Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Newslanc.com ## Posts - [Steinmans Donate LNP to WITF Foundation](https://newslanc.com/steinmans-donate-lnp-to-witf-foundation/) - By Robert Field, Publisher Few things have brought me as much joy recently than the announcement that the Steinman family is donating LNP to the WITF Public Foundation. I was also pleased when the Steinmans exited their half ownership of the Marriott Hotel, thus freeing itself from the sordid recent past. Newspapers throughout the country, - [Public Mood In Russia Today](https://newslanc.com/public-mood-in-russia-today/) - by Slava Tsukerman and Nina Kerova On November 12, 2025, the Russian newspaper Vechernyaya Moskva (Evening Moscow) published an article by Ivan Okhlobystin, the well-known Russian actor, director, screenwriter, writer, TV host, and at the same time a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church and passionate supporter of Putin’s policies. Okhlobystin wrote: “I have always - [Does Putin Want to End the War with Ukraine?](https://newslanc.com/does-putin-want-to-end-the-war-with-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman and Nina Kerova Despite all of President Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Putin seems to show no signs of desire to end the war. The draft Russian federal budget for 2026–2028 states that Russia plans to spend almost 40% of its budget on the army and police. It is - [Russian Reaction to Trump's New Statements](https://newslanc.com/russian-reaction-to-trumps-new-statements/) - by Slava Tsukerman On July 8, Donald Trump made a number of sharp statements addressed directly to the Russian leadership and President Putin. Since July 8, every night Ukraine has been subjected to massive Russian air attacks. The strikes have been carried out with a special focus on Ukraine's capital, Kiev. On July 10, Russia's - [Are There Still In Russia People Capable of a Protest?](https://newslanc.com/are-there-still-in-russia-people-capable-of-a-protest/) - by Slava Tsukerman On March 21, 2025, a court in St. Petersburg sentenced 67-year-old journalist Alexander Skobov to 16 years in prison for his interviews and anti-war publications in the social networks. Reports of this sentence were perceived by many, including myself, as a sensation. Not because journalists are never imprisoned in Russia, but, on - [The Midnight Ride of Jonathan Luna](https://newslanc.com/the-midnight-ride-of-jonathan-luna/) - NEWLANC: A new documentary, The Midnight Ride of Jonathan Luna, reveals disturbing facts about the shocking death of a Black federal prosecutor in 2003 and asks provocative questions about actions by the Maryland Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Pennsylvania state police. Jonathan Luna was an ambitious federal prosecutor who had worked for the - [Examples of Newest Russian Propaganda](https://newslanc.com/examples-of-newest-russian-propaganda/) - By Slava Tsukerman and Nina Antonova These maps are the parts of publication Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, former President of Russia, Dmitri Medvedev, made in Telegram on July 2022. Medvedev wrote: “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that he will restore the country to its 2013 borders, but Western analysts predict that there will - [Is Putin Fighting for Ukrainian Territories?](https://newslanc.com/is-putin-fighting-for-ukrainian-territories/) - By Slava Tsukerman Today, discussing the expected peace talks in Ukraine, the American media often presents the Russian-Ukrainian conflict as a conflict primarily over the territories. I’m familiar not only with American but also with the Russian-language media's opinion on this issue, and for me the sharp difference between the Russian and the American understandings - [It's Not the $35,000 Dummy, Its the Murder!](https://newslanc.com/its-not-the-35000-dummy-its-the-murder/) - The Feb. 17th Sunday News articles on the missing $35,000 in evidence from the Baltimore Court House the day before the early morning murder of Assistant U. S. Attorney Jonathan Luna misses the point:Luna was murdered in Lancaster County. There is an abundance of evidence that the FBI was complicit in illegal activities that Luna - [Call for Congressional Investigation](https://newslanc.com/call-for-congressional-investigation/) - Bill Keising, author of The Midnight Ride of Jonathan Luna, commented to Newslanc.com concerning the Feb. 17 articles in the Sunday News as follows:"We have to get to the bottom of all the issues surrounding the death of Jonathan Luna if we want to solve his murder. It's unacceptable that the FBI refuses to investigate - [FBI Moves Luna Case to Philly;DA Has No File or Interest](https://newslanc.com/fbi-moves-luna-case-to-phillyda-has-no-file-or-interest/) - by Matt HendersonOn February 20, NewsLanc interviewed Lancaster District Attorney Craig Stedman concerning the controversial murder investigation by the authorities of Assistant U. S. Prosecutor Jonathan Luna.Stedman said that he understands that the Luna case was now being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia.He said it's out of his hands and that he - [Three wags of the tail for the Lancaster Sunday News](https://newslanc.com/58134/) - “We'd like to know why. We'd like to know why the FBI didn't try harder to solve the mysterious death of a federal prosecutor. We'd like to know why there wasn't more outrage from Mr. Luna's colleagues in the Baltimore U.S. attorney's office. - [DA Stedman discusses Luna case concerns](https://newslanc.com/da-stedman-not-aware-of-luna-case-concerns/) - Following District Attorney Craig Stedman’s Departmental Presentation at the Tuesday, October 28 County Commissioner Meeting, NewsLanc asked Stedman for his position on the mysterious 2003 death of Baltimore-based Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Luna in rural northern Lancaster County. When asked if he would consider taking up the case, Stedman said that, according to his knowledge, the Federal investigation of Luna’s death is not yet a closed case... - [KEISLING: Luna was 'The worst murder I've ever seen'](https://newslanc.com/keisling-luna-was-the-worst-murder-ive-ever-seen/) - "I've seen lots of murders, but this was definitely the worst one I've ever seen," MacLeod told me. She said she'd been selected to work on Jonathan's body because she knew the pastor of the Lunas' church, and because of her extensive experience working with badly damaged bodies. - [Red warning flags abound in John Estey's case, suggesting problems with him as an FBI informant](https://newslanc.com/red-warning-flags-abound-in-john-esteys-case-suggesting-problems-with-him-as-an-fbi-informant/) - by Bill Keisling Pennsylvanians recently got a fleeting glimpse inside one of the most secretive, closely guarded, and problem-plagued programs run by the United States government. I'm not talking about nuclear secrets, Area 51, or little green men kept in pickle jars in Hanger 18. I'm talking about the confidential informant program administered by - [Federal grand jury investigates murder of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Luna](https://newslanc.com/da-office-reports/) - More than five years after his violent death, a federal grand jury is at last investigating the murder of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Luna, according to a letter from the Lancaster County PA district attorney's office. - [Coroner's report re Jonathan Luna death still impounded](https://newslanc.com/coroners-report-re-jonathan-luna-death-still-impounded/) - Stirred by an editorial in the Intelligencer Journal favoring the rights of the media to see coroners reports, NewsLanc inquired of William Keisling, author of "The Midnight Ride of Jonathan Luna", whether he was successful in obtaining the Lancaster County report pertaining to the death of the assistant U. S. attorney. Below is his response: "I already filed - [KEISLING: Sen. Arlen Specter offered to help investigate the murder of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Luna](https://newslanc.com/keisling-sen-arlen-specter-offered-to-help-investigate-the-murder-of-assistant-u-s-attorney-jonathan-luna/) - One would think that Luna's superiors in the U.S. Justice Department, and the broader American government, would be interested in solving Luna's murder, and would bring his violent killer or killers to justice. His being African-American added concern. - [Breaking News Concerning Jonathan Luna Murder Case](https://newslanc.com/breaking-news-concerning-jonathan-luna-murder-case/) - Prominent Baltimore defense attorney Kenneth Ravenell, once a self-described 'good friend' and 'mentor' of murdered federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna, has been indicted for alleged collusion with a drug kingpin. Ravenell served as defense counsel on two of prosecutor Luna's most mysterious cases, including Luna's last case. By Bill Keisling, yardbirdbooks.com/ Stunning developments unfolding in Maryland - [Russian Public Opinion Today](https://newslanc.com/russian-public-opinion-today/) - By Slava Tsukerman This article starts with a video shot on August 9, 2024, in the Russian city of Magadan. It was shown on Russian TV and republished by many on the Internet. It is a military demonstration, where a commander orders: “For Belgorod and Donbas, for Crimea and Sevastopol, for Kursk and Kherson - ["Denazification" Russian Way](https://newslanc.com/denazification-russian-way/) - By Slava Tsukerman According to the Russian state propaganda, among the main purposes of the Russian war with Ukraine are denazification and demilitarization of the country. Russian propaganda considers Ukrainians who think that they are different from Russians - having their own language, nationality and are deserving a state of their own – enemies and - [Why Russians Support the War with Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/why-russians-support-the-war-with-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman The Public Sociology Laboratory, an independent research group of scholars and activists in St. Petersburg, stated in its report: “Since the beginning of Russia's so-called "special operation" in Ukraine, polling companies, both Kremlin-loyal and independent, have shown impressive numbers of Russians' support for military action. But the polls only partly help us understand - [The Unexpected Big Scandal In Russia](https://newslanc.com/the-unexpected-big-scandal-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman Some people were surprised by the fact that the funeral of Alexei Navalny, the most prominent leader of Putin’s opposition, was attended by thousands of Russians, despite the fact that participation in this action was very dangerous for the participants. It contradicted the belief that the protest movement is tremendously shrunk in - [Just a Zip Code?](https://newslanc.com/just-a-zip-code/) - By Robert Field, Publisher The following article appeared in the Washington Post concerning the recent sale of the Scranton Times-Herald. "Could the local news crisis get any worse? Look at Scranton." We had a similar LNP situation here in Lancaster but, thanks to the Steinman family that also had owned our newspaper for over a - [New Survey Of Russians About The War In Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/new-survey-of-russians-about-the-war-in-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman On November 15, 2023, Russian independent website Current Time published a report on the latest poll by the independent research group Russian Field. The report was headlined: "Poll of Russians on War: For the first time, supporters of peace talks outnumber those in favor of continuing 'special operations.'" In the months since - [Opioid Settlement Funding, spend it on needed health services, not law enforcement](https://newslanc.com/opioid-settlement-funding-spend-it-on-needed-health-services-not-law-enforcement/) - Dear Commissioners Parsons, Trescot, and D’Agostino, I am writing to express my concern regarding the allocation of Lancaster's Opioid Settlement Funds. As you may be aware, there have been recent proposals to spend a significant portion of the 2022 funds on law enforcement staffing. Please consider allocating 100% of the remaining $275,000 towards treatment, recovery, - [A Visit to the New Lancaster Public Library](https://newslanc.com/a-visit-to-the-new-lancaster-public-library/) - By Robert Field The Board of Directors and officers of Manor Management Corporation were meeting at our Lancaster home, so I needed a comfortable place to read and stay cool on a very hot summer day. I decided this was an opportune time to visit the newly opened Lancaster public Library at Ewall plaza in - [Russian Media Comments on Prigozhin’s Mutiny](https://newslanc.com/russian-media-comments-on-prigozhins-mutiny/) - By Slava Tsukerman The one of the most popular Russian independent websites “Republic” wrote on June 28, sharing opinion of the majority of anti-Putin commentators: “The mutiny by the mercenaries of the Wagner PMC and their handler Eugenie Prigozhin damaged the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin - he had to abandon his promise to - [Russian Opinions Changing by the Half Hour](https://newslanc.com/russian-opinions-changing-by-the-half-hour/) - By Slava Tsukerman Over the last several days I spent almost all my time reading all possible sources of information about events in Russia. Surprisingly, American sources are clearer and even more informed than Russian ones. The entire Russian Internet is crowded with publications on the subject. The publications are very different, contradict each other, - ["Patriot" Russian Propaganda](https://newslanc.com/patriot-russian-propaganda/) - By Slava Tsukerman On the photo above is Shaman, one of the most popular Russian singers-songwriters today. He is singing his most popular song “I’m Russian”. “I’m Russian, my father’s blood flows in me! I’m Russian, to spite the whole World! I’m Russian, I’m going all the way!” While singing the words “I’m Russian”, Shaman - [How The War Changed Ukrainians](https://newslanc.com/how-the-war-changed-ukrainians/) - By Slava Tsukerman (Note: This article was originally written in Russian then translated using Google Translate.) On February 21, 2023, Ukrainian sociological organization “Rating Group”, one of the largest non-governmental and independent research institutions in Ukraine, published the document untitled "HOW THE WAR CHANGED ME AND MY COUNTRY. SUMMARY OF THE YEAR". The document shows - [Virginia Adult Retail Marijuana Sales Quashed By House GOP](https://newslanc.com/virginia-adult-retail-marijuana-sales-quashed-by-house-gop/) - Drug War Chronicle By Phil Smith Elections have consequences, as Virginia voters are finding out. Two years ago, a Democratically-controlled Senate and House passed legislation legalizing marijuana, and the Democratic governor signed it into law. That law mandated that legal adult use sales commence by January 1, 2004, and left it to state lawmakers to - [Asset Forfeiture Reform at the Statehouse 2023](https://newslanc.com/asset-forfeiture-reform-at-the-statehouse-2023/) - Drug War Chronicle By Phil Smith Civil asset forfeiture -- the police seizing cash or property from people without first obtaining a criminal conviction -- rankles Americans' sense of fundamental fairness, and legislators around the country have been picking up on that. According to the Institute for Justice, 37 states have reformed their civil forfeiture - [Russians Are Helping Ukrainian Refugees](https://newslanc.com/russians-are-helping-ukrainian-refugees/) - By Slava Tsukerman According to various sources, since the beginning of the war in February 24, 2022, seven to eight million Ukrainians have left the country. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that as of August 3, over 6 million Ukrainian refugees were recorded throughout Europe. The absolute leaders in receiving immigrants were - [Five Marijuana Legalization Initiatives Were on the Ballot, Two Passed](https://newslanc.com/five-marijuana-legalization-initiatives-were-on-the-ballot-two-passed/) - Drug War Chronicle By Phil Smith Tuesday's election brought decidedly mixed results for marijuana legalization advocates with three out of five state-level campaigns going down in defeat, according to unofficial results early Wednesday morning. Provided the results hold, Maryland and Missouri will become the 20th and 21st states to legalize marijuana, along with the District - [Do Russians Really Believe Putin's Politics Today?](https://newslanc.com/do-russians-really-believe-putins-politics-today/) - by Slava Tsukerman After more than 8 months, the Russian war with Ukraine continues. The last weeks of Ukrainian successes in battles and Russian mobilization resulted in nearly a million young Russian men fleeing from the country. It seems all that should create disappointment in Putin's politics for most Russians. Unexpectedly, statics tells the opposite. - [REF: Charlie Smithgall is in 'Cannon Heaven'](https://newslanc.com/ref-charlie-smithgall-is-in-cannon-heaven/) - An LNP article reports the death of Charlie Smithgall, Lancaster's long time pharmacist, former mayor, and a unique and unforgettable individual. I only got to know Charlie during his two attempts for re-election at which time I was a significant funder and a would be political adviser. Upon my arrival at his house, he would - [Peace between Russia and Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/peace-between-russia-and-ukraine/) - Sep 22, 2022. - E-mail to friends Based on current conditions, the following is a deal I propose between Russia and Ukraine that would allow both to retain their dignity: 1). A hundred year lease to Russia for Crimea. 2). Russia having the right of passage by a designated land and rail route to Crimea. - [Russians' Attitude To The War With Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/russians-attitude-to-the-war-with-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman It is extremely difficult to learn what are Russians’ opinions today on political questions, as almost no Russian tells sociologists what they really think. Besides, the situation depends on the development of the war in Ukraine and it changes literally every hour. Still, combining questionable data presented by polls with rich material - [Our cousin Bob: Black sheep becomes American hero](https://newslanc.com/our-cousin-bob-black-sheep-becomes-american-hero/) - When our generation was growing up, all the cousins were aspiring for high grades, good colleges, and brilliant careers in business or the professions. All that was but cousin Bob about whom we worried. - [Europe's Largest Nuclear Power Plant Is On Fire](https://newslanc.com/europes-largest-nuclear-power-plant-is-on-fire/) - by Slava Tsukerman In the morning of August 7, 2022, the 4th power unit of the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, the Largest in Europe, now under Russian occupation, stopped working. It is on fire. It was disconnected from the network as a result of shelling carried out on August 6, afternoon. The website www.politico.eu - [Ignorance throughout the ages threatens the future](https://newslanc.com/ignorance-throughout-the-ages-threatens-the-future/) - I spent the better part of a month studying a few pages daily of perhaps the most extraordinary book that I have encountered in a life that has spanned eight decades. - [On the disappearance of DA Ray Gricar](https://newslanc.com/on-the-disappearance-of-da-ray-gricar/) - Re: District Attorney Ray Gricar drops the ball Mr. Keisling, you indicated that Mr. Gricar’s “disappearance would turn out to be a smart career move.” I would ask how? Gricar announced, in early 2004 that he would not be seeking re-election in 2005 and that he would not be practicing law after that. He was - [Pennsylvania NAACP Says Legalize Marijuana](https://newslanc.com/pennsylvania-naacp-says-legalize-marijuana/) - CANNABIS CULTURE: Last week, the Pennsylvania NAACP endorsed a pending marijuana legalization bill. And on the 4th of July, the civil rights group stepped up that support, holding a press conference to gain traction for the legislation… The state NAACP came on board in the wake of the release of a report recently conducted by - [LANCASTER SUNDAY NEWS](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-sunday-news-63/) - "In a nation of immigrants, there will always be a moral argument for reform; I share those sentiments. But let's be clear on the consequences: At a time when America needs a raise, immigration reform may amount to a pay cut. - [EDITORIAL: Library System Administer Op-Ed Misleads; Sunday News Editor Negligent](https://newslanc.com/editorial-library-system-administer-op-ed-misleads-sunday-news-editor-negligent/) - The major point of contention, of which the Sunday News editor certainly should be aware, is that each library has one vote regardless of number of users. To add insult to injury, the downtown Lancaster Public Library, the largest in itself with about 1500 visitors a day, has two non-voting suburban branches that are larger than some voting libraries. - [Yes, Zimmerman was overcharged.](https://newslanc.com/yes-zimmerman-was-overcharged/) - Re: "Why was Zimmerman overchargaed?" Yes, Zimmerman was overcharged. The Sanford FL police chief was fired, the lead detective was demoted, a special prosecutor was appointed by the governor and the prosecutions Information Technology director was fired for telling us that the prosecution was withholding possibly exculpatory evidence from the defense. The media had Zimmerman - [LANCASTER SUNDAY NEWS](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-sunday-news-67/) - “According to U.S. News & World Report, the total cost of a four-year degree by the time my youngest goes to college, assuming he does, will top $200,000. Where's that coming from? Well, maybe he'll be even better at baseball than his older brother.” - [LANCASTER SUNDAY NEWS](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-sunday-news-74/) - “But what conservatives must understand is that a populace with no buying power will not buy. Even Wal-Mart itself is discovering this, perhaps reaping what it has sown. In August the company reported a surprise decline in quarterly same-store sales…” - [EDITORIAL: In defense of the Affordable Health Care Act](https://newslanc.com/editorial-in-defense-of-the-affordable-health-care-act/) - We believe that the Affordable Health Care Act will provide health care coverage for those previously without health insurance and added protections for those who have, but we do not have high hopes of it reigning in costs and improving the overall quality of care. - [CONVENTION CENTER BAIL OUT: LNP and PSP have no sense of shame](https://newslanc.com/convention-center-bail-out-lnp-and-psp-have-no-sense-of-shame/) - The chickens have come home to roost, as foreseen by the former County Commissioners and those who questioned the viability of the proposed convention center project. Meanwhile the project’s sponsoring partners and equitable owners of the Marriott Hotel endeavor to rewrite history concerning their past misrepresentations and current irresponsibility. - [The “mea culpa” editorial that LNP can’t find the guts to write](https://newslanc.com/the-mea-culpa-editorial-that-lnp-cant-find-the-guts-to-write/) - Until the day of LNP accepts responsibility, the citizenry will not know whether the press is protector or predator. And every one of the ongoing self-defensive, editorialized ‘news articles’ will be subject to ridicule. - [Pay back what you steal and avoid prison?](https://newslanc.com/pay-back-what-you-steal-and-avoid-prison/) - “Hunsicker was the CEO of Lancaster city-based National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers during the 5-year cycle of thefts, according to testimony” - [INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL NEW ERA](https://newslanc.com/57459/) - “Part of the reason the amendment failed twice just 24 hours before getting through was its proposed changes to the state's prevailing wage laws. The debate centered on increasing the level at which state-funded construction projects would be awarded to the winning bid from $25,000 to $100,000.” - [PDCVB Votes to Support the Convention Center Financing Plan Collaboration Agreement](https://newslanc.com/pdcvb-votes-to-support-the-convention-center-financing-plan-collaboration-agreement/) - “I greatly appreciate the support of PDCVB and its’ members,” stated Commissioner Martin. “It is important that this collaborative plan is supported and adopted by all the stakeholders in order to bring this process to closure, get significant interest cost relief from Wells Fargo and to put the Convention Center on solid financial footing”. - [Young men, get a 'yes' text before sex](https://newslanc.com/young-men-get-a-yes-text-before-sex/) - Make no mistake, no woman -- no matter how much she parties -- is asking to be raped. But too often when heavy drinking is involved, the meaning of consent can be misconstrued on both sides. - [Gov. Corbett and LCBWMA rushed Harrisburg bailout before Detroit bankruptcy court ruling](https://newslanc.com/bail-out-rush-by-gov-corbett-and-lcbwma-before-detroit-bankruptcy-court-ruling/) - The governor and Harrisburg's creditors and even the benighted board of the Lancaster County Bulk Waste Management Authority knew or should have known that, if the federal court allowed Detroit to enter bankruptcy procedures, the negotiating position of the Harrisburg creditors would have been significantly weakened. - [Why should investments in municipal bonds differ from corporate bonds?](https://newslanc.com/why-should-investments-in-municpal-bonds-differ-from-corporate-bonds/) - Notice, that unlike the cruel and self serving bail out imposed on Harrisburg citizenry (and indirectly those in Lancaster County) by Gov. Tom Corbett to benefit the chief bond holder for the city, in Stockton it was the creditors that had to accept a large reduction in interests and principle when the city filed for protection under the Federal Bankruptcy Act. - [LCCCA / Tourist Bureau: Little idea of how many hotel room nights Convention Center generates](https://newslanc.com/lccca-tourist-bureau-little-idea-of-how-many-hotel-room-nights-convention-center-generates/) - Molloy pointed out that while Interstate Hotels, which jointly manages both the Marriott Hotel and the Convention Center, shares certain information with the LCCCA, but not the amount and sources of Marriott business. Such information is proprietary to the Marriott’s equitable