Breaking News

Other Commentaries

Conservatives misled on climate

When I was the business editor for the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong in the early 1990s, I generated a large body of material that might be now called early “climate denialism.” I still believe what I wrote in those days: that most government “solutions” to global environmental problems would likely prove far more damaging than the environmental threats themselves. I wrote in opposition to “Cap & Trade” — initially a Republican idea associated with David Stockman’s supply-siders, although it later became a key plank in the Democratic Party — arguing ...

Spotlight shining light on PA news

Huge stories will shape Pennsylvania’s future next year. With a new administration in the governor’s office and a shift in power in the state legislature, major policy decisions that affect all of our lives could lie ahead. But no matter the issue or party or politician in office, Spotlight PA will never stop demanding the truth and accountability. So as you consider the causes and organizations to support this year, I ask you to invest in quality journalism that demands the truth, holds leaders accountable and gets results. And there’s no better time to do it than today, ...

Developing batteries for electric cars

Scientists and engineers are making good progress in the search for quick-charging batteries for electric vehicles. Some of the exciting news comes from close to home. A team of mechanical engineers from Penn State, working with EC Power, a State College-based battery technology company, recently announced a breakthrough that brings down to 10 minutes the time required to charge a typical EV battery. They report their findings in an article in the journal Nature. The title of their article is “Fast Charging of Energy-Dense Lithium-ion Batteries.” This is important ...

Modern news, social media lack civility

I remember the day that news broadcasts started to become opinion broadcasts. It was Feb. 27, 1968. At the end of his CBS Evening News broadcast, the respected and revered Walter Cronkite stepped away from journalism’s standard of five Ws + H and proffered his opinion of the Vietnam War. While views differ on the effect of his opinion, one thing is certain — broadcasting and journalism were changed forever. Prior to that night, going back to the writings of Aristotle, investigative inquiry was based on the five Ws + H: the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of an event ...

Advanced practice providers shape future

Advanced Practice Provider (APP) week is set aside to celebrate and highlight the countless positive contributions APPs make as they improve the health of patients. This week, which is celebrated Nov. 7-11, is about increasing the awareness of the APP role, honoring APPs who are making a critical difference in the lives of their patients and removing barriers that impede patients’ access to care. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has elevated awareness of how APPs are essential to our healthcare system. Choosing the right health care provider is an important first step in ...

In competition for jobs, PA can’t wait

By David N. Taylor The bad news is that Pennsylvania’s chronic economic underperformance has robbed us of prosperity that should have been ours. The good news is that we can set things right if our leaders in Harrisburg choose to embrace a pro-growth, pro-production, pro-jobs agenda – and stick to it. Year after year, decade after decade, Pennsylvania’s economy has grown more slowly than the national average. Faster-growing states have benefited from greater private-sector investment, leading to more and better jobs, more residents, and a growing local tax base. In ...