Some tips on how to treat wait staff

December 11, 2023

It’s Friday night, and you’ve decided to go out to eat at the local diner with your spouse. When you arrive, you are promptly seated and given menus. Within the first minute, you’re greeted by your server. When she returns to the table with your drinks, she asks if you have any questions about the menu, or are ready to order. She takes the order back to the kitchen, and within 15-20 minutes, your meal is served. She checks back to make sure everything is correct with the order, and that you have everything you need. When she sees you are finished, she takes your dirty ...

We should have seen debt crisis coming

December 8, 2023

The U.S. incurs massive annual Federal budget deficits and has accumulated an almost insurmountable National Debt, which now exceeds $92,000 for each man, woman, and child. This debt accumulated exponentially since WWII— and coincided with the explosive growth of domestic Entitlement programs. The U.S. has yet to face the fiscal consequences of this profligacy, but it will likely be very unpleasant. How did we get into this situation? Since 1948, government spending has grown from 15% to 21% of the economic pie, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Entitlement ...

Spotlight PA puts our state first

December 1, 2023

HARRISBURG — State capitols are the testing grounds for the future of our country. New policies and novel legal theories on everything from abortion to education to election administration are being shaped at the state level. And the decisions made in Harrisburg have a far greater effect on your life than the little done in Washington, D.C. these days. That’s why Spotlight PA’s investigative and public-service reporting on the state capitol and urgent statewide issues is more vital than ever. Our journalism holds the powerful to account, keeps track of your tax dollars and ...

Signs of strep throat vs. sore throats

November 28, 2023

Having strep throat does mean having a sore throat. But not every sore throat is strep throat. People often get sore throats due to a virus, but strep is different because it’s caused by a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils. It gets its name from the type of bacteria that causes it: group A Streptococcus, or group A strep. Anyone can get strep throat, but it’s more common in children, especially those between 5 and 15 years old. And it’s more prevalent during the colder months when people spend more time together indoors and in close contact, especially in schools ...

Wake-up call for American innovation

November 27, 2023

American innovation faces an existential threat: the steady erosion of intellectual property rights. Early stage biotech funding is on track to decline 40% this year, and leading investors have made clear that one reason for the retreat is their declining faith in the sanctity of patents. This retreat is understandable. Investing in life science is risky and expensive. Patents and other intellectual property are what offer the possibility of financial upside if all the risks are overcome and the technology actually makes it to market. Yet in recent years, Washington has seemed ...

Grange doing part to fight addiction

November 8, 2023

Opioid addiction. At first glance, it might be viewed as an urban or suburban problem. It’s easy to imagine rural communities living a simpler life — without the pitfalls and distractions that can come from living in larger population centers. To a certain extent, it’s true. Our rural regions have been able to hold on to strong community feelings — where everyone knows one another and is there to lend a hand. Unfortunately, however, we haven’t been shielded from the dangers of opioids. In fact, it’s becoming an increasing problem in our rural areas. The ...