owner, Penn Square Partners. - [When backing convention center, Mayor Gray failed to mention future $2 million to $5 million annual city subsidy](https://newslanc.com/when-backing-convention-center-mayor-gray-failed-to-mention-future-2-million-to-5-million-annual-city-subsidy/) - “The city's contribution of $2 million to $5 million annually for FF&E is slated to come through the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone program. Lancaster has not been selected for the new program, but an announcement could come from state officials within days. City officials remain confident.” - [Our Stone Age brains](https://newslanc.com/our-stone-age-brains/) - “There’s a compelling, beguiling showbiz mythology of the modern big city – the energy and the abundance, the proximity to culture and power, the streets that just might be paved with gold. We’ve seen it and we’ve loved it, on stage and on screen. - [So here we go again? Downtown Lancaster’s ongoing downward spiral.](https://newslanc.com/so-here-we-go-again-the-root-of-downtown-lancasters-downward-spiral/) - We confess we did not appreciate how a Convention Center progress reported published by the Intelligencer Journal Lancaster New Era May 17, 2012 would be leveraged to justify, without an apparent scintilla of a feasibility study, to perpetuate the further downward spiral of the City of Lancaster. - [CRIZ seminar: Better late than never](https://newslanc.com/criz-seminar-better-late-than-never/) - A half dozen of us learned about the cancellation of the scheduled seminal on the City Reinvestment and Improvement Zone (CRIZ), the hard way. - [LANCASTER ONLINE](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-online/) - What Smart says would be true for a state guaranteed bond that was repaid back by the borrower.... CRIZ is repaid from future taxes that presumably would be earned by the state. So it is not the owner that pays off the debt, it is our children and grandchildren because they will not have the tax revenues from the project necessary to pay their future government costs. - [Convention Center's future shrouded with mystery](https://newslanc.com/convention-centers-future-shrouded-with-mystery/) - For about ten days, we have been trying to write an accurate article on the status of the Martin Plan for salvaging the Convention Center finances. Problem is there is nothing definite to report about the proposed and further negotiated Collaboration Agreement, only a lot of scuttlebutt. But here it goes. - [Hotel Room Rental Tax receipts us 2.2% in 2012](https://newslanc.com/hotel-room-rental-tax-receipts-us-2-2-in-2012/) - In inflation adjusted terms, the ‘real’ increase came to ½ of a percent. - [Why does LNP question ‘P3’ but laud CRIZ Plan? Guess!](https://newslanc.com/why-does-lnp-question-p3-but-laud-criz-plan-guess/) - Let’s see now, P3 provides the public a future benefit at future public costs. On the other hand, the City Revitalization and Improvement Zones a/k/a as CRIZ, offers private parties current benefits at future public costs. - [Among the proudest pages of the Lancaster Newspapers](https://newslanc.com/some-of-the-proudest-pages-of-the-lancaster-newspapers/) - “[ Drug czar Gil Kerlikowske ] and others have suggested that police be permitted to use the drug naxalone on drug overdose cases. The drug has been around for years and is a highly effective, generic, nonaddictive drug used to reverse overdoses. - [Playing the ranking of Presidents game](https://newslanc.com/playing-the-ranking-of-presidents-game/) - A recent New York Times’ article “Rescuing a Vietnam Casualty: Johnson’s Legacy” cites a recent poll indicating how the approval ratings by the general public of the past nine Presidents. - [CBC:The Effects of a Minimum-Wage Increase on Employment and Family Income](https://newslanc.com/cbcthe-effects-of-a-minimum-wage-increase-on-employment-and-family-income/) - The $10.10 option would have substantially larger effects on employment and income than the $9.00 option would—because more workers would see their wages rise; the change in their wages would be greater; and, CBO expects, employment would be more responsive to a minimum-wage increase that was larger and was subsequently adjusted for inflation. - [A sensible approach to the shifting of economic worldwide power](https://newslanc.com/60061/) - In “The Upside Of Down, Why the Rise of the Rest Is Good for the West” (2013), Charles Kenny points out that, due to spreading education and technology, there is a convergence of wealth among the nations of the world and in future decades the total economies of China and India will far exceed those of the United States. To some that is bad news. - [Do storm water remediation plans need to be at such great cost to City tax payers?](https://newslanc.com/do-storm-water-remediation-plans-need-to-be-at-such-great-cost-to-city-tax-payers/) - Field expressed concern that roof top gardens and like proposed remedies would not make sufficient difference and requested an opportunity to review the cities sewer plans. He thought there might be possibility of redirecting some of the storm water via a limited amount of new storm sewer. - [CRIZ: Not $210 million per past accounts. Dubious claims of hotel profitability](https://newslanc.com/criz-not-210-million-per-past-accounts-dubious-claims-of-hotel-profitability/) - An article “Hotel Lancaster lines up for CRIZ money” appearing in today’s Lancaster Intelligencer Journal / New Era but not yet posted at LancasterOnLine.com clarifies past misleading reports but provides new incredulous information: - [Is the City flushing $140 million down the drain?](https://newslanc.com/is-the-city-flushing-140-million-down-the-drain-2/) - “The fees are expected to generate $2.6 million in revenue this year. That money will be used to plant trees, add drainage islands to parking lots, porous pavement to alleyways and park basketball courts, and vegetative “green” roofs on buildings. - [COMMENTARY: Commissioners Set to Approve Funding for Prison Ministry Program But...](https://newslanc.com/commentary-commissioners-set-to-approve-funding-for-prison-ministry-program-but/) - County Commissioners Dennis Stuckey, Scott Martin, and Craig Lehman are expected to act Wednesday on a proposal from the Lancaster County Prison Board to extend a contract with Support For Prison Ministries of Lititz in the amount of $73,080 for chaplain services at the County Prison during the year 2008.While prison chaplain programs are widespread - [Expanded PAM Campus Key to Downtown Upsurge](https://newslanc.com/expanded-pam-campus-key-to-downtown-upsurge/) - The ultimate attractiveness and prosperity of downtown Lancaster depends far more on the expansion of the Pennsylvania Academy of Music (PAM) and facilitating of upscale flats than the $200 million Convention Center Project.There can be no question of the pure intentions and devotion to the community of those supporting PAM.NewsLanc salutes the officers of the - [Progress Continues at the Convention Center Site... 35 days behind schedule](https://newslanc.com/progress-continues-at-the-convention-center-site-35-days-behind-schedule/) - Recent developments include the complete installation of a gas line, pouring of concrete for the parking garage, pouring of concrete for the floor of the ballroom, and installation of an escalator.Nevertheless, construction remains 35 days behind schedule, according to Dave Engel of Reynolds Construction.Construction billings for the month of December alone totaled $28 million, according - [REF speaks:  Is the “Atlantic” the “Fox News” of the left?](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-is-the-atlantic-the-fox-news-of-the-left/) - By Robert Field, Publisher Some weeks ago I discontinued my subscription to the “Atlantic”. This morning I heard Jeffrey Goldberg, its Editor in Chief, two times refer to Trump supports as “rabble”. I hardly consider almost half of the nation as “rabble”, defined at Google “as ordinary people, often regarded as socially inferior - [Crunch time for saving the Convention Center](https://newslanc.com/crunch-time-for-saving-the-convention-center-2/) - Without the significant lowering of interest rates envisioned by the Martin Plan, the Convention Center will continue on the road to bankruptcy. Payment of debt service has priority over all other outlays. There won’t be enough money left over for proper promotion, maintenance and, even if there is a reduction in interest, major maintenance projects and renovations. - [A 2007 futile plea to Wachovia Bank](https://newslanc.com/a-futile-plea-to-wachovia-bank-2/) - In short, it appears that your bank is knowingly and purposefully supporting two unsound municipal projects that are destined to fail. You must recognize that the convention center and hotel are not financially viable and that, no matter how secure Wachovia’s Letter of Credit is, Wachovia’s support of this entire project will precipitate a huge financial burden and economic blight on the Lancaster City and Count taxpayers for decades to come. The fallout from the collapse of this project and subsequent financial burden will land squarely on Wachovia’s ability to do business in this region. - [For two reasons Wells Fargo, perhaps the worst culprit, should now give ground](https://newslanc.com/for-two-reasons-wells-fargo-perhaps-the-worst-culprit-should-now-give-ground/) - The Intelligencer Journal New Era article “Still no deal on Lancaster County Convention Center” caught up to NewsLanc’s March 6th report “Crunch time for saving the Convention Center”, providing specifics that NewsLanc's editor chose not to reveal lest it interfere with ongoing negotiations. - [Two things Wells Fargo wants and the commissioners hopefully won’t do](https://newslanc.com/two-things-wells-fargo-wants-and-the-commissioners-hopefully-won’t-do/) - What an irony. The very interest who feathered its nests with millions in development fees and construction contracts, a partner who used its newspapers to bludgeon those who opposed the project, and the bank that engaged in reckless lending, now seek to gorge themselves on still more of the public money. - [‘Can’t do’ vs. ‘Can Do’: The great disconnect](https://newslanc.com/cant-do-vs-can-do-the-great-disconnect/) - Given the tight City and School District of Lancaster budgets and tax loads, there truly isn’t much local government money. But what the contributor overlooks is there are ample other sources of private, foundation, and often state and federal funds if efforts are made to refine an idea and a group gets together to promote it. - [Neighboring countries fear of Russia](https://newslanc.com/neighboring-countries-fear-of-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman Russia’s growing militarization and President Elect Donald Trump’s isolationistic sentiments trigger emotional reaction in countries neighboring Russia. A Lithuanian historian Alvydas Nikzhentaytis in his interview to the website Delfi said that in order to deal with Russia, neighboring countries need a new geopolitical alliance. The idea of the creation of an alliance, - [Voter ID: Failure of nonfeasance](https://newslanc.com/voter-id-failure-of-nonfeasants/) - PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW Editorial: The Corbett administration apparently can't walk, govern and chew gum at the same time. And the Pennsylvania Legislature doesn't appear to be any more coordinated. - [A classmate’s fervent hope comes true](https://newslanc.com/a-classmate’s-fervent-hope-comes-true/) - It is before 7:00 AM and our cruise ship is approaching the port of Klaipeda, Lithuania. My thoughts turn back to over sixty years to a conversation I had with the son of the janitor of a small local apartment complex. He was passionate about the injustices imposed on his family and the need to - [The added importance of electing a Democrat as governor](https://newslanc.com/the-added-importance-of-electing-a-democrat-as-governor/) - As a result of the gerrymandering that took place after the 2000 census, even though in 2012 the Republican Congressional candidates got fewer votes than Democratic candidates, the GOP captured all but five of the state's 18 Congressional seats. - [Lots of questions concerning Scott Martin's offer to preserve Convention Center](https://newslanc.com/lots-of-questions-concerning-scott-martin-offer’s-to-preserve-convention-center/) - A careful reading of “7 Year Plan: Martin: It's crunch time for Lancaster County Convention Center” in the Intelligencer Journal New Era raises many questions, the answers to which are not to be found in the article. - [PDCVB Votes to Support the Updated Convention Center Financing Plan Collaboration Agreement](https://newslanc.com/pdcvb-votes-to-support-the-updated-convention-center-financing-plan-collaboration-agreementy/) - “I greatly appreciate the continued support of PDCVB and its’ members,” stated Commissioner Martin. “It is important that this plan, which addresses 7 years of revenues and 7 years of expenditures and provides a bridge of financial stability as we await the opportunity to establish a long term plan in the future, is supported and adopted by all the stakeholders.” - [Martin plan for Convention Center would be disastrous if…](https://newslanc.com/martin-plan-for-convention-center-would-be-disastrous-if…/) - Lehman refers to “five years” and others have said the term is seven years. It doesn’t matter. The point that Lehman apparently is making is that the expanded guarantee should not be longer than the renewal term…and, if so, he is absolutely correct. - [Convention Center Authority approves Scott Martin proposal](https://newslanc.com/convention-center-authority-approves-scott-martin-proposal/) - The Board members understood the draw back of the county providing a guarantee in perpetuity while the interest rate formula is only for five years, a 1.1% savings over what otherwise would have been charged. However, it was the view of members of the authority that Commissioner Scott Martin had fought a long and hard battle and left no stone unturned in negotiating the concessions achieved, and no good would be served by the Board refusing to go along. - [Re Convention Center: Should State protect citizens or creditors?](https://newslanc.com/re-convention-center-should-state-protect-citizens-or-creditors/) - Were it not for Act 47 the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority could have used the threat of Chapter 9 of the Federal Bankruptcy Act to reorganize its one sided contracts with Penn Square Partners and to have ‘crammed down’ interest rates and possibly principal owed on its bonds, owned by Wells-Fargo Bank. - [The commencement speech plagiarism is indeed a teaching moment; but for whom?](https://newslanc.com/the-commencement-speech-plagerism-is-indeed-a-teaching-moment-but-for-whom/) - One of the first things taught in high school, then sacro sanct in higher education, is to provide attribution when making use of other peoples' work. In other words, give credit where credit is due. - [All parties but Penn Square Partners have approved Convention Center proposal](https://newslanc.com/ll-parties-but-penn-square-partners-have-approved-convention-center-proposal/) - Commissioner Martin previously stressed that all stakeholders must approve the deal prior to June 11, 2014. “I commend the LCCCA for looking at the larger picture and agreeing to this plan and encourage the remaining stakeholder, Penn Square Partners, to do the same.” - [CONVENTION CENTER UPDATE: When is a hold up a ‘hold up’?](https://newslanc.com/when-is-a-hold-up-a-‘hold-up’/) - Consistent with its past 'hard ball' approaches, now it appears that PSP is holding out for a secondary agreement with the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority (LCCCA) whereby the Authority would commit to a substantial level of marketing expenses for the Center, not only for the seven years of the interest rate re-set, but for the full 95 years remaining on the condominium agreements. (The hotel and Convention Center adjoin and share public areas.) - [CONVENTION CENTER UPDATE WITH POSTSCRIPT](https://newslanc.com/convention-center-update-with-postscript/) - It is easy for PSP to claim that they are willing to sign on to the Martin Plan when they proffer side agreements that materially change the entire negotiation. They seek to feather their nest for a full 95 years, by forcing the county tax payers to fund the marketing program as well as guarantee the debt. - [Commissioner Martin to Hold Press Conference Regarding the Lancaster County Convention Center Financing Plan](https://newslanc.com/commissioner-martin-to-hold-press-conference-regarding-the-lancaster-county-convention-center-financing-plan/) - Wednesday, June 18, 2014 10:15 AM - [Martin plan for Convention Center financing moves ahead; Penn Square Partners gets free ride](https://newslanc.com/bulletin-martin-plan-moves-ahead-psp-gets-free-pass/) - At a specially convened news conference, County Commissioner and Vice Chair Scott Martin announced that his plan for refinancing the terms of the Convention Center will move ahead by July 1 but Penn Square Partners (PSP) has declined to participate. - [County full guarantee: How scoundrels thwarted the will of the public and the commissioners](https://newslanc.com/county-full-guarantee-how-scoundrels-thwarted-the-will-of-the-public-and-the-commissioners/) - Simply put, the sponsors and advocates got control of the the former county commissioners who tied the hands of their successors, then the LCCCA, then its board, spent $8 million in legal fees to create a juggernaut to steam role opposition, rammed through one sided agreements on behalf of the Marriott Hotel equitable owners... - [Library System consumes over 95% of county library allocations, not 50% as LNP reported](https://newslanc.com/library-service-consumes-98-of-county-library-allocations-not-50-as-lnp-reported/) - Now the Service wants to conduct its own fund raising, which would compete for and detract from the only funding, apart from the state and other grants, upon which individual libraries rely. - [Good conversation over a Georgetown dinner](https://newslanc.com/good-conversation-over-a-georgetown-dinner/) - U. S. foreign policy with special attention to Syria was the subject of discussion over dinner in a Georgetown restaurant yesterday evening among the publisher, law school student son Benjamin, and friend, a former State Department department head and author who has long been retired. - [If only Lancaster responded to our web sites as do Budapest](https://newslanc.com/if-only-lancaste-responded-to-our-web-sites-as-do-budapest/) - If people think NewsLanc stirs up trouble in Lancaster, take a look at coverage by our Budapest web site to see what is happening in Hungary. - [Travel to Asia and a book on Putin led to reflections on Lancaster](https://newslanc.com/travel-to-asia-and-a-book-on-putin-led-to-reflections-on-lancaster/) - Over half a century ago when we first arrived in Lancaster, the public’s business was conducted with transparency. The Steinman newspapers and TV station were devoted to the public good, both in reporting and through philanthropy. Business investment was encouraged and, when perceived to have merit, funded by the banks. Business thrived and investors, not the public, assumed the risks. - [The proper ways to commemorate Memorial Day](https://newslanc.com/the-proper-ways-to-commemorate-memorial-day/) - But all too often, and especially recently, they have been sent to their deaths for foolish wars urged by ignorant leaders (read that ‘damn fools’), those who see every foreign problem as a nail and the blood of youth as a hammer, and at the urging and conniving of the military / industrial complex as we were warned against by President Dwight D. Eisenhower - [Finally, after the best opportunities have been lost, Gray and Patterson see the light](https://newslanc.com/finally-after-the-best-opportunities-have-been-lost-gray-and-patterson-see-the-light/) - “Under eminent domain, the city would pay fair market value for the property and lien holders would then be paid.” - [Dinner with our Iranian expatriate friend](https://newslanc.com/dinner-with-our-iranian-ex-patriot-friend/) - 3) He feels the USA should hold the Saudi’s responsible for their funding of ISI, Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, and other Sunni terrorist groups. - ["Goodbye, farewell and amen (but check the blog, willya?)"](https://newslanc.com/goodbye-farewell-and-amen-but-check-the-blog-willya/) - "Over the years I did battle with conservatives; I once told the religious right to 'get out of my face.' That went over well. The irony is that in my dotage, with three kids, I got more conservative." - [Common Sense for Drug Policy vs. New York Times re pain medication](https://newslanc.com/common-sense-for-drug-policy-vs-new-york-times-re-pain-medication/) - Last Sunday the New York Times published a major opinion piece by Sam Quinones entitled “Serving All Your Heroin Needs” which did not necessarily contradict what we had been contending but gave reason to revisit and further research our contentions. - [ISIS Fighters Seize Government Headquarters in Ramadi, Iraq](https://newslanc.com/sis-fighters-seize-government-headquarters-in-ramadi-iraq/) - NEW YORK TIMES: In a major setback for the Iraqi government’s efforts to defend its hold on Ramadi, a crucial regional capital, Islamic State militants conquered the city’s government sector on Friday, raising their black flag over the main compound before setting fire to the building, local officials said. The new jihadist assault began under - [Here we go again: Rick Gray and Randy Patterson ramming bad planning down city’s throat](https://newslanc.com/here-we-go-again-rick-gray-and-randy-patterson-ramming-bad-planning-down-city’s-throat/) - So with the fate of Lancaster Square East apparently determined in the back rooms, there would seem to be only one other prime location possibly on the horizon downtown for newly built, prime office space and residential condominiums. - [Aided by the Sea, Israel Overcomes an Old Foe: Drought](https://newslanc.com/aided-by-the-sea-israel-overcomes-an-old-foe-droughtv/) - A major national effort to desalinate Mediterranean seawater and to recycle wastewater has provided the country with enough water for all its needs, even during severe droughts. More than 50 percent of the water for Israeli households, agriculture and industry is now artificially produced… - [LNP article “Housing Shortage threatens economy” misses an important point. PART ONE](https://newslanc.com/lnp-article-“housing-shortage-threatens-economy”-misses-an-important-point/) - The idea that we can afford to provide new housing for the disadvantage is as economically preposterous as giving new cars to the poor. - [Character assassination by media](https://newslanc.com/character-assassination-by-media/) - According to a column in the Pittsburgh Tribune “By 2-to-1 margin, Pennsylvanians with opinion say AG Kane should resign” - [Lancaster does not lack for adequate housing now or in the future, just leadership at all levels PART TWO](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-does-not-lack-for-adequate-housing-now-or-in-the-future-just-leadership-at-all-levels-part-two/) - 1) There must be at least 250 and likely as many as 400 relatively attractive garden apartments units vacant in the greater Lancaster area at all times. If the federal government funded and state administered Section 8 rental program allowed the tenant to supplement the government grant so that rental payments were closer to market rates, landlords would be motivated to quickly make vacant apartments available to hundreds of deserving families. - [“Lancaster residential rental vacancy rate in 2013 is the highest point since 2005”](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-residential-rental-vacancy-rate-in-2013-is-the-highest-point-since-2005/) - At 5.04%, Lancaster residential rental vacancy rate in 2013 is at the highest point since 2005, the beginning of our reporting for this series. - [The questionable future of Lancaster’s suburban garden apartment complexes](https://newslanc.com/the-questionable-future-of-lancasters-suburban-garden-apartment-complexes/) - Over the past couple of decades thousands of other condominium units have been built in the Lancaster region for specific segments of the housing market: Senior Communities, Student housing, Senior housing, Assisted Living, recently downtown condominiums, plus newly built conventional rental apartments that are more spacious, a better appointed, often have garages, and are marketed to prospects with incomes in the top 10% nationally. - [Study: Israelis, Palestinians to Gain Billions From Peace](https://newslanc.com/70713/) - NEWSMAX: … The RAND Corp., a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization, interviewed some 200 officials from the region and elsewhere during more than two years of research into the costs of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its main finding was that following a peace agreement, Israelis stood to gain $120 billion over the course of a decade. The - [Commissioners Assign Board Memberships](https://newslanc.com/commissioners-assign-board-memberships/) - At their weekly work session, Tuesday, the County Commissioners appointed Dennis Stuckey to the Agricultural Preserve Board and to the board of the County Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.Craig Lehman was assigned to the Board of the Lancaster County Conservation District and to the Workforce Investment Board.Additional assignments will likely follow. - ["Justice, Justice" - Henderson Sues Newspapers!](https://newslanc.com/justice-justice-henderson-sues-newspapers/) - At long last justice may be done! Molly Henderson has brought suit against Lancaster Newspapers for their biased misrepresentation of her over the course of the battle pertaining to a county guarantee of convention center debt. She is asking $50,000 plus punitive damages. It is the punitive damages that the monopoly newspapers need to fear - [Henderson Sues Outside Lancaster County](https://newslanc.com/henderson-sues-outside-lancaster-county/) - NewsLanc has learned that former County Commissioner Molly Henderson's lawsuit against Lancaster Newspapers was filed in Chester County.Lawsuits can be initiated and heard in any county in which the defendant does business. Lancaster newspapers are sold in Chester County.It is regrettable that the Convention Center Authority's and Penn Square Partners' lawsuits against the County Commissioners - [More About Lancaster's Faulty