What other newspapers are saying: Anti-vaccine campaign will make Americans sicker

February 3, 2026

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has already inflicted great damage upon America’s vaccine infrastructure, yet the health and human services secretary is only getting started. His next target is the system that makes vaccines economically viable. Vaccines are expensive to develop, but for them to be effective, they must also be cheap so that large populations can access them. That means manufacturers must operate at slim margins, making them particularly vulnerable to expensive lawsuits. In the 1980s, litigation was driving drug companies out of vaccine production. While immunizations save ...

Commissioners right to get spending under control

February 2, 2026

We appreciate the efforts by Lycoming County’s commissioners to thoroughly and comprehensively review personnel and expenses and reduce costs. We cannot, as communities, foster the growth we need for the families of Lycoming County to enjoy living and working in Lycoming County by ...

In these times, safe driving even more important

January 31, 2026

Lycoming County 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 ...

What other newspapers are saying: Defense budget cheaper than war

January 30, 2026

President Trump likes to take credit for persuading NATO to spend 5% of GDP on defense, but in 2025 he didn’t ask Congress to meet that target. That changed this month as he said he’ll propose a military budget of $1.5 trillion. It’s the right decision for a world of proliferating threats. For “the Good of our Country, especially in these very troubled and dangerous times,” he wrote on Truth Social, “our Military Budget for the year 2027 should not be $1 Trillion Dollars, but rather $1.5 Trillion Dollars.” Yes, the U.S. already spends more on defense in dollars than ...

Victories a story of resilience

January 29, 2026

U.S. Army Sgt. Major Kevin Bittenbender was a hero well before he won two bronze medals at the Winter Paralympics World Cup events. Bittenbender served his country for 34 years in the U.S. Army. “Looking after your brothers and sisters, not only in non-combat situations, but combat, ...

Campaign spending requires voters’ attention

January 28, 2026

Pennsylvania’s judicial-retention balloting last year was an eye-opener, but not because of which candidates’ retention bids were successful. Rather, what was remarkable — and troubling to many people of this commonwealth — was the total amount in cash and the value of other support ...