Barber shops and hair salons across Pennsylvania have sparked controversy during the prolonged business shutdown. Many have risked crushing fines and license suspensions to defy forced-closure orders and serve their customers. Cindy Schindler, owner of Papillon Salon and Skin Care Center in ...
Pennsylvania state troopers don’t enlist for medals or to win popularity contests. Many of us grew up wanting to be troopers, proud to serve our communities and willing to lay down our lives if necessary. Since the formation of our department in 1905, our ranks have suffered 98 line-of-duty ...
AFSCME District Council 86 represents nearly 5,000 workers in northcentral Pennsylvania, including 287 in local school districts; 661 at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield Universities; 165 prison employees; 453 who work for various cities, boroughs, and townships; and 2,441 employees who ...
We’ve all heard “how hot is it?” jokes, but it’s not amusing when sweltering summer temperatures drive up your electric bill. And coronavirus pandemic or not, Mother Nature will likely be right on schedule with the usual heat and humidity. The pandemic has changed the way we live and ...
On a weeknight in the late 1980’s, I returned home from a friend’s house to find my home had been burglarized. Judging by the blowing curtains, it looked like I had missed a conversation with the intruder by about 10 seconds. I have no idea what I would have done had I quietly gotten to ...
Babies are at far greater risk of brain damage than previously thought. Even activities that seem innocent, like a run in a jogging stroller, can inflict abusive head trauma. And head injuries often go entirely undetected, so parents unwittingly repeat the same harmful behaviors. These ...
Police officer Derek Chauvin spent nearly nine minutes strangling a man to death in broad daylight in front of what he knew were witnesses and cameras. George Floyd, his victim, begged for his life. Passersby pleaded. That would be very difficult for a human to do. That’s psychotic ...
Lawmakers in Washington want to confiscate the patents on coronavirus treatments and vaccines — before biotech companies even finish developing them. A handful of senior House lawmakers, led by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) announced a plan “to ensure any COVID-19 drug will be accessible and ...
We’re parents, coaches, former wrestlers, trainers, doctors and fans who oppose the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (PIAA) weight class reduction proposal. We’ve come together to protect Pennsylvania wrestling from reducing its participants and putting student ...
As Pennsylvania begins to hit health targets and shift into the next phase of our coronavirus response, much of our focus will be on economic recovery. While some of our “essential” industries and personnel have been at work for the duration, many more will need to be supported as we ...
The COVID-19 outbreak has made a lot of things uncertain. Americans don’t know the next time they’ll see toilet paper in a grocery store, let alone whether or not they’ll stay healthy or have a job in a week. But even amid the chaos, Americans don’t have to worry about fueling their ...
In the parking lot of a local store, my dear friend witnessed an exchange between an older woman and a younger man. He wasn’t wearing a mask, the woman noted that he should, he told her to mind her own business; he said no one is going to tell him what to do. Here’s the thing, yes, they ...
In the months since COVID-19 closed our schools, educators, parents, and students did a tremendous job transitioning from classrooms to kitchens and living rooms across Pennsylvania. Teachers continued teaching, and students continued learning - at a distance. This is far from the perfect way ...
Protesting a just cause promotes and insures that the Constitution of the United States is still alive and well today. Americans must always be allowed to peacefully assemble and voice their concerns in time of war, abuse or discontent. No one, regardless of what side of the issue you believe ...
Racial injustice and inequality are America’s original sin. The stains include the Ku Klux Klan, lynchings, bathrooms and water fountains designated by race, and segregated schools. We must acknowledge that history and resolve to improve on it. We have made progress, but not enough. All ...
Well, it finally happened! I found myself in court in Lycoming County, in a live courtroom filled with masked participants. Not everyone was in the courtroom. The defendant alleged abuser in a Protection From Abuse Act case was in prison. We could only see the top part of his head, his mask ...
At Pennsylvania College of Technology, our hallmark — even during these unsettling times of pandemic — continues to be hands-on learning supported by in-person instruction. It’s an enduring educational model, imbuing our graduates with the bedrock skills needed to confidently perform the ...
Without a doubt, we’re living in as tumultuous a time as we have seen in our history. Every day, we face anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and frustration — even anger. At the same time, we contemplate and deal with the major economic fallout of COVID-19 and worry about our future. One thing that ...
My life has been blessed to have know several special men during my time on this Earth. To many they may not even be recognized as a warrior. They included relatives, friends, fellow workers and acquaintances. They never boasted of their service. They were quiet warriors; humble about their ...
As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I understand all too well the importance of paying tribute to fallen heroes — some of whom I knew personally. Their sacrifices help guarantee our way of life today, and their memories live on in the hearts and minds of those who honor them. This year on ...