Voting Machines](https://newslanc.com/more-about-lancasters-faulty-voting-machines/) - NewsLanc has reported on how Lancaster County acquired a large quantity of used electronic voting machines that do not offer even the minimum protection of a paper trail for verification.A detailed article entitled - [Study Commission Proposes Row Offices be Elected, Consolidated](https://newslanc.com/study-commission-proposes-row-offices-be-elected-consolidated/) - The members of the Lancaster County Government Study Commission took straw votes on a series of questions concerning the subject of row officers at their public meeting, Tuesday afternoon.The first question on the table for discussion concerned whether the County Coroner should be elected or appointed."I think we can get a better individual if the - [Budget, Move to N. Queen, Farmland Preservation Top Commissioners' Stated Priorities](https://newslanc.com/budget-move-to-n-queen-farmland-preservation-top-commissioners-stated-priorities/) - Asked by a NewsLanc reporter what their goals and priorities will be for their respective terms of office, Martin, Stuckey, and Lehman responded in generalities.Scott Martin identified two main issues. He began, "Our number one priority is the budget and we are already delving into that as much as possible. As a matter of fact, - [25% of City School Children Live in Poverty](https://newslanc.com/25-of-city-school-children-live-in-poverty/) - According to a report from the U. S. Census Bureau, the prosperity enjoyed by most in Lancaster County has not percolated down to our school children.In Lancaster City alone, approximately 4,000 youngsters suffer from poverty. And suburban and exurban districts also have significant pockets of poverty with rates of 1 out of 6 in Columbia - [Another Sunday News Puff Piece on Trolley Cars](https://newslanc.com/another-sunday-news-puff-piece-on-trolley-cars/) - In a 22 column-inch puff piece in the Sunday News of Nov. 18th headed "Streetcar group picks board, seeks momentum," less than one inch is devoted to the merest mention of wide scale public disenchantment with the proposal. The article concedes in brief: "... there's been considerable criticism from those who worry that a streetcar - [Red Rose Has No Position On Trolleys. Ridership Up 4.4% from Last Year](https://newslanc.com/red-rose-has-no-position-on-trolleys-ridership-up-4-4-from-last-year/) - In response to a question from a NewsLanc reporter regarding the board's position on the issue of trolley cars for downtown Lancaster, Executive Director David Kilmer said, "That effort is not being led by this authority" and "I think it's too early to make any judgment about that and I don't think we should be - [City Council Approves Parking Garage, LGH Nursing College Addition](https://newslanc.com/city-council-approves-parking-garage-lgh-nursing-college-addition/) - Lancaster City Council approved two applications for development within the Heritage Conservation District, Tuesday night.One petition is from Lancaster General, who proposes "a two story addition to the existing institutional building at 143 East Lemon Street" - the Lancaster General College of Nursing & Health Sciences.The other is a petition from Lancaster Newspapers for the - [Questions About New Hampshire Vote Count](https://newslanc.com/questions-about-new-hampshire-vote-count/) - For those interested in the complexities of assuring an honest vote count in our electronic age, NewsLanc passes along below a January 7th posting from Black Box Voting.THE CAT THAT CONTROLS NEW HAMPSHIRE ELECTION PROGRAMMINGJohn Silvestro and his small private business, LHS Associates, has exclusive programming contracts for ALL New Hampshire voting machines, which combined - [COMMENTARY: Budapest vs. Lancaster: Good Planning vs. No Planning](https://newslanc.com/commentary-budapest-vs-lancaster-good-planning-vs-no-planning/) - A decade ago, McCaskey graduate and later real estate developer Richard Field and his father visited the planning office of District 9 in Budapest, Hungary. They were shown a detailed plan comprising dozens of blocks describing precisely which buildings were to be razed, which renovated, the type of new construction to take place in designated - [Bias](https://newslanc.com/bias-2/) - The New Era ran a puff piece entitled "Mayor at mid-term: 'Better days ahead'; Rick Gray says city is on the move — and many agree with that optimistic outlook." WATCHDOG: There was not a single critical comment concerning Gray or his administration in the entire article. Such is the reward for officials who avoid - [Newspapers "In Bed" with General Hospital](https://newslanc.com/newspapers-in-bed-with-general-hospital/) - I read Ernie Schreiber's editorial entitled "LGH contributions its fair share & more" in today's Lancaster New Era. Your NewsLanc.com coverage of the newspaper sucking up to the LGH must have hit a nerve as this editorial states that LGH pays approximately $3.9 million dollars to the various tax bases and school districts of Lancaster - [EDITORIAL: New Era Springs to Defense of General Hospital](https://newslanc.com/editorial-new-era-springs-to-defense-of-general-hospital/) - In a January 8th editorial "LGH contributes its fair share & more" apparently in response to NewsLanc, the sycophantic New Era states "generosity certainly is not obligatory." (Judeo-Christian ethical mandates aside.)It then makes the following bold claim: "The [financial] success of LGH comes from the skills of its nurses, doctors and physician assistants. It comes - [Downtown "Trolley" Bus Carries Only 96 Passengers Daily](https://newslanc.com/downtown-trolley-bus-carries-only-96-passengers-daily/) - According to a spokesperson for the Red Rose Transit Authority, the trolley bus carries 2,900 passengers a month. That comes to 96 daily and, based on the 12 hour daily schedule, an average of about 8 an hour. Businesses normally expand and upgrade when there is strong demand for their product and services. Does it - [Trolley Car Propaganda](https://newslanc.com/trolley-car-propaganda/) - The September 9th Sunday News ran a long article extolling the virtues of bringing trolley cars (they call them "street cars") back to Lancaster. The article is available at http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/209236. NewsLanc comments item by item and endeavors to provide the missing balance: 1) The formation of the Lancaster Street Car Co., a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, - [Why trolley cars are wrong for Lancaster](https://newslanc.com/why-trolley-cars-are-wrong-for-lancaster/) - By Robert E. Field My son Richard and I have been conducting business in Eastern Europe over the past 15 years. As such, I have had considerable experience with trolley cars. In fact, we have had to design entry ways in a manner to minimize the lethal risk that trolleys engender. They do run silently. - [Street cars for Lancaster? Please excuse our skepticism](https://newslanc.com/street-cars-for-lancaster-please-excuse-our-skepticism/) - The March 3 Sunday News contained an opinion piece by Althea C. Ramsay headed, "Climb aboard an old idea." The article mentions visits to various cities and purports that "Business in formerly blighted areas was brisk. Construction of new projects was ongoing along the routes…The riders on the streetcar were most often local residents, commuters, - [Radio Commentaries for January 2008](https://newslanc.com/radio-commentaries-for-january-2008/) - NewsLanc has three new commentaries airing on local radio. Copies can be downloaded from the links below:January 8, 2008 #1January 8, 2008 #2January 8, 2008 #3 - [EDITORIAL: What Should Be Done for Amtrak Parking](https://newslanc.com/editorial-what-should-be-done-for-amtrak-parking/) - Visitors to Amtrak's 30th Street Station in Philadelphia will note the following:Short term, meter parking is immediately available on two sides of the station. This parking is designed to serve the needs of car drivers seeing off or picking up passengers.A parking garage has recently been built with a bridge to the station, enabling commuters - [LGH - Yes; F & M - No](https://newslanc.com/lgh-yes-f-m-no/) - A talkback.lancasteronline.com posting that may have been by their very able reporter Gil Smart, states in part:"F&M or its president probably could have avoided much of the acrimony by making a sizeable payment in lieu of taxes to the city, as LGH has done. There has been comparably less complaining about LGH's massive expansion - - [Convention Center Example of Reverse Philanthropy](https://newslanc.com/convention-center-example-of-reverse-philanthropy/) - According to the January 5 New York Times lead article entitled "Age of Riches; Private Cash Sets Agenda for Urban Infrastructure": "Philanthropic spending adds mainly to the nation's stock of hospitals, libraries, museums, parks, university buildings, theaters and concert halls."...."The shift from public money to private wealth in shaping the nation’s cities is evident in - [Great news for NewsLanc and the history of Lancaster](https://newslanc.com/great-news-for-newslanc-and-the-history-of-lancaster/) - Spread over the next few months, we will be adding to our NewsLanc web site the recently discovered articles that predated June, 2009 that were lost during the change over to the Word Press format . For any student or historian interested in Lancaster history, the early years of reporting on NewsLanc will be especially - [Is the bar for proficiency now too high to encourage learning a musical instrument?](https://newslanc.com/is-the-bar-for-proficiency-now-too-high-to-encourage-learning-a-musical-instrument/) - A couple of hundred years ago, only those living in major cities could hear professional performances of classical music. It was common for families and friends to gather in parlors to listen to amateurs perform music as best they could. The beauty of what they were playing transcended occasional mistakes, corrections, and misinterpretations. But in - [Russians Find Historical Analogies With Their War In Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/russians-find-historical-analogies-with-their-war-in-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman Founding historical analogies to the Russian aggression in Ukraine became one of the popular subjects in the Russian anti-Putin media lately. There are two types of analogies. The first type is analogies with previous events in Russian history, the second type is analogies with the activity of Nazi Germany. Speaking - [REF speaks re arming teachers](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-re-arming-teachers/) - Newslanc supports allowing specially trained school teachers to have access to guns, body armor and face shields in a secure classroom closet. Only trained volunteers would have access to the closets. I recall from our visits to Israel several decades ago that every adult from army age forward was required to keep a firearm in - [Russian Attitude to Ukrainians](https://newslanc.com/russian-attitude-to-ukrainians/) - By Slava Tsukerman The Internet is full of documents proving the violent attitude of the Russian military and even some Russian civilians toward Ukrainians. One especially outrageous document, which went viral on the Russian Internet, was a recording of a telephone conversation between a Russian soldier, who was fighting in Ukraine with his wife located - [How Russians Living in the USA Feel About the War in Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/how-russians-living-in-the-usa-feel-about-the-war-in-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman March 2014 was a time when Russia annexed Crimea and started the war in Eastern Ukraine. Russians in Russia and even Americans, who had emigrated to the US from this country, were divided in their attitude to those events. An article in New York Times, published on March 2, 2014, was entitled - [Russians: The Meaning of the War in Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/russians-the-meaning-of-the-war-in-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman There are two very different official Russian explanations of the purpose of the Russian war against Ukraine. The first explanation, still general Russia explanation insists that Russians want only to “free” Ukrainians from the “Nazi” government, but have no plans to occupy Ukraine or any other country. The second explanation is very - [Russian Invasion of Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/russian-invasion-of-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has begun. The world press is full of publications about it. Here are some quotes from New York Times: “President Vladimir Putin called on Ukrainian soldiers to put down their arms. He said that those who try to interfere with Russia’s actions ‘must know that Russia’s answer will - [On the Evolution of African-Americans](https://newslanc.com/on-the-evolution-of-african-americans/) - By Robert Field Post-Darwinism insinuations that African-Americans were inherently inferior to Caucasians were clearly refuted by the brilliance and careers of such luminaries as Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, later Paul Robeson and thousands of others that were referred to as the "Ten Percent." Nevertheless over my long life (84 - [REF: Is Scott Martin a gutless candidate for governor?](https://newslanc.com/ref-is-scott-martin-a-gutless-candidate-for-governor/) - by Robert E. Field LNP, Dec. 11, 2021: “State Sen. Scott Martin is officially entering Pennsylvania’s 2022 race for governor Saturday, launching a campaign he hopes will rise above a crowded and well-funded Republican field by leaning on his relatability as a parent and small business owner and on his solid conservative legislative record… “Another - [The Russian Figure Skating Drama at the Winter Olympics](https://newslanc.com/the-russian-figure-skating-drama-at-the-winter-olympics/) - By Slava Tsukerman Lately Russian news doesn’t stop bringing surprises. It seems nothing can create more discussions in the media then expectations of the possible war with Ukraine. But unexpectedly there is another subject that triggers as much controversy and discussions in Russia. This subject is the doping scandal at the Winter Olympics, involving Russian - [Is Russian Attitude To Possibility Of War With Ukraine Changing?](https://newslanc.com/is-russian-attitude-to-possibility-of-war-with-ukraine-changing/) - By Slava Tsukerman There is a new trend in Russia: the known hawkish hard-line official personalities are unexpectedly openly turning against Putin’s politics. A recent sensation was on February 6: there was an open letter to President Vladimir Putin from Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov, which went viral. Ivashov is one of the most hardline politically active - [REF: When Fascism came to Lancaster County](https://newslanc.com/ref-when-fascism-came-to-lancaster-county/) - I recently encountered professor Timothy Snyder of Yale on MSNBC and ordered his very short book "On Tyranny". For over sixty years I have tried to learn the meaning of "fascism". I now understand my difficulties since it is more like a creeping cancer than an alternative form of government and, as we saw with - [Learning from just waiting](https://newslanc.com/learning-from-just-waiting/) - by Robert Field Perhaps the most important business lesson of my life came when I was thirteen years old. During the summer, my father assigned me to work at his satellite furniture store on Kensington Avenue in Philadelphia, which was about thirty feet horizontally and fifty feet vertically from the Frankfort Elevator, at that location - [Tsukerman: Militaristic Mood In Russia is Growing](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-militaristic-mood-in-russia-is-growing/) - By Slava Tsukerman January 30, 2022 Militaristic tone of the Russian media is growing. More and more the Russian conflict with Ukraine is presented there as a Russian conflict with the “aggressive” USA and NATO. On January 28, an anchor of one of the main political programs of Russian TV “60 minutes”, while covering the - [Militaristic Mood in Russia](https://newslanc.com/militaristic-mood-in-russia/) - by Slava Tsukerman Lately, Russian state propaganda seems to actively heat up the militaristic frame of mind in Russian population. On December 21, New York Times published an article “How the Kremlin Is Militarizing Russia”. Since then the militaristic mood of the Russian media has grown. On December 21, the blogger Igor Yakovenko summarized the - [Drug treatment specialist reports on unsupervised drug treatment during COVID outbreak](https://newslanc.com/drug-treatment-specialist-reports-on-unsupervised-drug-treatment-during-covid-outbreak/) - by Andrew Byrne, MD of suburban Sydney, Australia 1. Changes to opiate treatment programs during Covid – benefits for some, harms for others. 2. Buprenorphine alone or with naloxone: Which is safer? (Kelty et al.) 3. Harm reduction and diazepam prescribing in opiate programs. 4. Microdose transfers from methadone to buprenorphine – the ‘Bernese’ method - [Oregon Drug Decrim is Slashing Drug Arrests, Massively Funding Services](https://newslanc.com/oregon-drug-decrim-is-slashing-drug-arrests-massively-funding-services/) - by Phil Smith, Drug War Chronicle In a groundbreaking move a year ago now, Oregon voters approved decriminalization for personal use amounts of all illicit drugs, with Measure 110 passing with a healthy 59 percent of the vote. That made the state the first in the US to make this dramatic break with decades of - [Is Belarus Going To Join Russia?](https://newslanc.com/is-belarus-going-to-join-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman On November 4, 2021, an event took place, which was almost unnoticed by the world press, but presented by the Russian official press as big news. It was a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Belarus and Russia (an organization created long ago, but having almost no - [Can we learn from Rome’s experience?](https://newslanc.com/can-we-learn-from-romes-experience/) - EDITOR: The January 6th insurrection and other recent events makes this editorial from November 24, 2010 even more pertinent today. History students can sense “déjà vu all over again”, in the words of the great Yankee catcher and manager, Yogi Berra. The Watchdog senses that the USA started to decline around 1992 with the election - [REF: A very apt title to a work of music](https://newslanc.com/ref-a-very-apt-title-to-a-work-of-music/) - At times I envision composers getting together over drinks and laughing over the preposterous titles they give their works, as though the titles in any way have influenced the creations. But an outstanding exception to a linkage of music to events is Richard Strauss's "Ein Heldenleben," which translates as "A Hero's Life" and refers to - [Arlen Specter and Me, Part One](https://newslanc.com/arlen-and-me-part-one/) - A few occurrences particularly stick out in my memory concerning the frantic election campaign in 1980 from which Arlen Specter rose from what most considered a political grave and surprisingly emerged as a United States Senator. (Arlen was a fraternity brother of my older brothers Martin and Joe at Penn and later attending Yale Law School with Joe. - [Boston Found a Scapegoat After 9/11](https://newslanc.com/boston-found-a-scapegoat-after-9-11/) - https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/12/us/virginia-buckingham-boston-911.html by Robert Field I underestimated and questioned the hysteria following 9/11 and made the expensive mistake of so underestimating its effect that I blew $50,000 in launching the hitherto successful "Diamond Men" movie in over twenty theaters in the NYC region a few weeks later. When I sought to promote the movie by handing - [Forgetting Putin's Kiss](https://newslanc.com/forgetting-putins-kiss/) - By Slava Tsukerman In order to understand what is happening today in Russia it is very interesting to observe what happened with the three vigorous former leaders of the most active pro–Putin movement of the beginning of this century. "Nashi" (Ours) was a political youth movement in Russia, created in 2006, which declared to be a democratic, anti-fascist, anti-"oligarchic-capitalist" - [Russians Comment on Biden-Putin Summit](https://newslanc.com/russians-comment-on-biden-putin-summit/) - By Slava Tsukerman Official governmental Russian media and most oppositional media present the Biden-Putin summit in Geneva as the obvious Putin’s victory. “The United States agreed to a dialogue with Russia in Geneva due to concerns about a potential nuclear threat,” said Alexei Pushkov, chairman of the Federation Council commission on information policy and - [Top Professionals and Leading Businessmen Flee Russia](https://newslanc.com/top-professionals-and-leading-businessmen-flee-russia/) - by Slava Tsukerman The outflow of scientists and highly qualified specialists from Russia has accelerated by five times over the past nine years. This was announced on April 20, 2021 by the Chief Scientific Secretary of the Russian Academy of Sciences Nikolai Dolgushkin during the General Meeting of the Academy. According to him, the massive - [REF: There is no precedent](https://newslanc.com/ref-there-is-no-precedent/) - Although those of us who follow current events from reliable sources knew better, I have empathy for the January 6 rioters who were not as well informed and heeded the call of the then president to disrupt certification of what they were told were false election results. When I grew up, it was a matter - [A "gap" in my research for Professor Cipolla](https://newslanc.com/a-gap-in-my-research-for-professor-cipolla/) - After a gap year working in construction management between my freshman year at Oberlin, in the late 1950s I attended Cal Berkeley for my junior and senior year (although half of the senior year was spent at the Mexican National University in Mexico City.) For some reason that remains obscure to me, I was - [Influence of Navalny on Russian Public](https://newslanc.com/influence-of-navalny-on-russian-public/) - By Slava Tsukerman On April 26, 2021, state prosecutors in Moscow ordered all groups supporting Alexei Navalnyto immediately stop their activities. It seemed the government is starting a campaign aimed at eliminating all forms of protest movements in Russia. According to Wikipedia, "Alexei Navalny (age 44 years) is a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, and anti-corruption - [One Way to Get People Off the Streets: Buy Hotels](https://newslanc.com/one-way-to-get-people-off-the-streets-buy-hotels/) - New York Times: For homeless people, a place to live is life changing to a degree that almost no other intervention can provide. The article is excellent and deals with recycling run down hotels that might otherwise be demolished for use as housing for the homeless. San Francisco and NYC are almost unique situations, but - [REF speaks: I remain fearful at what may occur in the not distant future.](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-i-remain-fearful-at-what-may-occur-in-the-not-distant-future/) - By Robert Field The visceral direction of the Right is a call to return to the USA of 1850, a nation of total white supremacy. Today we have a very different nation comprised of a citizenry and norms that were unimaginable back then. (And for white elders, it is hard to recognize and emotionally - [Russians Comment On Latest American Events](https://newslanc.com/russians-comment-on-latest-american-events/) - By Slava Tsukerman Although until January 14 none of the official representatives of the Russian government commented on the Capitol attack, the actions of American Internet platforms to block the pages of Donald Trump, and the second impeachment of Donald Trump, nevertheless the state controlled media and politicians were united in their support of Trump’s - [REF speaks: A need for an "infant industry" approach for the USA](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-a-need-for-an-infant-industry-approach-for-the-usa/) - By: Robert Field It would have seemed nutty to have argued some years ago that the world's largest economy needs to pursue a protective policy for a number of industries, and yet to not do so seriously undermines our future not only economically but for national defense. "Free Trade" has brought about cheap foreign consumer - [Russian Comments On The Storming Of The US Capitol](https://newslanc.com/russian-comments-on-the-storming-of-the-us-capitol/) - By SlavaTsukerman: Though until January 14, none of the official representatives of the Russian government commented on the Capitol attack, the actions of American Internet platforms to block the pages of Donald Trump and the second impeachment of him, nevertheless the state controlled media and politicians, close to government, were united in their - [REF: The fall of the Roman Republic, deja vu?](https://newslanc.com/ref-the-fall-of-the-roman-republic-deja-vu/) - It started with the Gracchi brothers in 133 BC who disregarded the governmental norms of the day that called for Roman senators and representatives to treat each other with decorum, courtesy, and respect . What incrementally progressed over the next century was a trashing of civility, starting with insults, then mob action, assaults, assassinations and ultimately civil - [A Clean Sweep for Drug Reform Initiatives](https://newslanc.com/a-clean-sweep-for-drug-reform-initiatives/) - by psmith, November 05, 2020, DRUG WAR CHRONICAL: The day after Election Day, national election results remained muddy, but one thing was crystal clear: the American public is ready for drug reform. Drug reform initiatives went nine for nine on Tuesday. With successful marijuana legalization initiatives in two of the reddest of the - [NewsLanc's proud role in Lancaster, PA](https://newslanc.com/newslancs-proud-role-in-lancaster-pa/) - "...somebody in each era must make clear the facts with utter disregard to his own wish and desire and belief. What we have to know, so far as possible, are the things that actually happened in the world. Then with that much clear and open to every reader, the philosopher and prophet has a chance - [Russia Reacts to U. S. Election](https://newslanc.com/russia-reacts-to-u-s-election/) - By Slava Tsukerman The cartoon by the Russian cartoonist Sergey Elkin is going viral on Russian Internet. Two peasants in the Russian rural area discuss the hot news: “They didn’t count yet in Pennsylvania and Michigan.” The cartoon accurately reflects that for several days news about American elections