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Deflecting pool vandalism?

Letters to the editor

Robert O’Conner Lock Haven The ongoing saga of the problem with the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has now been labeled as “vandalism” by President Trump. After millions of taxpayer dollars spent to make the pool “big” and “beautiful” for our country’s 205th, the pool, now known as the Lincoln Lagoon, is full of algae with the recently applied liner peeling off the bottom, providing memorable tourist souvenirs. Consider these facts when digesting the “vandalism” label: Approximately 16 million dollars has been paid to two NO-BID ...

Interest in patriotic items surges ahead of 250th

Columns

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, many Americans are looking to the past. Fifty years ago, the country celebrated its bicentennial, and commemorative items are still collectible. This celebratory redware pottery platter, featuring the dates ...

From London’s tennis courts to California, aggressive taxes always disappoint

Columns

Last week, nearly every elite men’s tennis player skipped one of London’s marquee tournaments. Only one of the world’s top 10 showed up at Queen’s Club, the traditional Wimbledon warmup; stars including Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton were playing 300 miles away in Halle, Germany. A culprit was likely Britain’s tax code, which doesn’t stop at taxing prize money earned on British soil. It also taxes a slice of a player’s global endorsement income, prorated by how many days of the year they happen to spend in the UK. Fail to advance far ...

Universal free school breakfast program

Letters to the editor

Vicki L. Adams Mill Hall Governor Shapiro’s recent re-election commercials featuring students praising his “Universal Free School Breakfast Program “ are misleading. This program was actually launched in 2022 under Governor Tom Wolf, before Shapiro took office. Despite spending over half a million dollars on television airtime in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to claim credit, the administration should focus on Pennsylvania’s educational rankings. According to U.S.News and World Report, the Commonwealth ranks 39th in education and 41st overall, with ...

Dear Annie: When peace feels out of reach

Columns

Dear Annie: Although many years have passed since my husband died, I don’t feel any peace. There was no justice whatsoever. A young girl talking on her cellphone (cellphone records proved this!) lost control of her vehicle on a busy early morning on the highway. Four witnesses testified to her weaving erratically all over the narrow highway lanes. My husband’s vehicle went over the guardrail to avoid her. His vehicle dropped down an embankment approximately 40 feet below and landed on its roof. Firemen extricated him from his vehicle, and he was transported by ambulance to the ...

Dear Annie: Running out of reassurance

Columns

Dear Annie: I am an adult now with grown siblings, but it seems my mother’s anxiety is growing right along with us. My mother is an incredibly anxious person. I try to be empathetic, but she hasn’t seen a therapist in years, and she completely dismisses any logical or positive reassurances meant to comfort her. At this point, I am at a loss for what to do. Currently, her anxiety is hyperfocused on our upcoming summer family vacation. She is worried about everything: flying, hiking, driving, wildlife and fires. It feels like she actively seeks out things to worry about, operating ...