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Government control in the digital age

Politicians push government IDs. In a TSA announcement, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem sternly warns, “You will need a REAL ID to travel by air or visit federal buildings.” European politicians go much further, reports Stossel TV producer Kristin Tokarev. They’re pushing government-mandated digital IDs that tie your identity to nearly everything you do. Spain’s prime minister promises “an end to anonymity” online! Britain’s prime minister warns, “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID.” Queen Maxima of ...

Feeling alone this season is more common than we admit

The holidays arrive each year wrapped in lights, music and expectations. We’re told this is the season of togetherness, of full tables and louder laughter, of joy that seems mandatory. But for many people, the holidays don’t feel warm at all. They feel empty. Quiet. Heavy. Being alone during the holidays is often treated as a personal failure, as if something went wrong, as if you missed a turn somewhere in life and ended up here by mistake. But loneliness this time of year isn’t rare, and it’s not a weakness. It’s a shared human experience, especially for those carrying ...

Railroad dodging accountability

Despite Norfolk Southern’s assertions that it would make things right in East Palestine — after a derailment back in February 2023, the company appears to continue to resist doing so. Most recently, it filed motions in federal court seeking to EXCLUDE expert testimony presented by the state of Ohio and the United States as part of ongoing litigation. The proposed $315 million federal settlement between Norfolk Southern and the U.S. Department of Justice is still pending. Among the challenged witnesses are three medical doctors who support Ohio’s effort for a long-term medical ...

Frustration with property taxes doesn’t justify a higher income tax

We understand the fear and frustration. As Lycoming County and some of its municipalities — including Williamsport — and school districts adapt or weigh the possibility of property tax increases, we recognize the strain and burden higher property taxes place on homeowners. Of course we can reiterate that local governments and school districts need to ask tough questions. They need to find spending cuts. They need to find where services and administrative functions are being duplicated and consider regionalization or consolidation. They — and we — need to remind our state ...

High suicide rate among seniors a tragedy for all

While many people will be enjoying the next few weeks surrounded by friends and family, many of our neighbors will be isolated, especially those in their senior years. This isolation can contribute to depression and other disorders, which in turn can contribute to the rising levels of suicide or suicide attempts among the senior population. A Seattle Times report revealed that Washington seniors 70 and older have experienced an uptick in the number of deaths by suicide over the last few years, while younger age groups have seen a drop in number and rate of suicides. In fact, ...

Budget’s size unmoored from reality

We agree with one assessment of our state budget The Center Square reported on in Tuesday’s edition of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette: The cost of the new budget is too high. That view, expressed by the Commonwealth Foundation and other conservative organizations and officials, is grounded in simple realities. Pennsylvania has to compete for employers and for families — and in the past decade to two decades, too often comes up short to states with lower tax burdens. Pennsylvania also is confronted by the same reality found across America: the cost of health care continues to be a ...