completely ousted Russian local news from media - [The Psychedelic Revolution is Coming to the Ballot Box -- This Year ](https://newslanc.com/the-psychedelic-revolution-is-coming-to-the-ballot-box-this-year/) - DISCLAIMER: NewsLanc takes no position on psychedelics since the editor's experience in drug policy reform and harm reduction did not involve the issue. by psmith, October 13, 2020, The psychedelic renaissance that has been emerging in recent years will finally get a chance to be ratified by voters in November. On one side - [Trump’s end game – Hardcore supporters have the rifles](https://newslanc.com/trumps-end-game-hardcore-supporters-have-the-rifles/) - By Robert E. Field, Publisher President Donald Trump gave up hope of winning re-election in a traditional manner at least half a year ago. He appears to be following a different path to achieve a second term through devious mechanisms and ultimately blood in the streets. His diabolical scheme: To cast such doubt on the integrity - [Unique Characteristics of the Belarusian Revolution](https://newslanc.com/unique-characteristics-of-the-belarusian-revolution/) - By Slava Tsukerman Mass demonstrations in Belarus, a country of 9.5 million, which started immediately after the August 9 President elections, continues to this day. Over the course of the month and a half, the protests have many times confirmed their mass character. In Minsk, the capital of the republic alone, more than 200 thousand - [Here LNP goes again](https://newslanc.com/here-lnp-goes-again/) - A recent article properly extolled the Steinman Family Foundation for contributions to the School District of Lancaster towards adjusting to remote schooling. Two things were not mentioned: The family, unlike the foundation established by earlier family generations, has deprived the SD of L of at least $300,000 a year in real estate taxes on the - [′′The Belarusian prison I've been taken to four times before is now a concentration camp."](https://newslanc.com/′′-the-prison-ive-been-taken-to-four-times-before-is-now-a-concentration-camp/) - NewsLanc is withholding the name of the sender and his correspondent who is excerpted below for their protection. We believe this is from highly reliable sources. · "The prison I've been taken to four times before is now a concentration camp. 70 blue-purple people are being kept locked up in a 5 szövetségese meter open-top - [“The Daily News Is Now a Newspaper Without a Newsroom”](https://newslanc.com/the-daily-news-is-now-a-newspaper-without-a-newsroom/) - New York Times: “Tribune Publishing said that it was permanently closing the tabloid’s office in Lower Manhattan. As its journalists work remotely during the pandemic, plans for a future workplace are uncertain. (more) People still want local news. the West Side Rag that serves the Upper West Side in Manhattan may bode the future - [Sergiy, the Contemporary 'Rasputin of the Urals'](https://newslanc.com/sergiy-the-contemporary-rasputin-of-the-urals/) - By Slava Tsukerman Sixty-five year old monk Father Sergiy Romanov is now one of the most talked about persons in Russia. In May 2020, he attracted nationwide attention by creating in Ural Mountains a kind of clerical state, controlled only by him. He started releasing videos, in which he, speaking from his monastic cell, where - ["We don't get to choose..."](https://newslanc.com/we-dont-get-to-choose/) - From the cover of Oberlin College’s Spring/Summer 2020 Alumnae Magazine, written in white on black background: “We don’t get to choose when we were born. We don’t choose what natural disasters, epidemiological emergencies, stock market crashes, tyrannical regimes, or wars our generations face. We only get to choose how we react.” Oberlin Professor Wendy - [Chapter Sixteen: Robert Field: Lone Ranger](https://newslanc.com/chapter-sixteen-robert-field-lone-ranger/) - Until 2005, Robert Field, was largely unknown to the general Lancaster County public, a place that had been his home for almost 40 years. But the Philadelphia-born Field, then in his late sixties, was not completely anonymous in Lancaster. - [2005 PART IV: Citizens Brigade: Opposition gets reinforcements](https://newslanc.com/2005-part-iv-citzens-brigade-opposition-gets-reinforcements/) - Questions about the TIF proposal and other tax breaks for the hotel and convention center project awakened not only the concerns of Commissioners Shellenberger and Henderson - [Russian Media On USA](https://newslanc.com/russian-media-on-usa/) - by Slava Tsukerman Anti-American propaganda remains one of the most noticeable subjects in Russian media. The picture above is published by the Russian website usapress.net, which claims that it was created especially with the purpose to provide Russians with translations of authentic materials about USA, taken from American media. It illustrates “Two centuries of wars: the American - [Fixing the Federal Criminal Justice System: The Establishment Weighs In](https://newslanc.com/fixing-the-federal-criminal-justice-system-the-establishment-weighs-in/) - by psmith, May 29, 2020, DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: In a just issued report on reforming the federal criminal justice system, a blue-ribbon task force of the nonpartisan Council on Criminal Justice calls for sweeping changes in the system from its approach to drug offenses to significant sentencing changes, support for getting ex-inmates successfully reintegrated into - [Coronavirus In Russia](https://newslanc.com/coronavirus-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman The global pandemic of the coronavirus (COVID-19) reached Russia on January 31, 2020, when two Chinese nationals tested positive shortly after returning from China. To prevent the outbreak, Russia immediately closed the border with China, which resulted in no new cases reported until March 2020, after the disease began to spread in Europe. Starting with - [Lancaster, Dauphin, and York County Overdose Data](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-dauphin-and-york-county-overdose-data/) - Here is overdose data from 2015 - 2019 for Lancaster, Dauphin and York Counties. As you will be able to see, the death for white individuals is considerably higher than other races as it pertains to the opioid epidemic. Robert asked us to list why we think this may be and why it is not - [LETTER: Where does the buck stop?](https://newslanc.com/letter-where-does-the-buck-stop/) - President Truman had a sign on his desk that read: “the buck stops here”. President Trump refuses to adopt this philosophy and blames everybody else for his mistakes. Before his inauguration, Obama staff met with Trump staff. The Obama staff stated that there are three significant problems: hurricanes, pandemic and cyberspace. The Trump administration did - [Fear of Russians About Putin's Potential Leave From Presidency](https://newslanc.com/fear-of-russians-about-putins-potential-leave-from-presidency/) - By Slava Tsukerman Lately several important events triggered a lot of discussions in the Russian media. In January, Russian president Vladimir Putin made a proposal for making many different changes in Russian constitution. Many commentators regarded some of the changes as directed to making the president’s power absolute, putting all the branches of Russian government - [KEISLING: Is Tom Wolf's moral compass broken?](https://newslanc.com/is-tom-wolfs-moral-compass-broken/) - Gov. Tom earolf tries going along to get along with GOP leaders. But what's he getting from Senate Republicans with whom he's going along? Gov. Wolf isn't using the bully pulpit of the governor's office to speak out on issues of right and wrong, and matters of importance for everyday Pennsylvanians. By Bill Keisling - [KEISLING: Kids for Cash in Luzerne County. (Could it happen here?)](https://newslanc.com/keisling-kids-for-cash-in-luzerne-county-could-it-happen-here/) - The Luzerne County Courthouse Bribery Scandal Reconsidered (aka Kids for Cash) by Bill Keisling Editor's note: The following is excerpted from a draft of Bill Keisling's forthcoming book on corruption in Pennsylvania, 'special legislation' and the participation and complicity of the media. Anyone wishing for insights into the wholesale corruption of Pennsylvania government and its courts, - [KEISLING: Fools rush in: Philadelphia DA Seth Williams grandstands and bites the dust](https://newslanc.com/keisling-fools-rush-in-philadelphia-da-seth-williams-grandstands-and-bites-the-dust/) - Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from Bill Keisling's forthcoming book on Pennsylvania government, business and media. Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane's ill-considered response to the Inquirer's Tyron Ali sting article had several other immediate if unpredictable consequences. Philadelphia DA Seth Williams, a Democrat who had hired Fina and several other prosecutors from Corbett's AG's - ["Demographic Gap"](https://newslanc.com/demographic-gap/) - An article appearing in today's New York Time entitled "End of Babies" describes the world wide drop in birth rates. With simply a rudimentary understanding of the "demographic gap", which is what the authors are describing , they would know that children in an agrarian society were profitable as workers and essential for securing support in - [NewsLanc research re Lancaster General Hospital was cutting edge](https://newslanc.com/newslanc-research-re-lancaster-general-hospital-was-cutting-edge/) - To: Doug McVay (Editor of Drug War Facts and the forthcoming Health Systems Facts) From: Robert Field (Publisher of the above) Re: Review of Priced Out, written by Uwe Reinhardt and reviewed by Adam Gaffney The above is a great article and very illuminating. I have ordered the book. Interestingly, NewsLanc criticized Lancaster General - [DOWNTOWN LANCASTER:  I would have done it differently but…](https://newslanc.com/downtown-i-would-have-done-it-differently-but/) - By Robert Field, Editor and Publisher A lot of improvements have taken place in downtown Lancaster, some spurred by greed, politics and OPM (Other People’s Money). I had the extraordinary good fortune as a successful real estate developer early in my career. Everything with a single exception was done with conventional financing or our own funds. - [JOE SESTAK: Why we need defense reform](https://newslanc.com/joe-sestak-why-we-need-defense-reform/) - TO: Robert Field FROM: Joe Sestak, Admiral (Rtd.) and former Congressman Robert, We have lost command of the Western Pacific to China, according to our Pacific Commander. Does anyone else in the current presidential field know how to reform the military to be more effective at less cost, by harnessing cyber and other new technologies? In my op-ed - [Who Are The Victims Of Perestroika?](https://newslanc.com/who-are-the-victims-of-perestroika/) - By Slava Tsukerman On October 4, 2019, Boris Chernyshov, deputy chairman of the State Duma’s Education and Science Committee, proposed introducing the new preferential category of citizens in Russia - “Victims of perestroika”. He addressed his initiative to the Minister of Labor Maxim Topilin. Chernyshov said the victims who suffered most during the reforms of - [LETTER: Court Denies Motion to Block Safe Injection Site](https://newslanc.com/letter-court-denies-motion-to-block-safe-injection-site/) - From Doug McVay, Editor, www.drugwarfacts.org I was checking twitter at lunch and saw news about today's decision in the Safehouse trial in Philadelphia. Safehouse is the nonprofit that's working to set up a supervised consumption site in the Philadelphia area. The US Justice Department filed suit to stop them, alleging that a supervised - [Statement on Naval Suicides by Admiral Joe Sestak, Ret.](https://newslanc.com/statement-on-naval-suicides-by-admiral-joe-sestak-ret/) - It was with a very heavy heart that I read the report that three young men serving aboard the U.S.S. George H.W. Bush committed suicide last week. The dramatic rise in suicides among our Navy and our military at large — as well as among the whole American population — is deeply troubling and - [Marijuana Goes to House Floor with Landslide Victory for Safe Banking Act](https://newslanc.com/marijuana-goes-to-house-floor-with-landslide-victory-for-safe-banking-act/) - By Kevin Zeese, Popular Resistance September 26, 2019 For the first time since the war on marijuana was declared by President Richard Nixon, progressive marijuana law reform was considered on the Floor of the House of Representatives, and won by a landslide. Now, it is likely to be considered by the Senate. Yesterday, members of - [HBO Mini-Series “Chernobyl” Makes a Sensation in Russia](https://newslanc.com/hbo-mini-series-chernobyl-makes-a-sensation-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman Released this year, “Chernobyl”, the HBO historical mini-series about the explosion that occurred on April 26, 1986 at the Soviet Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the subsequent handling of the accident, received the highest ratings from viewers and critics all over the world. In Russia it became a real sensation, emotionally discussed - [Fentanyl Isn't About to Go Away. What Can We Do About It? ](https://newslanc.com/fentanyl-isnt-about-to-go-away-what-can-we-do-about-it/) - Drug War Chronicle » Issue #1080 by psmith In the most thorough review yet of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl, a new study from the RAND Corporation warns that its arrival heralds a new dynamic in illicit drug markets -- and that is going to require new approaches for dealing with the dangerous drug. Last - [Hemp Legalization Is Wreaking Havoc with Marijuana Prosecutions in Prohibition States ](https://newslanc.com/hemp-legalization-is-wreaking-havoc-with-marijuana-prosecutions-in-prohibition-states/) - by psmith DRUG WAR CHRONICLES: After passage of the 2018 federal farm bill legalized hemp production, states scrambled to pass their own laws legalizing hemp and CBD. But in doing so, they may have inadvertently signed a death warrant for the enforcement of marijuana prohibition. hemp field at sunrise (votehemp.org) Forty-seven states have now - [Call for end to corporations’ “rule by contract”](https://newslanc.com/call-for-end-to-corporations-rule-by-contract/) - By Barry C. Lynn, Open Markets Institute: In an article for The Atlantic titled “There’s More Than One Way to Fight a Monopoly,” Open Markets Institute Legal Director Sandeep Vaheesan and co-author Nathan Schneider lay out one way to restore power and true autonomy to people and small businesses. They argue that while efforts break up monopolies are important, - [Comparison of N Y Times "Bahamas hurricane Dorian relief efforts" with our Hurricane Agnes in the 1970s](https://newslanc.com/comparison-of-n-y-times-bahamas-hurricane-dorian-relief-efforts-with-hurricane-agnes-in-the-1970s/) - By Robert Field "In the Bahamas, Residents ask 'Where is our relief'" The situation in the Bahamas is indeed tragic. Yet we see how ordinary people, especially momentary leaders, will take matters into their own hands and work together to get essential matter done. Hurricane Agnes in the 1970s that flooded our 264 unit Gateway - [It isn't over yet for Admiral / Congressman Joe Sestak](https://newslanc.com/it-isnt-over-yet-for-admiral-congressman-joe-sestak/) - As many of you will already now, former three star admiral and congressman Joe Sestak has been spending the last couple of months campaigning for the Presidency in Iowa. He will likely have shook almost every hand and shared his views on the whole spectrum of issues with the electorate by the time of the - [Unions and me, Part I](https://newslanc.com/unions-and-me-part-i/) - Given my studies in Economics and History, I have always been supportive of the union movement, not only for the improvement of the earnings of workers but also because of the benefits to the nation. But that doesn’t mean that I have not been in a couple of ‘bareknuckle’ battles, at least one potentially - [Free speech vs anonymity.](https://newslanc.com/free-speech-vs-anonymity/) - The New York Times reports: "Democrats want to name President Trump's big donors. His supporters say it's harassment." The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment to the Constitution allows individuals or corporations to make unlimited political donations. Sad ruling, but so be it. But there is nothing in the Constitution, or at least - [Russian Media Today, Part One](https://newslanc.com/russian-media-today-part-one/) - By Slava Tsukerman What sources of news information do Russians use? For the majority of Russians the only sources of news are the three state controlled national TV networks: Channel One, Russia TV, and NTV. According to FOM (Social Opinion Foundation) surveys, in 2010, 87% of the Russian respondents obtained news from television. Still, despite - [An important Letter to the Editor of The New York Times](https://newslanc.com/an-important-letter-to-the-editor-of-the-new-york-times/) - To the Editor: In her review of Tim Bouverie’s “Appeasement: Chamberlain, Hitler, Churchilll, and the Road to War” (July 21), Lynne Olson gives a number of reasons for what happened at the Munich conference in 1938, among them Chamberlain’s ignorance of foreign policy. However, she omits an underlying motive for that sordid episode, namely anti-Communism. - [After debate polling and its significance](https://newslanc.com/after-debate-polling-and-its-significance/) - If you visit Real Clear Politics, you will note post last week's debates, former Vice President Joe Biden has twice the support as does Senator Bernie Sanders and even more so than does Senator Elizabeth Warren. However, add Sander's and Warren's poll numbers together and their popularity is equal to that of Biden. Normally - [REF comments on last nights CNN Democrat debate](https://newslanc.com/ref-comments-on-last-nights-cnn-democrat-debate/) - Below are two excerpts from an article in today's NYT Times: "Discussing criminal justice reform with Senator Cory Booker, who has been sharply critical of Mr. Biden’s record on that matter, he jokingly skipped ahead, calling him the president and stopping himself as he lightheartedly grabbed Mr. Booker’s arm— 'excuse me, the future president'”" Do - [Racist at heart?  Yes we are, but...](https://newslanc.com/racist-at-heart-yes-but/) - By Robert Field This is true about almost every white person born sixty or more years ago in an era of extreme racial bigotry. Sure we have learned better and espouse democratic sentiments. Many of us voted for Barack Obama. Nevertheless we are at best “racists in recovery” and the deep rooted prejudices from our formative - ["Camp MFE" Benefit Concert](https://newslanc.com/camp-mfe-benefit-concert/) - July 31, 2019 at 7:00 pm First Reformed Church 40 E. Orange St. Lancaster, PA 17602 Join Music For Everyone and the staff of Camp MFE on July 31 for a night of amazing music. This fun concert benefits MFE's summer camps, helping our organization to provide scholarships, ensuring that all who attend do so - [New York Times' report on cause of NYC blackout:](https://newslanc.com/new-york-times-report-on-cause-of-nyc-blackout/) - What is particularly of interest is, despite all of the best selling books by reputable sources, there is no speculation or even comment on whether this might be a terrorist attack by a country or individuals. "Con Edison said the failure apparently stemmed from a problem at a substation on West 49th Street, and affected - [Letter and response concerning NYC blackout](https://newslanc.com/letter-and-response-concerning-nyc-blackout/) - Question: "[Are you] claiming Russia caused the NYC blackout? I'd be interested in what such a claim would be based on." Response: Both books I have recently read are lauded by top US and British defense officials and espionage experts. They point to a shadow war that is under way with the USA on - [It is flattering that Vladimir Putin considers NewsLanc an adversary](https://newslanc.com/it-is-flattering-that-vladimir-putin-considers-newslanc-an-adversary/) - A report by Doug McVay, Administrator NewsLanc is a frequent target of brute force hacking attempts. This has been true for the past few years. This happens with a lot of sites so it's not surprising. Unfortunately, though they are brute force login attempts the attacks sometimes come at such a rate that they become - [New Statistics From Russia of Interest to the West](https://newslanc.com/new-statistics-from-russia-of-interest-to-the-west/) - On May 25 Kremlin sociological service VTsIOM published a survey about public confidence in President Putin. The confidence rating was 31.7%. - [A cruise question that never occurs: “So what have you achieved with your life?”](https://newslanc.com/a-doubtful-cruise-question-so-what-do-you-want-to-do-have-done-with-your-life/) - By Robert Field Those are the questions I would have like to have put to fellow old people whom we met on our cruise ship as we toured the Baltic states from Reyjavik, Iceland to Copenhagen, Denmark There were only a few young couples that mistakenly chose this cruise. It combines the worst elements - [In defense of LNP -  And farewell to our print edition](https://newslanc.com/in-defense-of-lnp-and-farewell-to-our-print-edition/) - By Robert Field, Publisher and Editor Over the past decade, NewsLanc has taken to task The Lancaster Newspapers (now LNP) for slanting news coverage to benefit the Steinman family’s other investments and to curry to advertisers and powerful elements in the community. Yet a couple of recent events have added perspective. One is the Reading - [Entertainment Scandal in Russia](https://newslanc.com/entertainment-scandal-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman Last week Russia experienced one of the largest media scandals in Russian history. No economic or political news in several years triggered such emotional reaction from both media and general public. Surprisingly, the scandal was triggered not by political news, but by the results of children singing competition on TV. Yet unexpectedly - [How a last minute obscure insertion into the 2016 omnibus tax bill gave Penn Square Partners a $3.4M gift](https://newslanc.com/how-a-last-minute-insertion-into-the-2016-omnibus-tax-bill-gave-penn-square-partners-a-3-4m-gift/) - Through Pennsylvania’s Right to Know law, NewsLanc has obtained correspondence among the City, Penn Square Partners, High Realty, government authorities, and pertinent others pertaining to Penn Square Partner’s CRIZ application for the proposed Marriott Tower addition. 1998: “Penn Square Partners, headed by the High Real Estate Group, announced this morning that it has signed papers to acquire - [REF: Factual information re Health Care is to be my final contribution](https://newslanc.com/ref-factual-information-re-health-care-is-to-be-my-final-contribution/) - By Robert Field As one who read Plutarch Lives while in tenth grade, I have long been fascinated by history. I had an opportunity to exercise that interest at Cal Berkeley both through the curriculum and my independent readings. And my studies have continued through at least 67 of my 82 years, ebbing and - [List of Awards to NewsLanc's Hungarian sister publication](https://newslanc.com/list-of-awards-to-newslancs-hungarian-sister-publication/) - Like Newslanc, Abcúg is sponsored by the Real Reporting Foundation. Like NewsLanc, it is devoted to bringing factual information to its readership. Despite a decade of reliable reporting of community and state happenings by Chris Hart-Nibbrig and Bill Keisling and proven right time and again for its editorial positions, NewsLanc has yet to be - [Steinman Family media do not currently fund The Steinman Foundation as claimed by LNP](https://newslanc.com/steinman-family-media-do-not-currently-fund-the-steinman-foundation-as-claimed-by-lnp/) - A recent article "Steinman Foundation: Nonprofit’s co-chair steps down” concerning the retirement of R "Peggy" Steinman as co-chair states the following: “The Steinman Foundation is a local, independent family foundation funded by the companies that make up Steinman Communications; those companies include LNP Media Group, which publishes LNP, The Caucus Lancaster Farming, The Ephrata Review; The - [Games Grandpa Used To Play](https://newslanc.com/games-grandpa-used-to-play/) - By Phil Starr* DEDICATION To my wife, Rhea, whose love and support made me a better person and helped me to write this essay. INTRODUCTION I had been thinking of writing this essay on and off for several years.about games that I played in Brooklyn as a youth. In the spring of 1999, there was a - [Russian “Day of the Defender of the Fatherland”](https://newslanc.com/russian-day-of-the-defender-of-the-fatherland/) - By Slava Tsukerman This year as always on February 23, Russians celebrated “Defender of the Fatherland Day.” It is a public holiday, a day off for the general population, schools and most businesses are closed. Many Russians observe February 23 as Men’s Day because military service is obligatory for most men in Russia. Women often - [NYT: “How the Trump-Kim Summit Failed: Big Threats, Big Egos, Bad Bets”](https://newslanc.com/nyt-how-the-trump-kim-summit-failed-big-threats-big-egos-bad-bets/) - N NEW YORK TIMES: "From March 3rd edition of the New York Times: “In a dinner at the Metropole Hotel the evening before, mere feet from the bomb shelter where guests took cover during the Vietnam War, Mr. Kim had resisted what Mr. Trump presented as a grand bargain: North Korea would trade all its nuclear weapons, - [REF: A near death dream](https://newslanc.com/ref-a-near-death-dream/) - A near death dream 3:00 AM, Friday, February 22, 2019 There was a fire, there was an gasoline saturated cloth linking the living working above and the fire below. There was the moment of fear that they would touch. And then the holocaust and all were dead. Then the spirits of those involved - [Three for one:  The Jamanis family at Catholic High (Time changed)](https://newslanc.com/81256-2/) - March 3, 2019, at 3:00 pm at Lancaster Catholic High School, Michael Jamanis will be performing (with his mum & dad!) works of Viennese composers Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms. This event is FREE, but donations are encouraged! All proceeds will support the arts at LCHS. Please spread the word! Friends, family, co-workers, baristas, strangers on the - [What we and others knew but Jeff Bezos didn't](https://newslanc.com/what-we-and-others-knew-but-jeff-bezos-didnt/) - The big story today is how Amazon.com has withdrawn its offer to locate in Queens, New York City and provide 25,000 of jobs, touted