020 Election

Today there is a wealth of statistics being released including the ones that I have compiled here.  The official unemployment rate increased from 4.4% in March 2020 to 14.7% in April 2020.  The unofficial rate (which some call the true unemployment rate) rose from 8.7% in March to 22.8% in April.  The official rate countsContinue reading “Coronavirus and the 2020 Election”

Socialism is “Uncomfortable”?

In last Wednesday’s debate, NBC anchor Lester Holt asked Senator Bernie Sanders about his network’s poll where 67% of registered voters said that they were either “very uncomfortable” (46%) or “have some reservations” (21%) about a socialist candidate for president.  Sanders retorted “who was winning” in that poll (hint it’s Bernie)? Looking at the textContinue reading “Socialism is “Uncomfortable”?”

Medicare for All is a “Top/Important Priority” in Pennsylvania

I saw this article by a Julian Routh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette where he reports on a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Cook Political Report of voters in the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin called The Blue Wall Project.  He highlights their responses to questions on implementing a Medicare for AllContinue reading “Medicare for All is a “Top/Important Priority” in Pennsylvania”

Vote for the Best Nonfiction Books of All Time

Last week I discussed the PBS series The Great American Read and the need for an online poll for the greatest non fiction book of all time.  This week I thought I would take it upon myself to create such an online poll so that you can make your voice heard on the matter.  AdmittedlyContinue reading “Vote for the Best Nonfiction Books of All Time”

Trump is Popular on the Economy but not Foreign Policy

Much has been written about how Trump’s popularity inched up from a low of 37% (according to the Real Clear Politics (RCP) poll average) in December 2017 to 43% in June of 2018.  It has stubbornly remained around 43% ever since as can be seen in the graph above.  His disapproval ratings have fluctuated betweenContinue reading “Trump is Popular on the Economy but not Foreign Policy”

US Life Expectancy Decreases and Those Who Want the Affordable Care Act Expanded Increases

This month it has been reported that life expectancy in 2015 in the US has decreased for the first time since 1993.  The decrease was from 78.9 years in 2014 to 78.8 in 2015.  The reasons for this decrease are unclear though the overall death rate increased by 1.2% last year.  The top causes ofContinue reading “US Life Expectancy Decreases and Those Who Want the Affordable Care Act Expanded Increases”

2014 Income and Poverty Update for Pennsylvania and Cambria County

In Dec 2014, I posted the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates for the state of Pennsylvania for the year 2013.  As I am now back in PA I thought I would take a look at the poverty estimates for counties and school districts here for the state to see how things may have changed. Continue reading “2014 Income and Poverty Update for Pennsylvania and Cambria County”