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Job market must be worrisome for graduates

If a new prediction evolves into fact, many college students whose degrees will be conferred in the spring could face days, weeks, months or longer of anxiety or unfulfilled dreams, according to an article that was published in the Wall Street Journal last month. Some people might shrug off that notion, reminding others that it is commonplace for uncertainties and anxieties to greet new graduates beginning this new chapter of their lives. Of course, the level of uncertainty and anxiety will depend on students’ preparation for this new phase of their lives. Those who have engaged in ...

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 ...

What other newspapers are saying: Senator’s ‘solution’ dodges problems

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) thinks he has a new idea: no taxes on health care. He has proposed making all out-of-pocket health care expenses tax deductible, saying that would “ help people immediately.” But would it? Right now, there are already significant tax breaks on health care. The largest is the exemption of employer-sponsored health insurance from income taxes. That exemption didn’t arise because the government wanted to help people pay for health care. It was an accident. During World War II, wages were capped by the government, but health benefits were not. Many ...

What makes the holidays special

We hope people can appreciate that they are blessed to live in our region. That is, if anything, even more true in December. From Candy Cane Lane to Santa’s Landing, Christmas parades in Hughesville and Loyalsock Township and elsewhere, the tree-lightings in Williamsport’s Brandon Park ...

Workforce a reason to create jobs here

We believe everyone should celebrate the announcement that Farmplast is opening a facility — and creating jobs — in Muncy. Our region has potential. We can meet the challenges confronting communities up and down northeastern and mid-Atlantic states and foster the economic growth that ...

What other newspapers are saying: Norfolk Southern 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 ...