as largely benefiting Latinos and African Americans. Bezos, the estimable founder of Amazon and more recently owner of the venerable and admirable Washington Post is steeped in the Internet culture, but - [NYT Circulation Department to Lancaster: 'We don't care'](https://newslanc.com/nyt-circulation-department-to-lancaster-we-dont-care/) - EDITOR'S UPDATE: Good news! This morning the New York Times was delivered to the foot of our driveway on the right day and by 7:00 AM. We would like to fantasize that our article caused reverberations on 43rd Street in NYC, but it is likely more the results of consumer complaints. Why would - [41% of Young People Wish to Leave Russia](https://newslanc.com/41-of-young-people-wish-to-leave-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman Emigration is a recognized problem in contemporary Russia. According to the Rosstat estimate, from 1989 to 2015, 4.5 million citizens left Russia. On February 4, the Levada Center published the results of survey concerning the emigration attitudes of Russians. The survey was conducted from December 13 through December 19, 2018. It covered - [Rick Gray could only kick the can so far down the road](https://newslanc.com/rick-gray-could-only-kick-the-can-so-far-down-the-road/) - We read in recent days that the City of Lancaster is entering into a Consent Decree with the Pennsylvania Environmental Agency that may cost the City from $100 million to $150 million. Below is is what we had to say on the matter back in February, 2015. Rick Gray’s EPA chickens are coming home to - [Wisdom](https://newslanc.com/wisdom/) - All my life my Liberal friends saw me as Conservative and my Conservative friends perceived me as Liberal. I have always sought to look at things as they are… Not through the prism of ideology. - [NYT "OPINION:  Why Ralph Northam Should Not Resign"](https://newslanc.com/nyt-opinion-why-ralph-northam-should-not-resign/) - NEWSLANC’S EDITOR’S NOTE: Finally there are signs of the media coming to their senses. “Zeitgeist” only lasts so long. But it can be murderous. By Bret Stephens It’s probably for the best that Ralph Northam seems determined not to resign as governor of Virginia. He may have done something ugly and dumb many years ago, when - [Russian Media Lauds New Russian Weapons Able to Annihilate USA](https://newslanc.com/russian-media-lauds-new-russian-weapons-able-to-annihilate-usa/) - By Slava Tsukerman Lately, several articles about the superiority of Russian weapons appeared in the Russian press. The articles were widely reprinted by dozens of Russian publications. On January 28, 2019, Zvezda, Russian weekly of the Ministry of Defense, published the article of the military expert Alexey Leonkov entitled “Why attempts to cast doubt on - [REF Speaks: Re Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia and The tyranny of Zeitgeist](https://newslanc.com/ref-re-gov-ralph-northam-of-virginia-the-tyranny-of-zeitgeist/) - By Robert Field Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Scholars have long maintained that each era has a unique spirit, a nature or climate that sets it apart from all other epochs. In German, such a spirit is known as "Zeitgeist," from the German words Zeit, meaning "time," and Geist, meaning "spirit" or "ghost." Some writers and artists assert that the true - [REF speaks: The fall of Lancaster](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-the-fall-of-lancaster/) - By Robert Field David Schuyler's book published in 2002 * on the process of redevelopment of downtown Lancaster some fifty years ago describes the largely unsuccessful effort at the time to protect downtown Lancaster as the core retail center from attempts to develop suburban shopping centers. The result of the regional 'understanding' was the ultimate - [How Russians Celebrate New Years](https://newslanc.com/how-russians-celebrate-new-years/) - By Slava Tsukerman After the Communist Revolution in 1917, the celebration of New Year and religious holidays were canceled in Russia. New Year's revival at the state level began only at the end of 1930s, but still remained a working day. After the suffering of Russian people in WWII, Stalin needed to raise morale. By - [Dick Shellenberger, a leader of good character, RIP](https://newslanc.com/dick-shellenberger-a-leader-of-good-character-rip/) - By Robert Field Statements in the below obituary of Dick Shellenberger are shameful and we blame the editors and publisher of LNP for allowing and likely encouraging the almost decade long distortions. This was an opportunity to imply "mea culpa" for their long going, self serving, no holds barred role in the Lancaster Convention Center - [Russian Economic Projection for 2019](https://newslanc.com/russian-economic-projection-for-2019/) - By Slava Tsukerman Russian media presents a lot of contradictory prognoses for the future of the Russian economy. On one hand, TV and the most popular official publications keep presenting to public messages of the type below, published by the site vesifinance.ru: “President Vladimir Putin positively assessed the state of the Russian economy, the Kremlin - [What do Marie Antoinette, Sigmund Freud, schnitzel, and Michael Jamanis have in common?](https://newslanc.com/what-do-marie-antoinette-sigmund-freud-schnitzel-and-michael-jamanis-have-in-common/) - What do Marie Antoinette, Sigmund Freud, schnitzel, and Michael Jamanis have in common? (hint: it's not powdered wigs) The answer is Vienna, and Michael is bringing the wonderful music of Classical-era Vienna to Lancaster, along with two very special guests - his parents! The program will include works by Mozart, Beethoven, Shubert, and Brahms. WHEN: Tuesday, January - [Of All People: The DEA Demolishes One of Trump's Main Claims About the Border Wall](https://newslanc.com/of-all-people-the-dea-demolishes-one-of-trumps-main-claims-about-the-border-wall/) - by psmith, January 08, 2019, 05:24pm, (Issue #1051) DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: As the president attempts to make his case for a wall on the US-Mexico border, one of his main selling points is that the wall would reduce the flow of illicit drugs into the country. Of all people, it's not our favorite agency - [Donald Trump can be gone in a flash](https://newslanc.com/donald-trump-can-be-gone-in-a-flash/) - From the 25th admendment to the U S. Constitution Wikipedia: Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the - [Excerpts from from a year end letter from an Australian specialist in drug treatment](https://newslanc.com/excerpts-from-from-a-year-end-letter-from-an-australian-specialist-in-drug-treatment/) - Dear friends, neighbours and colleagues, ...It has been a challenging year but with many rewards as we watch our patients achieve their goals, major and minor. As I approach retiring age I can provide more customised treatment for those with opiate, benzodiazepine and alcohol problems. Specifically we use split doses, high doses, low doses, frequent - [Can Russia collapse the same way as USSR?](https://newslanc.com/can-russia-collapse-the-same-way-as-ussr/) - By Slava Tsukerman On December 10 Russian website www.ridus.ru published an article entitled: Kudrin: Russia can expect the fate of the USSR Alexei Kudrin, current head of the Audit Chamber and Minister of Finance from May 2000 to September 2011, is one of those who are equally admired by Putin and his opposition. The article starts with the - [Russians Enticed to Come to the USA to Give Birth](https://newslanc.com/russians-enticed-to-come-to-the-usa-to-give-birth/) - By Slava Tsukerman During an interview with the political website Axios, the US president Donald Trump said he would sign an executive order ending so-called birthright citizenship, which was understood by most people as included in the 14th amendment to the US constitution 150 years ago. Unexpectedly this Trump’s statement triggered passionate discussion in Russian - [McConnell Puts Kibosh on Sentencing Reform](https://newslanc.com/mcconnell-puts-kibosh-on-sentencing-reform/) - by Phil Smith, (Issue #1045) DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Prospects for a major federal sentencing reform bill brightened on Wednesday with President Trump's announcementthat he would support the effort, but by week's end, those prospects dimmed as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told the president he wouldn't bring the bill to a floor vote this - [Mexico Supreme Court Ruling Effectively Legalizes Marijuana Use, Possession and Cultivation](https://newslanc.com/mexico-supreme-court-ruling-effectively-legalizes-marijuana-use-possession-and-cultivation/) - Drug Policy Alliance www.drugpolicy.org For Immediate Release: October 31, 2018 Hannah Hetzer 917-701-7060 Available Now for Interview and Analysis: DPA International Drug Policy Expert Hannah Hetzer In two separate rulings Wednesday, Mexico’s Supreme Court effectively set binding precedent that ends the country’s prohibition on marijuana use, possession and cultivation. The following is a - [Two New Polls Suggest Marijuana Prohibition's Days Are Numbered](https://newslanc.com/two-new-polls-suggest-marijuana-prohibitions-days-are-numbered/) - by psmith, October 25, 2018, 11:14pm, (Issue #1041) DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Two of the country's top polling organizations have released surveys this month showing support for marijuana legalization continues to increase and is now at record highs. A Gallup poll released Monday had support at 69 percent, while a Pew Research Center poll released - [Effect of American Sanctions on Future Russian Economy](https://newslanc.com/effect-of-american-sanctions-on-for-future-russian-economy/) - By Slava Tsukerman New U.S. sanctions against Russia over a nerve agent attack in Britain have come into effect. The sanctions will terminate some financial assistance and arms sales to Russia, as well as deny the country credit and prohibit the export of security-sensitive goods and technology. It is natural that top authorities on Russian economy - [Music Without Boundaries](https://newslanc.com/music-without-boundaries/) - Fasten your seat belts! This will be a roller coaster ride of chamber music. From Schubert and Brahms to Peter Schickele and The Breakdown Tango by John Mackey to close out the show. I'm looking forward to performing with Camerata Philadelphia October 16 at Lancaster Catholic High School at 7:30 p.m. Camerata Philadelphia performs Music without Boundaries. - [TSUKERMAN: The war mood of the Russian media today](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-the-war-mood-of-the-russian-media-today/) - "One hundred aircraft took to the air by the order of Russian Aerospace Force" September 27, 2018. By Slava Tsukerman Lately, the Russian media has been full of publications creating the feeling that the 3rd World War is going to start at any moment. Here are the titles of some articles published this week by the - [REF Speaks:  Moving the 'goal posts'](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-moving-the-goal-posts/) - By Robert Field Although I had thought about retroactive morality for some time and had already started to write down notes for an article about it yesterday morning, the point was made by another during Torah study that the “goal posts” for morality are constantly moving. I added that we need to keep in mind where - [Incredible LNP hypocrisy in light of added CRIZ funding for Marriott](https://newslanc.com/incredible-lnp-hypocrisy-in-light-of-added-criz-funding-for-marriott/) - According to the front page of the October 2, 2018 LNP: “LNP Media Group is joining forces with two of the state’s largest news organizations, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, to create a new investigative reporting team covering Pennsylvania state government.” The first thing they might investigate is the paragraph inserted into the - [COHEN: Kavanaugh's opening statement and general posture left a bad taste](https://newslanc.com/cohen-kavanaughs-opening-statement-and-general-posture-left-a-bad-taste/) - By Dan Cohen, Santa Monica reporter I view an article like this the same way I regard movie reviews. May be time to revive the Santa Monica reporter. I watched the entire debacle yesterday and came away with a bad taste in my mouth over Kavanaugh’s opening statement and general posture. His anger, his - [TSUKERMAN: Russia Enters Moon Tourism Race](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-russia-enters-moon-tourism-race/) - by Slava Tsukerman With its proud coverage, Russian media maintain the spirit of the cosmic races between USA and Russia. On September 18, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced on Twitter the upcoming private flight of a Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa around the moon on SpaceX's new Big Falcon Rocket. Maezawa plans to take between six and - [A letter from the editor to a friend re our times](https://newslanc.com/a-letter-from-the-editor-to-a-friend-re-our-times/) - Dan, Very interesting about TCM's audience. When we look at old movies, we are immersed in history. Members of later generations usually do not understand the mores' of the past and judge by contemporary standards.. Of interest to me this early morning is how differently CNN and MSNBC handled the accusations of Professor Christine Ford against Judge - [TSUKERMAN: Russia Fears Climatic “Apocalypse”](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-russia-fears-climatic-apocalypse/) - By Slava Tsukerman On the night of September 5, 2018, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 occurred in the South of the Ural Mountains in Russia. There were no casualties. Nevertheless, more than ten public facilities were damaged. Among them were kindergartens, regular schools, as well as an industrial technical school. The power of - [Saying goodbye to Oberlin College](https://newslanc.com/saying-goodbye-to-oberlin-colleg/) - As I have mentioned elsewhere in my memoirs, Oberlin turned out to have been an excellent choice to enable me to develop both as a student and socially. I have also mentioned how, due to an altercation with my father about which I felt very ashamed, I took a year off from college as penance - [2005 Part I: The Rift over the CC Hotel TIF](https://newslanc.com/2005-part-i-the-rift-over-the-tif/) - During the frigid first weeks of the winter of 2005, Nevin D. Cooley, president of Penn Square Partners (PSP), was quietly going around town meeting with Lancaster's elected officials, paying particular attention to the board members and solicitors for the School District of Lancaster (SDoL). Cooley wanted to discuss a financing proposal for the $75 million hotel his partnership was supposed to build. For years, the sponsors of the project had touted the tax revenue its “privately-owned” Marriott Hotel would bring to city tax coffers. - [2005 PT. II: TWELVE DAYS IN MARCH; Sponsors play charades](https://newslanc.com/2005-pt-ii-twelve-days-in-march-a-blatant-charade/) - “We don't have a 'Plan B’.” -- Nevin D. Cooley, President, Penn Square Partners, on March 15th, 2005, after the Lancaster School Board rejected the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) proposal his partnership submitted. In fact, they did and would soon announce it. To listen to the reaction of the sponsors of the hotel and convention center after the school board rejected their tax abatement scheme, one would have thought the project suffered a mortal blow... - [2005 PART III: Shellenberger & Henderson move into the crosshairs](https://newslanc.com/15755/) - "If there are those who would make county decisions without public scrutiny, we do not agree with them. If there are those who would do without a forthright explanation of costs, risks, and benefits to county taxpayers, we do not agree with them." - [2005 Part V: NOT JUST AN ACT: THE 'SWEETHEART DEAL' OF ACT 23](https://newslanc.com/2005-part-v-not-just-an-act-the-sweetheart-deal-of-act-23/) - A striking irony in the saga of the Lancaster County Convention Center and Marriott Hotel is that, in mostly Republican 'less government' Lancaster County, the “private-public” downtown project has been paid for almost entirely with taxpayer money and guarantees. Until the School Board of Lancaster voted down Penn Square Partners' tax abatement proposal in March of 2005, literally every governmental body that came into contact with this project – at the city, county, and state levels – bowed to the demands of Penn Square Partners, the private hotel investors. - [An ice cream cone and "one in ten thousand"](https://newslanc.com/an-ice-cream-cone-for-a-fat-girl-that-sealed-my-fate/) - The year was 1958. The place was Sherman Hall, a girl dorm and mixed eating hall which was part of the cooperative system at the University of California at Berkeley. The time was just after dinner. And the event was an unknown overweight girl having a birthday and no one celebrating it. I suggested that - [TSUKERMAN: Lithuanian "Mission Siberia"](https://newslanc.com/lithuanian-mission-siberia/) - By Slava Tsukerman The Lithuanian youth project "Mission Siberia" was launched in 2006. Its main goal is to let young Lithuanians to visit places where Lithuanians were imprisoned into GULAG camps or were exiled during Stalin's repressions. After the annexation of the Baltic republics to the USSR in June 1940, NKVD officers started to - [LETTER TO EDITOR: LNP's belated attention to hospital gouging](https://newslanc.com/letter-to-editor-lnps-belated-attention-to-hospital-gouging/) - Sent: Sun, Aug 26, 2018 7:37 am Subject: Nonprofit hospital surpluses misusedNonprofit hospital surpluses raise questions for patients, especially those struggling with medical bills https://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/nonprofit-hospital-surpluses-raise-questions-for-patients-especially-those-struggling/article_f799cbb4-a7e8-11e8-a806-7f4de245c247.html (Via LNP | LancasterOnline) Thanks for the link. The Lancaster Newspaper has a way of running articles long after their implications are yet actionable. Newslanc crusaded for over a - [Around and around we go… but sometimes we learn from it](https://newslanc.com/around-and-around-we-go-but-sometimes-we-learn-from-it/) - I was around eleven years old, which was seventy years ago. I had a red bicycle with balloon tires that I decided to try to sell it. For me it was a business adventure. I placed an advertisement in the classified section of the Bulletin (“In Philadelphia almost everyone reads the Bulletin”) and received an inquiry from - [Why Marijuana Will Play a Major Role in the Next Two National Elections](https://newslanc.com/why-marijuana-will-play-a-major-role-in-the-next-two-national-elections/) - Drug War Chronicle by Phil Smith Last week, the San Jose Convention Center hosted the National Cannabis Industry Association's (NCIA) 2018 Cannabis Business Summit and Expo. More than 7,000 marijuana industry players and hopefuls crammed into exhibition halls and conference rooms for the three-day confab, located squarely in the heart of the world's largest legal - [TSUKERMAN: The Future of Mother Volga](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-the-future-of-mother-volga/) - By Slava Tsukerman Wikipedia states: “The Volga is the longest river in Europe. It is also Europe's largest river in terms of discharge and drainage basin. The river flows through central Russia and into the Caspian Sea, and is widely regarded as the national river of Russia. “Eleven of the twenty largest cities of Russia, including the capital, Moscow, are located in the Volga's drainage basin. Some - [LETTER: Questions past actions resulting in $193.7M added city debt](https://newslanc.com/letter-questions-past-actions-resulting-in-193-7m-added-city-debt/) - So $193.7M of debt plus all of the water and sewer bills collected is decades of neglect? Where was this money spent? I don't understand how the two paragraphs below reconcile. "The city continues to rebuild its infrastructure after decades of neglect, they said, and though progress has been made, hundreds of millions of - [In Portland, police can provide referrals to social services when no violent victimization](https://newslanc.com/in-portland-police-can-provide-referrals-to-social-services-when-no-violent-victimization/) - By Doug McVay, Editor, Drug War Facts. I recently interviewed the chair of the Multnomah County Commission about the county's implementation of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program (Multnomah is comprised of Portland, Oregon and a couple of suburbs). I spoke at the same time with the official who's actually administering the program. That interview - [How to Prevent Opioid Overdoses? Provide Hard-Core Addicts Free Pharmaceutical Heroin](https://newslanc.com/how-to-prevent-opioid-overdoses-provide-hard-core-addicts-free-pharmaceutical-heroin/) - Yesterday evening Lancaster, York, Harrisburg and Reading syringe exchange managers met with board members at our home to discuss the growing opioid epidemic that is doing so much harm to our nation. We don't have the answers when it comes to hard drugs. (Alcoholic beverages and marijuana are not hard drugs and can be safely consumed in - [TSUKERMAN: War of the Sexes triggered by the World Cup in Russia](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-war-of-the-sexes-triggered-by-the-world-cup-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman It is understandable that the World Cup has been the main topic in the Russian media. Unexpectedly one of the side issues attracted a special attention of the Russian Internet and press. Some refer to it as: “The war of sexes”. It started on the Internet. Some Russian male patriots got very - [REF: A "Long" gravy train of government funded housing](https://newslanc.com/ref-a-long-gravy-train-of-government-funded-housing/) - EDITOR'S update, July 3, 2018; We have recently been advised that the LNP article meant to include the cost of the renovation of the Long home as part of the $17.8 million expense. The extent and cost of the renovation was not provided to us. The LNP article stated: "Totaling 64,000 square feet, Long Crest - [TSUKERMAN:  The wealth of Russia is shipped abroad](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-the-wealth-of-russia-is-shipped-abroad/) - By Slava Tsukerman This month the Central Bank of Russia published information showing that the earnings from Russian businesses and of the richest citizens continue to flow abroad through the purchase of stakes in companies and the issuance of loans. Last year 2.5 trillion rubles, $42 billion, flowed from Russia into offshore markets. This is - [You'll Never Believe What Country Just Enacted a Massive, Meaningful Drug Reform](https://newslanc.com/youll-never-believe-what-country-just-enacted-a-massive-meaningful-drug-reform/) - by psmith DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: For years, Iran has been one of the world's leading executioners of drug offenders, with hundreds of people hung from the gallows annually for drug smuggling and trafficking. But in a remarkable turnabout, that is no longer the case. Executions for drug offenses have come to an almost - [Canada Expected to Formally Approve Marijuana Legalization](https://newslanc.com/canada-expected-to-formally-approve-marijuana-legalization/) - Drug Policy Alliance www.drugpolicy.org For Immediate Release: Contact: Hannah Hetzer, 917-701-7060 June 6, 2018 Tony Newman, 646-335-5384 Canada to Become 2nd Country in the World – And First G-20 Nation – to Legally Regulate Marijuana Canada’s Move Expected to Boost Momentum for Drug Policy Reform in the U.S. and Globally Tomorrow, - [TSUKERMAN: Trash around Moscow](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-trash-around-moscow/) - By Slava Tsukerman Residents of Volokolamsk, a town 129 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of Moscow, have long complained about the stench coming from the nearby Yadrovo landfill where hundreds of garbage trucks from Moscow and the surrounding areas dump their loads every day. On March 21, 2018, dozens of school children in the area fell - [TSUKERMAN: The Return of the Cossacks](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-the-return-of-the-cossacks/) - by Slava Tsukerman The Fourth inauguration of Vladimir Putin as the President of Russia took place on Monday, May 7, 2018. The comment of the New York Times on the event was entitled: “For Putin’s 4th Term, More a Coronation Than an Inauguration‎.” Russian opposition to Putin was reported upon by the New York Times. On May 5, two days prior - [DPA: Jeff Sessions became the best thing to happen to pot legalization](https://newslanc.com/dpa-jeff-sessions-became-the-best-thing-to-happen-to-pot-legalization/) - Hello Press and Friends— Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, has an important, insightful piece in USA Today. While Attorney General Jeff Sessions hates marijuana and people who use it, he may actually turn out to be the best thing that’s happened to the marijuana reform movement in Washington... Tony - [TSUKERMAN: Russian Fake News](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-russian-fake-news/) - By Slava Tuskerman After a likely chemical attack on April 7 in the Syrian city of Douma that served as a reason for the later U. S. targeted attacks on Syrian military targets, Russian television produced a number of stories stating that the videos depicting the attacks were fakes staged by anti-Bashar Assad activists. On - [Tsukerman: Sherman Tanks In Russia](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-sherman-tanks-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman This week local Siberian press reported that a rusting Sherman tank dating from WW2 was airlifted all the way across Russia for use in a major military parade. Around 4,000 of such tanks were brought to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program, to boost Stalin’s firepower to defeat the Germans. A - [Up to 25% of U.S. shopping malls may close in the next five years, report says](https://newslanc.com/up-to-25-of-u-s-shopping-malls-may-close-in-the-next-five-years-report-says/) - NewsLanc for a decade has warned about the danger of re-zonings for shopping centers that have been built recently and over the past few years. This has undermined the viability of Park City Mall. In addition to fierce competition from Internet shopping, we are relocating prime retail tenants to newer facilities and may ultimately turn Park - [The Budapest Beacon exit interview](https://newslanc.com/the-budapest-beacon-exit-interview/) - The Budapest Beacon exit interview