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Dementia news is call to action for our future

The latest report on CTE is both enlightening and alarming. A groundbreaking study from Boston University researchers found that those with CTE have a much higher chance of being diagnosed with dementia. The largest study of its kind from the Boston University CTE Center reveals that the progressive brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy should be recognized as a new cause of dementia. Those with advanced CTE — who had been exposed to repetitive head impacts — had four times higher odds of having dementia. This is sobering news for current CTE sufferers, those who ...

What’s behind the wild new wealth tax proposals?

When government grows to dominate ever-larger shares of the economy, and when politicians refuse to be responsible about what they spend, there’s a predictable next move: Insist that the problem is “the rich” not paying enough. Never mind that high earners already shoulder a disproportionate share of the tax burden. Never mind that relying on a small and mobile group of people for the bulk of your revenue makes public finances more volatile, not more stable. No, once spending is treated as untouchable and restraint as politically impossible, it’s only a matter of time before ...

Volunteer firefighters are built for emergencies, not for weeks like this

In recent days, a run of house fires displaced families and strained nonprofits and churches that step in when homes are lost. Behind every call stands a volunteer fire company answering alarms day after day, often with the same names on the roster and the same few people carrying most of the weight. Burnout doesn’t arrive all at once. It accumulates. One overnight fire turns into two. Then three. Another call comes in before the gear dries. Volunteers still go to work in the morning. They still show up for family obligations. They still answer the pager. Rural and small-town ...

Sunshine Law issue needs clarity

An article published earlier this month by Center Square began with two paragraphs that are deserving of elaboration. First, the paragraphs in question: — “In December, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision ruled that with a majority vote, government entities could add anything to a meeting agenda without first offering public notice.” — “It’s a loophole created by what legislators say was a poorly written exception within the state’s 2021 Sunshine Act, a law intended to promote transparency in government.” Lawmakers, whether they be state or federal legislators, ...

Energy still driven by simple truth

Detailed reporting in last Thursday’s Williamsport Sun-Gazette by The Center Square illuminated the challenges confronting the energy sector in meeting Pennsylvania’s needs. The ongoing efforts by PJM to assess future trends in energy demand and consumption are important. We hope the measures the entity — responsible for generating the electric grid’s supply in Pennsylvania and neighboring states — is undertaking assist management and staff in being fully prepared for delivering service and affordability to Pennsylvania’s families and businesses. Of course, as important ...

In these times, safe driving even more important

The Juniata River Valley and surrounding communities have survived the noteworthy snowstorm that passed across the region about a week ago. We expect that in the coming days and weeks, the volumes of snow will melt and refreeze into icy conditions. More snow and sleet will further complicate winter commutes. Such is life in central Pennsylvania. We hope and encourage motorists to be mindful of conditions. We echo the advice of the state Department of Transportation, found on the department’s website: Slow down and increase following distance. Avoid sudden stops and starts. Beware ...