April 13, 2018 - Ádám Lestyánszky Four and a half years to the day after its launch, The Budapest Beacon is publishing its final article today in the form of an exit interview with Budapest Beacon managing editor Richard Field. Why has our publisher decided to stop publishing the Budapest - [UPDATE re REF SPEAKS: Is MSNBC going the way of Fox News?](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-is-msnbc-going-the-way-of-fox/) - Xi Jinping Urges Dialogue, Not Confrontation, After Trump Seeks Tariff NEW YORK TIMES (April 11, 2018). :… Mr. Xi also pledged to rebuff efforts to impose barriers to world trade, saying that “China’s door of opening up will not be closed and will only open up even wider.” He highlighted areas where China was - [Tsukerman: Elections in Russia](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-elections-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman The latest presidential elections were held in Russia on March 18, 2018. Vladimir Putin won reelection for his second consecutive (fourth overall) term in office with 77% of the vote. This result of the elections was a surprise to nobody. Lev Gudkov, the head of the authoritative sociological institute Levada Center, in an interview with the newspaper - [Culture Shock: American Activists Confront Compassionate Portuguese Drug Policy](https://newslanc.com/culture-shock-american-activists-confront-compassionate-portuguese-drug-policy/) - by psmith, April 04, 2018, 03:56pm DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: The American activists couldn't wrap their heads around it. Sitting in a dingy office in a nondescript building in central Lisbon, they were being provided a fine-grained explanation of what happens to people caught with small amounts of drugs in Portugal, which decriminalized the possession - [Letter to the Editor: Zeese on role of Independent Media](https://newslanc.com/letter-to-the-editor-zeese-on-role-of-independent-media/) - EDITOR'S NOTE: We receive so many brilliant private communications that henceforth we will be seeking permission to publish some, especially now that my attentions must be focused elsewhere and also on a special assignment. By Kevin Zeese Independent media is also under attack in the US but it is a new approach to the - [The sorry plight of Tajik migrants in Russia](https://newslanc.com/the-sorry-plight-of-tajik-migrants-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman In 2018, the number of foreign citizens who entered the territory of Russia for obtaining permanent residence already reached six million. People from countries, where the economic situation is worse today than in Russia, are going to Russia in order to find jobs. Mostly they are coming from the former Soviet - [Hungary by now is no longer a democracy, says Rutgers’ R. Daniel Kelemen](https://newslanc.com/hungary-by-now-is-no-longer-a-democracy-says-rutgers-r-daniel-kelemen/) - March 8, 2018 - Staff BUDAPEST BEACON: (Sister publication to NewsLanc.). “If you don’t have a free and pluralistic press that is conveying messages on different sides of issues and which is actively critical of the government and its policies, then democracy starts to be meaningless. If people are just fed a steady diet of - [BUDAPEST BEACON: “We are no longer bastions of the rule of law,” says Hungarian judge](https://newslanc.com/budapest-beacon-we-are-no-longer-bastions-of-the-rule-of-law-says-hungarian-judge/) - by Benjamin Novak Originally published March 1, 2018 by our sister publication Budapest Beacon Last week, the Budapest Beacon published the first of a series of articles dealing with Hungary’s judiciary as it is experienced from the inside. The purpose of this series to provide insight into how those working in the judiciary see the - [Budapest Beacon: “Europe and Hungary are experiencing a refugee crisis”](https://newslanc.com/budapest-beacon-“europe-and-hungary-are-experiencing-a-refugee-crisis”/) - The fence will cost HUF 22 billion (USD 80 million) while last’s year’s budget for the whole of the immigration administration system was HUF 2.4 billion (USD 8.7 million). If one tenth of the fence’s construction price were spent on the system, it would not collapse under the pressure. - [Our Budapest Beacon website rated #2 for Eastern Europe](https://newslanc.com/our-budapest-beacon-website-rated-2-for-eastern-europe/) - One thing the site will never sacrifices is credible reporting. However. perhaps the most surprising fact is that the website is published out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. - [Hvg interview with Richard Field, businessman, philanthropist, and managing editor of the Budapest Beacon](https://newslanc.com/hvg-interview-with-richard-field-businessman-philanthropist-and-managing-editor-of-the-budapest-beacon/) - R. F.: It is disingenuous of the government to tell impoverished local governments to finance social programs through the introduction of new taxes. Exactly what are they supposed to tax that would not result in greater unemployment or deeper poverty? - [Budapest Beacon: What really happened at Röszke?](https://newslanc.com/budapest-beacon-what-really-happened-at-roszke/) - It appears that over a period of twenty or thirty minutes Hungarian security forces launched three separate attacks on asylum seekers. As best we can tell, only the first police action could possibly have been justified on the grounds that asylum seekers “cast the first stone” - [Budapest Beacon: Refugee crisis greatest threat to EU so far says Rutgers’ Dan Kelemen](https://newslanc.com/budapest-beacon-refugee-crisis-greatest-threat-to-eu-so-far-says-rutgers’-dan-kelemen/) - But if you close the EU’s external borders, you could easily have a situation where hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers accumulate right on the EU’s borders. You have a situation where there is mass starvation, disease. In short, a morally untenable situation. - [BUDAPEST BEACON: What is to be done about Hungary and Poland?](https://newslanc.com/74871/) - BUDAPEST BEACON , a Real Reporting publication JANUARY 28, 2016 By Benjamin Novak "Once the EU allows a country like Poland to drift in the same direction as Hungary, and allows Hungary to continue down this path, it makes a mockery of its claim to be a union of democracies that stands for the rule - [BUDAPEST BEACON: Thousands protest closure of Népszabadság and corruption in Budapest](https://newslanc.com/budapest-beacon-thousands-protest-closure-of-nepszabadsag-and-corruption-in-budapest/) - By Justin Spike, originally published at the Budapest Beacon Oct. 16, 2016, reprinted here by permission. “When those in power believe the media is their opponent, that’s a very big problem. Because it means they are afraid. In my opinion, they should not take up the fight by banning newspapers and media outlets. Rather, they - [BUDAPEST BEACON: Gábor Székely: They should not pretend there are independent judges here](https://newslanc.com/budapest-beacon-gabor-szekely-they-should-not-pretend-there-are-independent-judges-here/) - By Benjamin Novak, originally published at the Budapest Beacon Feb. 19, 2018, reprinted here by permission. “They should not pretend there are independent judges here.” – Gábor Székely, former judge. A while ago, we interviewed current and former judges on the workings of Hungary’s judiciary. Former judge Gábor Székely was one of the people we - [What we are taught about resisting rumors and gossip](https://newslanc.com/what-we-are-taught-about-resisting-rumors-and-gossip/) - You shall not go around as a gossipmonger —Leviticus Evil gossip kills three: the one who says it, the one who listens, and the subject of the gossip —Talmud Twenty-five years ago I received a phone call from a member of the synagogue ley leadership shortly after I began to spend weekends in Manhattan and - [Winter does not deter a regional syringe exchange](https://newslanc.com/winter-does-not-deter-a-regional-syringe-exchange/) - Another example of the work of one of the Lancaster, Harrisburg, York and Reading syringe / harm reduction exchanges we fund and support. Their contacts with those most in need of health care and counseling not only deter the spread of HIV./ AIDS and other diseases but also is the point of initial contact so as to be - [REF shares a letter describing the perspective of a certified genius](https://newslanc.com/ref-shares-a-letter-describing-the-perspective-of-a-certified-genius/) - It is a long read but well worthwhile to encounter how the world appears when one is a genius. The correspondence commenced when I reached out to an acquaintance with whom I had not been in touch for two decades. The following were part of a pleasant exchange. The postscript came with permission to publish.. - [Indigenous People of Russia](https://newslanc.com/indigenous-people-of-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman In the former Soviet Union, every citizen had an internal passport. Among the entries in this passport, under the number 5, was an entry called “nationality”, which meant, not the citizenship, but the ethnic identity, such as “Russian”, “Ukrainian”, “Georgian”, and “Jewish”. Using the Soviet slang, this information was commonly called “fifth - [Moscow Restaurateur Fights Police Corruption](https://newslanc.com/moscow-restauranteur-fights-police-corruption/) - by Slava Tsukerman: One of the top Moscow restaurateurs refused police demands for bribe. That looks like a seemingly minor event. But in the contemporary Russia it became one of the biggest sensations of January, 2018. - [Tsukerman on Russian Streets](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-on-russian-streets/) - By Slava Tsukerman Right after my article about the poor condition of Russian roads, one of the most popular Russian bloggers, Ilia Varlamov, published an article suggesting that city streets in Russia are as dangerous as the roads. Varlamov opens his article with the latest Russian car accidents statistics: On January 17, 32 people were - [LETTER: "Mikey, what's the most important thing in the world?"](https://newslanc.com/letter-mikey-whats-the-most-important-thing-in-the-world/) - Dear friends, When I was really young my mom would ask me "Mikey, what's the most important thing in the world?" The answer I gave and the one she was hoping for was 'Love". At that age I pronounced it Yuv. I'm sure it was cute. My mom, Pianist Frances Veri, and I will be - [Philly looking to become first American city to create safe spaces for drug users to inject drug](https://newslanc.com/philly-looking-to-become-first-american-city-to-create-safe-spaces-for-drug-users-to-inject-drug/) - Tom Beck SOUTH PHILADELPHIA REVIEW: Moving forward, the City will actively encourage organizations like community nonprofits or medical organizations to operate and fund one or more CUES. This past Wednesday, the city of Philadelphia announced plans to encourage organizations to develop Comprehensive User Engagement Sites, in which opiate addicts would be provided a safe space - [General Hospital shamefully negligent in preventing spread of disease especially during flu epidemic](https://newslanc.com/general-hospital-shamefully-negligent-in-preventing-spread-of-disease-during-flu-epidemic/) - By Robert Field The article "Is General Hospital lax in preventing spread of disease? " appeared on June 4, 2017. Yesterday I once again visited Lancaster General Hospital for a blood test. The prior article started: "When visiting hospitals in Philadelphia and New York, we encountered hand sanitizing gel dispensers almost everywhere and make use - [Eight Things That Do (or Don't) Happen When We Legalize Marijuana](https://newslanc.com/eight-things-that-do-or-dont-happen-when-we-legalize-marijuana/) - by psmith, DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: The great social experiment that is marijuana legalization is now five years old, with six states already allowing legal marijuana sales, two more where legal sales will begin within months, and yet another that, along with the District of Columbia, has legalized personal possession and cultivation of the herb. - [Tsukerman on Russian Roads](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-on-russian-roads/) - By Slava Tsukerman All Russians know that quality of roads is a problem of their country. Among the most popular quotes of Russian classics there is this observation by Karamzin, the first Russian popular writer of 19th century: “There are two troubles In this country: fools and roads.” Napoleon wrote: “In Russia there are no - [Letter to the editor says City being defrauded of $4.7 million](https://newslanc.com/letter-to-the-editor-says-city-being-defrauded-of-4-7-million/) - Are you aware of this situation? MAW is a fraud and the city is out $4.7 million!!! LNP will not report on it becuase somehow they are also connected (received money from MAW): http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/official-it-s-not-risky-for-city-to-put-up/article_a9e76b6a-0456-11e7-9f07-2b86355a4f2e.html They're all here together in this video: http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/watch-congressman-smucker-meets-with-lnp-editorial-board/article_4f40a3ee-86b4-11e7-a93a-47cfbde0d028.html - [REF Speaks: Turning Around Downtown Lancaster](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-turning-around-downtown-lancaster/) - A reader recently forwarded "Turning Around Downtown; Twelve Steps to Revitalization" by Christopoher B. Leinberger. https://www.brookings.edu/research/turning-around-downtown-twelve-steps-to-revitalization/ This is indeed a very informative article, albeit a dozen years old. If it were to be written today, I think there would be some modifications but the overall thrust would remain. One thing that is not taken into consideration is - [Jeff Sessions Expected to Rescind Obama-Era “Cole Memo” That Allowed States to Implement Marijuana Laws Without Federal Interference](https://newslanc.com/jeff-sessions-expected-to-rescind-obama-era-cole-memo-that-allowed-states-to-implement-marijuana-laws-without-federal-interference/) - DPA Statement: This is Bad News For Civil and Human Rights – and Bad Politics for Team Trump DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: The AP reported this morning that US Attorney General Jeff Sessions plans today to rescind Obama-era guidance by the Department of Justice allowing states to implement their own marijuana laws with limited federal - [REF Speaks:   Is President Trump largely correct on immigration policy?](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-is-president-trump-largely-correct-on-immigration-policy/) - As a youngster growing up in the 40’s and 50’s, I became aware of the plight of much of the world’s population that lived under conditions of poverty and disease. Their misery was much discussed and the result was foreign aid through worldwide institutions or directly through USA sponsored programs. It was hardly enough but - [The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: The Top Ten US Drug Policy Stories of 2017](https://newslanc.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-the-top-ten-us-drug-policy-stories-of-2017/) - by psmith, DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Tens of thousands die of drug overdoses, hundreds of thousands get arrested for drugs, yet marijuana is seeing boom times. As we bid adieu to 2017, here are the year's drug policy highlights: Drug overdoses killed record numbers - [Tsukerman: What crime did the Siberian Boy from Novy Urengoi commit?](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-what-crime-did-the-siberian-boy-from-novy-urengoi-commit/) - By Slava Tsukerman A heated, somewhat scandalous debate has been going on for several weeks in Russian media. Almost all well known politicians, members of the Russian parliament, and even president Putin himself are participating in the debate. The subject is a two-and-a-half minute speech of a 16-year-old boy from a small city of Novy - [Hungary, like Poland, emulates Putin's Russia](https://newslanc.com/80528-2/) - From one of Newslanc's sister web sites: ” . . . this is the kind of thing that happens in Putin’s Russia, except we are in Hungary.” – Péter Juhász, chairman, Együtt In an emotional appeal made via a live video stream from his smartphone this morning, Együtt (Together) chairman Péter Juhász (pictured) announced - [How Bigoted Pennsylvania Drug Warriors Turned This New York Man's Life into a Living Hell ](https://newslanc.com/how-bigoted-pennsylvania-drug-warriors-turned-this-new-york-mans-life-into-a-living-hell/) - by psmith DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: In June, 2014, Wilfredo Ramos was driving back to his Brooklyn home after visiting his mother in Lancaster, Pennsylvania when two Pennsylvania State Police troopers detoured him into a Kafkaesque nightmare from which he emerged only five months later. The traffic stop from hell happened to Wilfredo Ramos -- - [Some seek to cast suspicion on Jews for “ritual killing” the last Russian Tsar](https://newslanc.com/some-seek-to-cast-suspicion-on-jews-for-ritual-killing-the-last-russian-tsar/) - by Slava Tsukerman On November 27 a conference dedicated to “new expertise and evidence” on the last Russian tsar’s Nicholas II murder took place in the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow. Patriarch Kirill led a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church at the conference. At the conference Bishop Tikhon Shevkunov, widely seen as Putin's personal confessor, - [Documents Finally Released](https://newslanc.com/documents-finally-released/) - The photo is of eight inches of documents finally made available to NewsLanc as a result of our ‘Request for Public Information’ filing over half a year ago that was stone walled by the City of Lancaster, later ordered to be delivered by the State but yet withheld, and finally made available through negotiation among - [Donald Trump gets a 25% reduction in income taxes](https://newslanc.com/donald-trump-and-i-are-to-get-a-25-reduction-in-income-taxes/) - According to today’s New York Times article “Business tax bill offers last minute breaks for developers, banks and oil industry”: “Lower Taxes for Top 1 Percent" “One of the bill’s biggest windfalls for the wealthy — cutting taxes on income received through so-called pass-through entities like partnerships, popular with real estate developers — got even - [Breakfast with candidate Dick Thornburg and his wife Ginny](https://newslanc.com/breakfast-with-candidate-dick-thornburg-and-his-wife-ginny/) - Arlen Specter has once again lost an election, this one the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race of 1978. It had been my introduction to politics and had played a significant but not paramount role as I would two years later in Specter’s senatorial campaign. About two months after later, I was contacted by one of candidate - [REF Speaks: Looking back at USA military disasters](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-looking-back-at-usa-military-disasters/) - I am deep into "The American Empire, 1945 - 2000" by Joshua B. Freeman, having read the third and now reading the fourth of a series of USA history, this one by Joshua 'B. Freeman. This is part of the Forner / Penguin series. The book is edifying but rather neutered until Freeman reaches the - [Drug-Induced Homicide Charges Draconian and Ineffective, Study Finds](https://newslanc.com/drug-induced-homicide-charges-draconian-and-ineffective-study-finds/) - by psmith, DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: A new report from the Drug Policy Alliance shines a harsh spotlight on a strategy that some police, prosecutors, and elected officials are embracing in response to the opioid overdose crisis -- charging sellers with drug-induced homicide -- which the evidence suggests is intensifying, rather than helping, the problem. James - [TSUKERMAN: Russia Accuses USA of “Harvesting Russian Tissue”](https://newslanc.com/russia-accuses-usa-of-harvesting-russian-tissue/) - By Slava Tsukerman The opening of Wall of Sorrow memorial was the event that concluded the session of the Council for Civil Society and Human Rights. During the session the idea was voiced that some people, with the help of surveillance systems, are collecting images of Russian people. Answering this assumption, Putin spoke of even more mysterious fact, saying: "Images, it’s okay. But - [New Yorker: The Poligarchs, Oligarchs, and Stooges of the Paradise Papers](https://newslanc.com/new-yorker-the-poligarchs-oligarchs-and-stooges-of-the-paradise-papers/) - THE NEW YORKER: More than three hundred and eighty journalists have been studying an untold number of pages contained in millions of leaked files now known as the Paradise Papers, which detail the offshore assets and tax-avoidance mechanisms of a number of large corporations and super-rich individuals. These journalists are now producing dozens of stories, - [REF Speaks: “Fairness” is a concept that has been lost](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-fairness-is-a-concept-that-has-been-lost/) - By Robert Field One word particularly stood out from New York Times article “What Did Bernie Sanders Learn in His Weekend in Canada?” Yes there was the usual unimpeachable argument for a total reform to the United States extravagant and underperforming health service. To wit: "Many developed countries have achieved universal health coverage, but - [Medical Marijuana Update](https://newslanc.com/medical-marijuana-update-3/) - by psmith Congresspeople want the VA to research medical marijuana, New Jersey expands its list of qualifying conditions, and more. NationalLast Thursday,lawmakers called on the VA to research medical marijuana for veterans. A group of lawmakers who sit on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee wrote a letter to Veteran Affairs Secretary David Shulkin urging him - [Now that opioid crisis affects middle class, public health advocated over criminal justice](https://newslanc.com/now-that-opioid-crisis-affects-middle-class-public-health-advocated-over-criminal-justice/) - Hello press-- By Tony Newman DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: Trump’s speech yesterday declaring the opioid crisis a public health emergency has generated national news on the issue of overdose and opioid use in the country. With the overdose crisis becoming a mainstream conversation, there has been a shift in the narrative. Historically, when a - [New Gallup Poll Finds Record Support for Marijuana Legalization](https://newslanc.com/64-of-americans-including-majority-of-republicans-support-legalization/) - Drug Policy Alliance drugpolicy.org 64% of Americans, Including Majority of Republicans, Support Legalization A new Gallup poll shows record-breaking support for marijuana legalization, with 64 percent of Americans now in favor of ending marijuana prohibition. The number is the highest level of support in nearly half a century of surveying adults on the issue, according - [Did Americans really celebrate Putin’s birthday (or when is a Whopper but a whopper?)](https://newslanc.com/did-americans-really-celebrate-putins-birthday-or-when-is-a-whopper-but-a-whopper/) - By Slava Tsukerman On October 7, Russia celebrated President Vladimir Putin’s 65th birthday. According to the Russian media, that event was joyfully noted throughout the entire world and especially in the USA. The Russian state News Agency TASS reported that on Vladimir Putin’s birthday Ledo Pizza restaurant in Washington, DC offered visitors "pizza in Russian - [A CASE STUDY: My role in the 2008 failed Downtown Library's renovation and expansion project](https://newslanc.com/a-case-study-my-role-in-the-2008-failed-library-renovation-and-expansion-project/) - It is relatively easy to design a new structure from bottom up. It is many times more challenging to retain and make wises future use of the old portion while successfully integrating it with the new. It is by necessity a process in informed and judicious compromise. - [TSUKERMAN: Controversial Kalashnikov Monument in Moscow](https://newslanc.com/controversial-kalashnikov-monument-in-moscow/) - By Slava Tsukerman On September 19, a monument to the world famous gunsmith Mikhail Kalashnikov was installed in one of central Moscow squares. At the unveiling of the monument soldiers in parade uniforms marched to a brass band. Vladimir Medinsky, the minister of culture of Russia, said the following. “Mikhail Kalashnikov is, to some extent, - [25th Amendment to the U. .S. Constitution](https://newslanc.com/25th-amendment-to-the-u-s-constitution/) - Editor: Has the time come? Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written - [The flag and National anthem mean different things to different people](https://newslanc.com/the-flag-and-national-anthem-mean-different-things-to-different-people/) - By Robert Field The most memorable experience from a visit to Tunisia some years ago was when the tour bus driver added a stop at the America military cemetery. There I walked on pathways among immaculately maintained gravesites, most with crosses and a few with stars of David, and the omni-present American flags. I felt - [Are Stalin’s times coming back to Russia?](https://newslanc.com/are-stalins-times-coming-back-to-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman On September 1, the head of the Investigative Committee of Russia, General of Justice Alexander Bastrykin came to St. Petersburg to celebrate the beginning of the Academic Year in the St. Petersburg Academy of the Investigative Committee. The Academy was created a year ago and placed into historical 18th century building built - [Drug Arrests, Marijuana Arrests Both Up Last Year, FBI Reports ](https://newslanc.com/drug-arrests-marijuana-arrests-both-up-last-year-fbi-reports/) - by psmith, September 26, 2017, 04:32pm, This article was produced in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared here. Despite spreading marijuana legalization and despite a growing desire for new directions in drug policy, the war on drugs continues unabated. According to the FBI's latest Uniform Crime Report, released Monday, overall drug arrests actually increased last - [REF SPEAKS:   Swan song minus two](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-swan-song-minus-two/) - By Robert Field I won’t apologize for getting old. Nor do I allow myself to feel sorry for myself because reaching the age of eighty and still having a window on family, friends and the world is a privilege. But I no longer can vigorously pursue the goals of NewsLanc apart from publishing - [Russian Reaction to Morgan Freeman Accusation 'We are at war. We have been attacked"](https://newslanc.com/russian-reaction-to-morgan-freeman-accusation-we-are-at-war-we-have-been-attacked/) - By Slava Tsukerman On September 19, Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman published on Internet a two-minute video he filmed for the non-profit 'Committee to Investigate Russia'. He claimed that Moscow meddled in the US election. In the video Freeman said: "We are at war. We have been attacked." He stated that the attack was masterminded by - [Holy war inside Russia over state sponsored but church opposed movie](https://newslanc.com/holy-war-inside-russia-over-state-sponsored-but-church-opposed-movie/) - By Slava Tsukerman On September 12, 2017, two biggest Russian movie theater chains informed audience that they are breaking their contracts and not going to release the new feature film “Matilda”, partly produced on state money and approved by the Russian government. The chains made their decision out of fear of Russian Orthodox - [Manhattan District Attorney Announces New Policy to Reduce Impact of Marijuana Possession Arrests, Citing Collateral Consequences](https://newslanc.com/manhattan-district-attorney-announces-new-policy-to-reduce-impact-of-marijuana-possession-arrests-citing-collateral-consequences/) - DA Calls on State Legislature to Act on Marijuana Reform DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: Today, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. announced a shift in his office’s policy for New Yorkers arrested for low level marijuana possession.This policy change was created in an effort to reduce the number of New Yorkers, mostly young people of color, - [Russian Public opinion nationalistic and pro Putin](https://newslanc.com/russian-public-opinion-nationalistic-and-pro-putin/) - By Slava Tsukerman Today Russia is extremely divided. A small percentage of democratically oriented intellectuals are violently opposed by the majority, aggressively supporting Putin’s policy. Here is a screenshot of a post from the Facebook. This post is obviously written by an ignorant and naïve extremist. But today this post is also extremely typical. That’s - [IN MEMORY OF: Richard Miller (5/22/42 – 8/25/17)](https://newslanc.com/in-memory-of-richard-miller-52242-82517/) - On August 25th, 2017 at 10:15AM, Richard passed away with his immediate family at his side. This will be the last update to the WeConnectDots Blog. Many knew him as Richard, friends called him Dick, and those who were lucky, called him Dad and Papa. The above was an e-mail message with a link to - [Teenage Suicide Cults In Russia](https://newslanc.com/teenage-suicide-cults-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman One hundred and thirty suicides of children had occurred in Russia from November 2015 through April 2016. Almost all of these children lived in safe and loving homes. But they were members of the same social groups on the Internet and the news about their deaths had been announced in these same Internet - [Reducing the Harms from Drug Use in Lancaster County](https://newslanc.com/reducing-the-harms-from-drug-use-in-lancaster-county/) - A sister organization to NewsLanc sponsors syringe exchanges in four Central Pennsylvania cities. Below is the July report for Lancaster. Melinda Zipp is the Director. For years Lancaster Harm Reduction Project has prevented the spread of disease, helped place addicts in treatment, and encouraged the use of Narcan that has led to the savings of - [City appeals state ruling to provide information to NewsLanc re $9 million CRIZ award](https://newslanc.com/city-appeals-state-ruling-to-provide-information-to-newslanc-re-9-million-criz-award/) - On July 26, Office of Open Records Appeals Officer Kathleen A. Higgins, Esq. determined that the City of Lancaster should turn over information pertaining to Lancaster's controversial City Revitalization and Improvement Zone. Penn Square Partners has asked for a $9 million CRIZ contribution (not repayable) towards the expansion of the Lancaster Marriott Hotel. The money - [TSUKERMAN: Will Russia Return to Monarchy?](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-will-rusia-return-to-monarchy/) - By Slava Tsukerman This poster, picked up from Russian Internet, calls for “Putin for Tzar”. Is it just a kind of a joke? There are a lot of similar images in Russian Internet. This week this question became one of the most discussed in the Russian media. Writers and journalists had been giving Putin the - [It took PennDOT to do something right for the city and region](https://newslanc.com/it-took-penndot-to-do-something-right-for-the-city-and-region/) - The LNP article “PennDOT buys land to add Lancaster Amtrak parking, but timetable undetermined” is indeed very good news because the painful shortage of parking at the Amtrak station has discouraged use of train service and thus thwarted downtown and regional development It would have been even worse had not a decade ago, upon seeing the original plan to upgrade the station, - [ROBERT SPEAKS: Generation Theft vs Traditional Philanthropy](https://newslanc.com/robert-speaks-generation-theft-vs-traditional-philanthropy/) - By Robert Field, Publisher I encountered the term "Generation theft" a couple of weeks ago and recognized how accurately this describes what the current business establishment has been inflicted upon future tax payers for their greedy purposes. It would be one thing if the CRIZ program were to lend them funds for needed - [INTERESTING: "Sacramento County, is making plans to implement the California Choice Act"](https://newslanc.com/interesting-sacramento-county-is-making-plans-to-implement-the-california-choice-act/) - CALIFORNIA VOTERS FOUNDATION: This past June, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted to implement the Voters Choice Act, giving Sacramento County Registrar of Voters Jill LaVine and her staff the green light to move forward on a new plan for voting county-wide. The Voters Choice Act, or VCA, was enacted in 2016 as Senate - [TSUKERMAN: Russian Public terrified over repercussions of American Senate act](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-russian-public-terrified-over-repercussions-of-american-senate-act/) - By Slava Tsukerman The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, the legislation to sanction Iran, Russia and North Korea, passed the House 419-3 on July 25, passed the US Senate 98-2 on July 27, and finally on August 2, President Donald Trump signed it into law. This event triggered a hysterical reaction in Russia. The most typical is the title of - [State budget a bugger, again](https://newslanc.com/state-budget-a-bugger-again/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: This is the beginning of the sixth week our state government lacks a constitutionally-mandated operating budget. It’s also “shark week,” at least on the science-fiction cable channel. What do they have in common? Both are “gloriously idiotic” and “absolutely pointless.” With the largest and most expensive legislature in the nation, Pennsylvania - [PA Drug Overdose Deaths more than double national average](https://newslanc.com/pa-drug-overdose-deaths-more-than-double-national-average/) - DEA & PARTNERS RELEASE 2016 PENNSYLVANIA DRUG OVERDOSE DEATH REPORT Gary Tuggle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division announced the release of its Analysis of Overdose Deaths in Pennsylvania, 2016 report at a news conference earlier today. Key findings from the report indicate that in 2016, 4,642 - [MILLER: Harrisburg or Washington — farce is same](https://newslanc.com/miller-harrisburg-or-washington-farce-is-same/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Pennsylvania residents, taxpayers, and constituents. Condolences to almost all of you. (A distinctive, conservative minority may like what is going on, even if they don’t understand it.) Harrisburg or Washington, Republican or Democrat, the disingenuous label applies. How we are getting shortchanged in Washington is more obvious than at our state - [The Russians Were Involved. But It Wasn’t About Collusion.](https://newslanc.com/the-russians-were-involved-but-it-wasnt-about-collusion/) - Editor: We encourage going directly to the op-ed since this profound and insightful analysis of how Russian President Vladimir Putin has sowed confusion to undermin our democratic institutions keep us from giving proper attention to Russian acts of aggression. NEW YORK TIMES OP-ED: Russians are fond of a proverb, “besplatniy sir biyvaet tol’ko v mishelovke”: - [Chronicle Interview: A Conversation With New DPA Head Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno](https://newslanc.com/80255-2/) - by psmith, July 24, 2017, 02:41am, (Issue #983) Led by Ethan Nadelmann since its formation 17 years ago, the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) has been the most influential drug reform organization in the country, with a hand in advancing the causes not only of medical marijuana and marijuana legalization, but of drug law reform more - [Is LNP waking up to imminent danger to Park City Mall?](https://newslanc.com/is-lnp-waking-up-to-imminent-danger-to-park-city-mall/) - By Robert Field It doesn’t surprise us that the Lancaster City government under Mayor Rick Gray and Director of Economic Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Randy Patterson have studiously ignored the impending threat to the city’s largest tax payer, the Park City Mall. It does give us a glimmer of hope when LNP, the - [State rules City must turn over requested records to NewsLanc re Marriott / CRIZ / RACL](https://newslanc.com/state-rules-city-must-turn-over-requested-records-to-newslanc-re-marriott-criz-racl/) - The following is the ruling by the Office of Open Records of the State of Pennsylvania requiring the City to provide NewsLanc with copies of all the requested documents pertaining to the CRIZ grant, RACL, and communications with Penn Square Partners pertaining to the expansion of the Marriott Hotel in downtown Lancaster.. CONCLUSION For the - [Hard for Russian government to ignore this sensational report on corruption](https://newslanc.com/hard-for-russian-government-to-ignore-this-sensational-report-on-corruption/) - By Slava Tsukerman Lately in Russia a number of publications are discussing corruption by Russian governmental elite. There were 24 million views of a film about real estate properties of prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, produced by Alexei Navalny’s Anti Corruption Foundation. It triggered rallies all over Russia. For the first time in modern Russian history - [New Jersey Marijuana Medical Review Panel Recommends Adding Chronic Pain, Migraine, Anxiety and Tourette’s Syndrome to List of Qualifying Conditions](https://newslanc.com/new-jersey-marijuana-medical-review-panel-recommends-adding-chronic-pain-migraine-anxiety-and-tourettes-syndrome-to-list-of-qualifying-conditions/) - Drug Policy Alliance: Today, the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel made initial recommendations to the Health Commissioner to approve chronic pain, migraine, anxiety and Tourette’s Syndrome as qualifying conditions for the medical marijuana program. “We are glad to see that the panel took the testimony of experts and the petitions of New - [KEISLING: Marriott expansion puts "cart before the horse."](https://newslanc.com/keisling-marriott-expansion-puts-cart-before-the-horse/) - EDITOR: As part of preparing a book on statewide corruption in Pennsylvania, Bill Keisling is acquainting himself with how the Lancaster Convention Center came to be. Keisling has given his permission to publish the below note to NewsLanc’s editor as an article since, if he went into such detail for each item in his book, - [MILLER: Manderino rewarded for incompetence](https://newslanc.com/mller-manderino-rewarded-for-incompetence/) - WE.CONNECT.DOTS: One reason we have lost all faith in our government is that our officials refuse to be accountable. Gov. Tom Wolf announced this week he is accepting the resignation of Kathy Manderino as Secretary of Labor and Industry (L and I). Manderino is quitting so Wolf can appoint her to the PA Gaming - [Jeff Sessions Wants More Asset Forfeiture -- Especially in Drug Cases](https://newslanc.com/jeff-sessions-wants-more-asset-forfeiture-especially-in-drug-cases/) - by Psmith DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Monday that the Dept. of Justice will seek to increase the use of asset forfeiture by state and local police forces. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions makes another drug warrior move. (senate.gov) Asset forfeiture is a practice in which police seize cash and property. - [LETTER: Lancaster taxpayers get stuck with cost](https://newslanc.com/letter-lancaster-taxpayers-get-stuck-with-cost/) - What?! Taxpayers get stuck with the cost of maintaining and Z gets exclusive use? - [TSUKERMAN: “Prisoners’ Way of Life”: A new Russian youth subculture](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-prisoners-way-of-life-a-new-russian-youth-subculture/) - By Slava Tsukerman Several years ago a new youth subculture appeared in Russia. In a few years it spread almost all over the country, massively introduced into schools, boarding schools, orphanages and vocational children camps. The main participants are children aged 10 to 17. The representatives of this subculture call themselves AUE, an abbreviation, hiding - [MILLER: Are Dems forfeiting judge election?](https://newslanc.com/miller-are-dems-forfeiting-judge-election/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: The latest stench from Harrisburg is the odor that surrounds this fall’s election for Associate Justice of the PA Supreme Court. This week the PA Building and Trades Council endorsed Sallie Updike Mundy, a rural county Republican, for the only opening on the nation’s oldest Court (established in 1722). - [Uruguay, First Country in the World to Legally Regulate Marijuana, Begins Retail Sales Next Week](https://newslanc.com/uruguay-first-country-in-the-world-to-legally-regulate-marijuana-begins-retail-sales-next-week/) - International Momentum to End Marijuana Prohibition and War on Drugs Continues to Intensify DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: Next week, Uruguay will begin sales of legal marijuana for adult residents. The marijuana legalization proposal was put forward by former President José Mujica in 2012 as part of a comprehensive package aimed at improving public safety. - [Why is legal gambling the only answer?](https://newslanc.com/why-is-legal-gambling-the-only-answer/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: — By the time you read this, Pennsylvania may have a budget. Or at least that is what the legislative leaders (all Republican) and Democrat Governor Tom Wolf will pronounce from on high in Harrisburg. Far from perfect is an understatement. The budget for Pennsylvania government will not balance for fiscal year - ["Shocks the Conscience": South Dakota Forcibly Catheterizes Three-Year Old in Drug War ](https://newslanc.com/shocks-the-conscience-south-dakota-forcibly-catheterizes-three-year-old-in-drug-war/) - by psmith, DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: The state of South Dakota is practicing a form of drug war excess tantamount to torture, according to a pair of federal lawsuits filed by the ACLU on June 28. One suit charges that law enforcement and medical personnel subject drug suspects to forcible catheterization if they refuse to submit to - [State licenses “legal” marijuana in secret](https://newslanc.com/state-licenses-legal-marijuana-in-secret/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Does potential corruption raise eyebrows anymore in Harrisburg? Secrecy promotes security? Cash will not attract organized crime? Astonishing conclusions! Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration — through Act 16 of 2016 — has started to implement regulations to allow medical marijuana to be grown and sold in Pennsylvania. The first phase involves gathering - [TSUKERMAN: Jehovah Witnesses Are Persecuted In Russia](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-jehovah-witnesses-are-persecuted-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman On June 9, 2017, a Russian citizen received an official document demanding to renounce his faith and change his religion. It sounds unbelievable, considering the fact that Article 28 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, adopted at National Voting on December 12, 1993, guarantees to every citizen "the right to profess - [From the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution](https://newslanc.com/from-the-25th-amendment-to-the-united-states-constitution/) - Section 4—Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge - [Marijuana Legalization Dramatically Cuts Traffic Stop Searches](https://newslanc.com/marijuana-legalization-dramatically-cuts-traffic-stop-searches/) - Home » Drug War Chronicle » Issue #979 by psmith In states where marijuana has been legalized, traffic stops resulting in searches by state police are down dramatically, according to a new analysis from the Marshall Project and the Center for Investigative Reporting. With marijuana possession being legal, police in legal states can no longer assume criminal activity merely because of the - [MILLER: Harrisburg's yearly budget fiasco](https://newslanc.com/miller-harrisburgs-yearly-budget-fiasco/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: In another time, the fiasco otherwise known as Pennsylvania State Government might make us the laughing stock of the nation. Instead, the political antics at Springfield, IL capture national attention. At times, the antics are similar to what passes for government oversight in Harrisburg. But Illinois politicians, like lemmings marching - [City Covers Up Dealings with Penn Square Partners](https://newslanc.com/city-covers-up-dealings-with-penn-square-partners/) - Reneges on promise to cooperate with Right-to-Know Request NewsLanc files complaint with state officials Excerpts from Complaint to The Office of Open Records "Gentle Persons: "NewsLanc.com… publishes news letters and has been an active web site, for approximately a decade…. "LNP - [Customs Seizes Childproof Marijuana Lock Boxes, Calls Them "Drug Paraphernalia"](https://newslanc.com/customs-seizes-childproof-marijuana-lock-boxes-calls-them-drug-paraphernalia/) - by Phil Smith DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: In a prime illustration of the perversities of the war on drugs, US Customs has seized a shipment of a thousand lock boxes aimed at allowing marijuana, tobacco, and pharmaceutical users to keep their stashes safe from kids. Customs has officially designated the boxes as drug paraphernalia, even though everyone involved - [TSUCKERMAN: There is a Russian war between the Internet and TV.](https://newslanc.com/tsuckerman-there-is-a-russian-war-between-the-internet-and-tv/) - Demonstration in Moscow June 12, 2017 The posters read: “Corruption steals our future”, “Miserable cowardly thief”. The last phrase is combined with the image of a duck, which refers to the Prime Minister Medvedev, who, according to the allegation made by the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has a custom-made duck house at one of his lavish estates. - [TSUKERMAN: Russian Nazi "volunteers" in Donbas](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-russian-nazi-volunteers-in-donbas/) - By Slava Tsukerman Russian propaganda calls Ukrainian nationalists and even contemporary Ukrainian government Nazis and Fascists. Here are several typical statements made by Sergei Markov, one of the most popular Russian masters of propaganda, Director of the Institute for Political Studies : “The power in Kiev is controlled by people who hate everything Russian. For the destruction - [MILLER: Pension reform: not much of a reform](https://newslanc.com/miller-pension-reform-not-much-of-a-reform/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: All the ballyhoo about our state government leaders finally achieving pension reform this week in Harrisburg failed to answer one issue. Has Trump-type governance finally floated ashore to the banks of the Susquehanna? Or was the latest style democracy already in place in the hinterlands, awaiting a populist like our new President - [Opioid Action Plan: Increase Access to Effective Treatment, Expand Harm Reduction Interventions, Prevent Opioid Misuse, and Minimize the Criminalization of People Who Use Drugs](https://newslanc.com/opioid-action-plan-increase-access-to-effective-treatment-expand-harm-reduction-interventions-prevent-opioid-misuse-and-minimize-the-criminalization-of-people-who-use-drugs/) - Drug Policy Alliance: The New York Times published on Monday an investigative report that found that drug overdose deaths last year reached an all-time high, suggesting that the country’s long-term opioid crisis continues to worsen and that younger age groups in the U.S. are experiencing record numbers of opioid overdoses than in the - [Gambling Expansion Legislation Contains More Lancaster Type Sweetheart Deals](https://newslanc.com/gambling-expansion-legislation-contains-more-lancaster-type-sweetheart-deals/) - The 675-page gambling expansion legislation passed by the PA House is chock full of what we're calling "sweetheart legislation". For example, this bill contains this paragraph on page 448- 449: "...the sum of $250,000 shall be distributed annually for a period of 20 years to a city of the third class located in two counties of - [Capitolwire: House passes pension bill, sending it to Wolf for his expected signature.](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-house-passes-pension-bill-sending-it-to-wolf-for-his-expected-signature/) - By Chris Comisac Bureau Chief Capitolwire HARRISBURG (June 8) - The state House of Representatives Thursday morning accomplished something it has been trying to do for several years which, during that time, involved some notable failures: pass a pension bill. A bill that was fast-tracked this week, having been first introduced as a plan Sunday evening - [Fighting heroin overdoses and addiction](https://newslanc.com/fighting-heroin-overdoses-and-addiction/) - Drug Policy Alliance Opioid Action Plan: Increase Access to Effective Treatment, Expand Harm Reduction Interventions, Prevent Opioid Misuse, and Minimize the Criminalization of People Who Use Drugs DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: The New York Times published on Monday an investigative report that found that drug overdose deaths last year reached an all-time high, suggesting that the country’s long-term opioid crisis continues - [MILLER: Naming state office buildings? Really?](https://newslanc.com/miller-naming-state-office-buildings-really/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: — In a state where the most often used adjective to describe its government is “corrupt,” politicians selling naming rights promises good stories going forward. Two Republican state senators introduced legislation that would make the fund-raising process legal, claiming name sales like what towns and universities do with sports complexes might fulfill - [Is General Hospital lax in preventing spread of disease?](https://newslanc.com/is-general-hospital-lax-in-preventing-spread-of-disease/) - By Robert Field When visiting hospitals in Philadelphia and New York, we encountered hand sanitizing gel dispensers almost everywhere and make use of them, realizing that every thing touched in a hospital has a potential for transmitting disease. According to John Hopkins Medicine, “Good hand hygiene – washing hands or using a hand sanitizing gel – - [Why Many Russians do not want to have children](https://newslanc.com/why-many-russians-do-not-want-to-have-children/) - By Slava Tsukerman A new bill before the Russian Duma is now discussed throughout Russia. Under the new law, childless families (other than for medical reasons) and families with one child would have to pay a special tax to the state. The sponsor is Yuri Krupnov, the director of the Institute of Demography, Migration and Regional Development . The document - [How Many States Will Legalize Marijuana This Year? ](https://newslanc.com/how-many-states-will-legalize-marijuana-this-year/) - by psmith This article was produced in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared here. DRUG WAR CHRONICLE; In the euphoric aftermath of marijuana legalization victories in California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada last November, the marijuana blogosphere was alive with predictions about which states would be next to free the weed. Extract listed 10 - [PHIL STARR: "The games Grandpa used to play”](https://newslanc.com/phil-starr-the-games-grandpa-used-to-play/) - Below Phil Starr describes favorite pick up games that he and his boyhood friends played on the streets of Brooklyn. We presume that this goes back a full seventy-years! Many know Phil from his leadership of the South-East Clinic in Lancaster and through his many other services to the community. Other popular street games are described at "Games - [MILLERS: Another slant to Montana special election](https://newslanc.com/millers-another-slant-to-montana-special-election/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: — When Tom Perez kept the old guard in power by winning Democratic National chair, he pledged the party would “compete in every ZIP code” in America. He said the Party would invest in “rural outreach.” In less than three months, Perez either failed to move the Party in that direction . - [TSUKERMAN: Russia Celebrates Anniversary of Nazi Germany Defeat](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-russia-celebrates-anniversary-of-nazi-germany-defeat/) - By Slava Tsukerman On May 9, Russia celebrated the 72nd anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in the WWII, which Russians call the Great Patriotic War. The annual military parade took place on Moscow's Red Square. After the parade Muscovites joined so called “Immortal Regiment march”, a tradition that started in Russia a decade ago. People - [MILLER: Timeline of a major goof in Harrisburg](https://newslanc.com/miller-timeline-of-a-major-goof-in-harrisburg/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: A look at the colossal screw-up involving Pennsylvania’s unemployment compensation (UC) program causes wonder. Can government still function to help people? Like other states already had, Pennsylvania hopes to design an effortless, customer-friendly process. About 60 percent of the unemployed eligible for compensation apply and maintain their claims online. The problem - [What is it about Health Care in Australia that President Trump prefers?](https://newslanc.com/what-is-it-about-health-care-in-australia-that-president-trump-prefers/) - By Robert Field While entertaining the Prime Minister of Australia and before and television cameras, President Donald Trump acknowledged that Health Care in Australia is superior to that of the United States. And we have little doubt that he meant was he said. According to Wikipedia: “Health care in Australia is provided by both - [Capitolwire: Legislation seeks to expand AG prosecuting power to include local officials. ](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-legislation-seeks-to-expand-ag-prosecuting-power-to-include-local-officials/) - Editor: If we could clean up state corruption, enacting the following would be very helpful in reducing local corruption. By Robert Swift Staff Writer Capitolwire HARRISBURG (May 16) - The power of the state attorney general to tackle public corruption would be greatly expanded under a legislative proposal stemming from a state investigation into the - [MILLER: Health care wedge between poor and rich](https://newslanc.com/miller-health-care-wedge-between-poor-and-rich/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: The House of Representatives, without a single Democrat vote, recently passed what they claim will be the successor for Obamacare, sending the legislation onto the Senate. The Congressional Budget Office predicts 24 million Americans will lose health insurance coverage with this version, officially known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA). - [REF SPEAKS: How one publisher brought on the Civil War…and its local relevance](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-how-one-publisher-brought-on-the-civil-warand-its-local-relevance/) - By Robert Field The recently published “Madness Rules the Hour, Charleston, 1860 and the Mania for War” by Paul Starobin tells the story of how one publisher in Charleston, South Carolina, a strident advocate of secession, created a mythical vision of the North as a wicked predator and the South as virtuous victim. It - [Congress Will Give the DOJ Exactly Zero Dollars to Go After Medical Marijuana](https://newslanc.com/79929-2/) - by Phil Smith This article was produced in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared here. DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: The bipartisan congressional budget agreement to keep the federal government operating through September contains exactly no money for the Justice Department to wage war on medical marijuana in states where it is legal. The agreement reached Sunday instead - [TSUKERMAN: What is behind attacks on Russian opposition leaders?](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-what-is-behind-attacks-on-russian-opposition-leaders/) - By Slava Tsukerman On April 27, the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was opening his headquarters in the Russian Siberian city of Barnaul. Unexpectedly he was doused with a bright green liquid, so called “Zelionka”, by an unknown assailant. Zelenka is an inexpensive medicine, commonly used in Russia as a go-to antiseptic for scrapes and cuts. An attacker - [Who 'the hell' is Robert Field to criticize LNP, the current Steinman Family and Dale High?](https://newslanc.com/who-the-hell-is-robert-field-to-criticize-the-lnp-the-current-steinman-family-and-dale-high/) - Robert E. Field was born in 1937, raised in the Philadelphia area, and relocated with his family to Lancaster in 1967. He graduated from the University of California – Berkeley,’59, with a major in economics. (Offered a two year graduate fellowship to Cambridge University, he declined it to enter the business world.) At 28, - [LETTER: Prominent Republican Charlie Munger: “We Should Have Single-Payer Medicine.”](https://newslanc.com/letter-prominent-republican-charlie-munger-we-should-have-single-payer-medicine/) - I thought you might find the memo below of interest. It was sent to the all-Republicans list in the US House of Representatives by John Conyers. It is about Charlie Munger and his business partner Warren Buffett's comments on healthcare and the need for a systemic change. Here is a video of what they said - [Ad Buyers Have a Say in Whether Real News Survives (in Philadelphia)](https://newslanc.com/ad-buyers-have-a-say-in-whether-real-news-survives-in-philadelphia/) - NEW YORK TIMES: …Here in Philadelphia, reporters at The Inquirer and The Daily News got an email with instructions on how to go about reapplying for jobs in a reorganized newsroom, the latest chapter in their corporate parent’s mad dash to retool the papers for survival in a world dominated by Google and Facebook. - [MILLER: Budget leaves everything to be desired](https://newslanc.com/miller-budget-leaves-everything-to-be-desired/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Ten months into Pennsylvania state government’s current fiscal year, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf looks less likely to win re-election next year. Now in the third year of his first term, he has yet to win a major victory in tussles with a Republican (and stubborn) legislature. GOP opposition stymied - [Democratic Engagement in America? Activists in Lancaster](https://newslanc.com/democratic-engagement-in-america-activists-in-lancaster/) - THE NATION: …When you’re trying to create a populist political movement from scratch, however, you don’t get a lot of down time. And so Michelle Hines and her partner, Daniel Levin, are out knocking on doors and telling their neighbors about the new grassroots group in town. Hines, a young white woman who works a - [Good News: Trump Will Not Nominate Rep. Marino as Drug Czar](https://newslanc.com/good-news-trump-will-not-nominate-rep-marino-as-drug-czar/) - May 3, 2017 - By Bill Piper Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: According to news reports President Donald Trump will not be nominating Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) to be director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (colloquially referred to as the “drug czar”). This is a major victory for the Drug Policy Alliance, which - [TSUKERMAN: Are Russians Happy?](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-are-russians-happy/) - By Slava Tsukerman On April 26, Russian official International Information Agency RIA Novosti reported that the share of Russians who feel happy has reached a historic high (sociological measurements of happiness have been made in Russia since 1990). According to a survey of the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion, today 85% of - [MILLER: Gambling politics in Ohio-PA border counties](https://newslanc.com/miller-gambling-politics-in-ohio-pa-border-counties/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS Second of a series about contrasting Ohio-PA border politics. State and national Democrat parties have written off Western Pennsylvania politics. To deflect boredom, we Keystoners follow happenings in the Mahoning Valley – Mahoning and Trumbull counties through five Youngstown TV stations. These Ohio counties form the west side of the - [Trump's Apparent Drug Czar Pick Would Double Down on Failed Drug War, Take Country Backward ](https://newslanc.com/trumps-apparent-drug-czar-pick-would-double-down-on-failed-drug-war-take-country-backward/) - April 14, 2017 - By Bill Piper DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: President Donald Trump is expected to soon nominate Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) to be director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (colloquially referred to as the “drug czar”). Marino, a former prosecutor with no background in health or treatment, supports a punitive, 1980s style - [TSUKERMAN: Chechen Anti-Gay Scandal Keeps Growing](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-chechen-anti-gay-scandal-keeps-growing/) - By Slava Tsukerman My two articles about mass repressions against people of “non-traditional sexual orientation” in Chechnya were published in NewsLanc on April 5 and April 19 (http://newslanc.com/tsukerman-anti-gay-repression-in-chechnya/ and http://newslanc.com/tsukerman-chechen-gay-scandal/ ). The scandal about these repressions was started by a publication in the Russian newspaper “Novaya Gazeta” (New Newspaper). The reaction of Chechen - [Was the recent CRIZ amendment a $5 million gift to the Lancaster Marriott Hotel?](https://newslanc.com/was-the-recent-criz-amendment-a-5-million-gift-to-the-lancaster-marriott-hotel/) - By Robert Field An amendment of July, 2016 to the prior Community Revitalization & Improvement Zone (CRIZ) legislation allows $480,000 a year in added tax rebates to Penn Square Partners. This is despite the fact that the $480,000 is not being generated by new development as was previously required and is the point of the program. Rather - [Comparing Ohio-PA border politics](https://newslanc.com/comparing-ohio-pa-border-politics/) - By Dick Miller: – FIRST OF TWO PARTS. WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Since state and national Democrat parties have written off Western Pennsylvania, politics around here are akin to watching paint dry. Fortunately, southwestern Crawford, northwestern Lawrence and nearly all of Mercer County are part of the Youngstown TV market. Politics is still drama in this rapidly dwindling - [TSUKERMAN: Chechen Gay Scandal](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-chechen-gay-scandal/) - By Slava Tsukerman On April 5, my article about mass detentions of residents of Chechnya in connection with their “non-traditional sexual orientation”, or suspicion of such, was published in Newslanc. (http://newslanc.com/tsukerman-anti-gay-repression-in-chechnya/) Chechen government declined all the accusations, stating: “All reports of repressions against gays are untrue, because there are no gays in Chechnya… You cannot arrest - [Trump Drug Czar Nominee: Tough on Colombian Peasants and US Marijuana Users](https://newslanc.com/trump-drug-czar-nominee-tough-on-colombian-peasants-and-us-marijuana-users/) - by Phil Smith, DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: President Trump will name Pennsylvania Congressman Tom Marino (R) to head the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP -- the drug czar's office), CBS News reported Tuesday. The White House gave no official comment, but sources told CBS that an official announcement would come soon. Reported drug czar nominee Rep. - [How do we explain hotel rooms costing $151,900 elsewhere costing the City of Lancaster $358,000?](https://newslanc.com/how-do-we-explain-151900-hotel-rooms-costing-the-city-of-lancaster-358000/) - By Robert Field According to the headline of a recent article in LNP, “Marriott hotel addition now to cost $39.4M, with $9M from CRIZ”. The article states “Since last summer, developer Penn Square Partners’ budget for the 110-room annex has increased by just under a third, from $29.9 million to $39.4 million, city and company - [PA Republicans looking good for next year](https://newslanc.com/pa-republicans-looking-good-for-next-year/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Four years ago, Republican Gov. Tom Corbett was gearing up for re-election in 2014 with national media proclaiming he was the most vulnerable governor in America. The Democrats had four heavy hitters battling in the primary for the right to dethrone Corbett. Tom Wolf bought the primary with his own - [Diverse Russian Reactions to the American Strike in Syria](https://newslanc.com/diverse-russian-reactions-to-the-american-strike-in-syria/) - Did "bad boy" Vladimir Putin meet his match in "hoodlum" Donald Trump? By Slava Tsukerman President Donald Trump's swift action to punish Syria for a chemical weapons attack by hitting a key Syrian air base with 59 Tomahawk missiles had triggered emotional reaction in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced the US strike as "aggression - [Trudeau Unveils Bill Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Canada](https://newslanc.com/trudeau-unveils-bill-legalizing-recreational-marijuana-in-canada/) - NEW YORK TIMES: OTTAWA — Fulfilling a campaign pledge, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced legislation on Thursday to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Canada. Many nations have either decriminalized marijuana, allowed it to be prescribed medically or effectively stopped enforcing laws against it. But when Mr. Trudeau’s bill passes as expected, Canada will - [Ed Rendell resigns "advisory" role](https://newslanc.com/ed-rendell-resigns-advisory-role/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: An obscure cash-swollen casino run by a protégé of President Trump has captured attention of Federal authorities. FBI agents raided “Best Sunshine Live” casino on the U.S. controlled tiny island of Saipan this week. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell said this week he would resign as a $5,000-per-month “advisor” to the - [TSUKERMAN: Anti-Gay Repression in Chechnya](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-anti-gay-repression-in-chechnya/) - By Slava Tsukerman Last week Russian Internet was full of reports about mass detentions of residents of Chechnya in connection with their “non-traditional sexual orientation”, or suspicion of such. At the moment, the detention of more than a hundred men has been officially reported. Liberal newspaper Novaya Gazeta gave that the names of at least - [State ponies up $2M grant for The Crossings](https://newslanc.com/state-ponies-up-2m-grant-for-the-crossings/) - EDITOR: More “Alms for the Rich” at taxpayers’ expense. Seems like Dale High has head in every public trough. Like CRIZ money for the Marriott, it’s a gift, not a loan. CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL: East Lampeter Township-based High Real Estate Group LLC is drawing support from the state as the company carries out the - [MILLER ON PENNSYLVANIA: Government of the minority](https://newslanc.com/miller-on-pennsylvania-government-of-the-minority/) - By Dick Miller: WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Sometime late in the last century a small but influential number of lawmakers intent on privatizing government services, convinced a larger number of voters to forego investigation and just vote the way they were told. Polls show most voters still care about the direction we are headed and, by and large, are - [Western academics stand up for Academic Freedom in open letter to government of Hungary](https://newslanc.com/western-academics-stand-up-for-academic-freedom-in-open-letter-to-government-of-hungary/) - EDITOR: From our sister news web site, The Budapest Beacon MARCH 31, 2017 BY BENJAMIN NOVAK CEU’s new “N15” building in Budapest’s Nádros street. A group calling itself the “Friends of CEU” issued the following open letter to the government of Hungary on March 30th, 2017 in response to proposed legislation that would effectively force Budapest’s Central European University to close its doors. The - [Pot is ruining Denver's restaurant industry](https://newslanc.com/pot-is-ruining-denvers-restaurant-industry/) - NEW YORK POST: The population of Denver has been steadily growing over the past few years, but not enough of its new inhabitants want to work in the restaurant industry. The reason? The higher-paying jobs are in weed, man. New eateries are popping up all over Denver to meet the increased demand of residents and - [An allegory re the conviction of a former Penn State president for child endangerment](https://newslanc.com/an-allegory-re-the-conviction-of-a-former-penn-state-president-for-child-endangerment/) - EDITOR: The events reported below are fictitious and meant only as a parable to assist the reader to view matters from a fresh perspective and in the context.of the times. CEOs deal with dozens of matters each day. And what at one time frame is perceived as being a "big brother" at another raises the spectra of pedophilia. Actions - [Human Rights Challenge: Responding to Extrajudicial Killings in the Drug War](https://newslanc.com/human-rights-challenge-responding-to-extrajudicial-killings-in-the-drug-war/) - by Dave Borden DRUG WAR CHRONICLES: On Thursday March 16th our international drug policy work took a new turn, when we presented "Human Rights Challenge: Responding to Extrajudicial Killings in the Drug War," side event at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs meeting in Vienna. The event addressed the situation in the Philippines, in which - [NYT editors prematurely concede England’s exit from European Common Market](https://newslanc.com/nyt-editors-prematurely-concede-englands-exit-from-european-common-market/) - The New York Times editorial “The Complex Cost of Brexit Gets Clearer” concludes: “There is no turning back from Brexit, and the challenge now for Britain and the European Union should be to do the least harm to each other and the world.” Have these pundits concluded that one of the world’s great democracies is - [REF SPEAKS: Will the growth of Medicare and Medicaid ultimately lead to Universal Health Care?](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-will-the-growth-of-medicare-and-medicaid-ultimately-lead-to-universal-health-care/) - By Robert Field An article in the March 28th edition of the New York Times, In Health Bill’s Defeat, Medicaid Comes of Age, describes the historic roots of Medicaid and how it has grown to be even larger than Medicare. "[Over the past five decades, Medicaid has surpassed Medicare in the number of Americans - [TSUKERMAN: Russian Commentary re the Assassination of the Duma Defector](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-russian-commentary-re-the-assassination-of-the-duma-defector/) - By Slava Tsukerman On March 14, 2017, NewsLanc published my article “Duma Defectors” about two former members of the Russian State Duma: Communist party representative Denis Voronenkov and his wife, the renowned opera singer Maria Maksakova, who moved to Kiev and became Ukrainian citizens shortly thereafter. On March 23, Voronenkov was shot in the street in - [MILLER: Setback of Trumpcare: it ain’t over](https://newslanc.com/miller-setback-of-trumpcare-it-aint-over/) - By Dick Mlller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Liberals, moderates, progressives and just-plain people who need Obamacare health insurance count last week’s Congressional rejection of Trumpcare as a victory. There are reasons not to celebrate. Obamacare will implode soon. President Trump has plenty of time to make that happen. President Obama rejected outright implementation of universal healthcare, opting instead - [TSUKERMAN: Third Anniversary of the Russian Annexation of Crimea](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-third-anniversary-of-the-russian-annexation-of-crimea/) - By Slava Tsukerman Three years ago Crimea was annexed by Russia. Since then, March 18 is considered a holiday in Russia. In honor of this event, various festive concerts are held in different cities and especially in Moscow. For example, in 2015 a large-scale rally-concert "We Are Together" was held in Moscow near the Red - [REF SPEAKS: Impeachment is what every highly respected political analyst is thinking but no one is saying](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-impeachment-is-what-every-highly-respected-political-analyst-is-thinking-but-no-one-is-saying/) - By Robert Field For those born as early as the 1950s, one cannot help feel that we are reliving the tragic Watergate saga that dragged out from June, 1972 through August of 1974 and ended in the imminent impeachment of President Richard Nixon and his last minute resignation. According to Wikipedia: "Watergate was a major political scandal that occurred - [MILLER: Rural areas get free police services](https://newslanc.com/miller-rural-areas-get-free-police-services/) - WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Hempfield Township in Westmoreland County promotes itself as “a great place to raise a family.” Promotion for the largest suburb of Pittsburgh should be “a great place to raise a family where you don’t have to pay your fair share.” With one of the 20 largest populations in Pennsylvania at a 2010 census of over - [Tsukerman on Russia: Duma Defectors](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-on-russia-duma-defectors/) - By Slava Tsukerman It is recognized that the Russian parliament State Duma usually almost unanimously votes for every Putin’s initiative. The famous Russian TV personality Vladimir Pozner once made on the air a “slip of the tongue” saying “State dura” instead of “State Duma”. “Duma” in Russian means “thinker”, “thinking body”. “Dura” - [MILLER: Is healthcare a right?](https://newslanc.com/miller-is-healthcare-a-right/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Congress will adopt some version of Trumpcare. Republicans control the government. Democrats are so ineffective they can hardly be called “loyal opposition.” President Trump now regards the media as his first enemy, not the Democrats. Healthcare is now all about tax cuts. Under Obamacare, the rich were targeted for - [KEISLING: Rolf Larsen conviction and impeachment, 1994](https://newslanc.com/keisling-rolf-larsen-conviction-and-impeachment-1994/) - NewsLanc Editor: This is another excerpt from the book on corruption in Pennsylvania government and media that writer Bill Keisling is preparing for publication later in 2017 (Or so we hope.) Upon publication, the book will substantiate why Pennsylvania is currently rated among the most corrupt states in the Union. Things have not changed much and, in some - [Putin’s Plans for Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/putins-plans-for-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman In last several months 9 out of 12 military commanders and rulers of Donbas (East-Ukrainian) separatists were assassinated. Who killed them? The Russian official theory was that the separatists were killed by the Ukrainian agents. Many believed another theory, that the leaders of the competing militant groups were killing each other. - [LETTER: Ryan Plan to Replace Affordable Care Act a Sham](https://newslanc.com/letter-ryan-plan-to-replace-affordable-care-act-a-sham/) - The Ryan plan to replace Obamacare is a sham. Its being rushed thru Congress without the non partisan Congressional Budget Office estimating what the cost will be and how many people will be covered. Some of its features are : 1. 30% increase in health care premiums for people between the ages of 45 &64; 2. - [DeVos, GOP senator boost PA charters](https://newslanc.com/devos-gop-senator-boost-pa-charters/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Political pundits like Jim Hightower claim President Trump is “all-out to destroy” America’s public schools. The Donald fired his opening salvo when he appointed right-wing ideologue and billionaire Amway heiress Betsy DeVos as his Secretary of Education. Republicans say education is a state’s rights concern. Normally, this means the Feds should - [REF Speaks: How generational change in values is undermining Lancaster](https://newslanc.com/ref-speaks-how-generational-change-in-values-is-undermining-lancaster/) - What Tom Brokaw labeled "Our greatest generation" was the product of the hardships of the Great Depression and service during the Second World War. They had a strong sense of the requirement and honor of serving the community above self. When asked to participate in something that would benefit the community, they would volunteer their services. - [REF: Don't give everyone 'a seat at the table'](https://newslanc.com/ref-dont-give-everyone-a-seat-at-the-table/) - There is an oft voiced concept that boards of organization should be made up of people representative of the general public. That may be good for window dressing, but it is a disaster for getting important things done! One public organization has tripped over itself for years because of the inexperience and lack of - [Mysterious death of the Russian representative to the UN](https://newslanc.com/mysterious-death-of-the-russian-representative-to-the-un/) - By Slava Tsukerman Vitaly Churkin, who served as Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations since 2006, "died suddenly" in New York on Monday, February 20th, one day before his 65th birthday. Churkin’s death triggered a lot of controversial reports. Child movie star, Vitaly Churkin graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in - [Democrats show diversity](https://newslanc.com/democrats-show-diversity/) - By Richard Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: No matter the outcome of Saturday’s battle for the chairperson for Democratic National Committee, the party leaders appeared to emphasize “diversity.” The three leading candidates were: Pete Buttigieg, age 35 – (pronounced “But–tigg– eej”) second term mayor of South Bend, Inc., Harvard educated, a Rhodes scholar, Navy veteran of the - [Governor Terry McAuliffe Legalizes Syringe Access Programs in Virginia](https://newslanc.com/governor-terry-mcauliffe-legalizes-syringe-access-programs-in-virginia/) - Lancaster / Harrisburg / York Harm Reductio Project sponsor syringe exchanges in their respective cities. For additional information, contact Melinda Zipp, Director. Thousands of Lives Will Be Saved by Reducing HIV and Hepatitis C DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed legislation this week that legalizes syringe access programs in - [Sean Spicer: Trump’s DOJ Will Push for “Greater Enforcement” of Federal Law in Recreational Marijuana States](https://newslanc.com/sean-spicer-trumps-doj-will-push-for-greater-enforcement-of-federal-law-in-recreational-marijuana-states/) - Administration Suggests They Will Not Crack Down on Medical Marijuana States DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: In a press conference today, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer strongly indicated that Jeff Sessions’ Department of Justice (DOJ) will crack down on recreational marijuana programs. When asked about whether the federal government will take action in states that - [Putin challenges Trump through recognition of documents issued by Ukrainian Separatists](https://newslanc.com/putin-challenges-trump-through-recognition-of-documents-issued-by-ukrainian-separatists/) - By Slava Tsukerman Most Russians believed that the first move of Donald Tramp as the President of the US will be removing sanctions against Russia. The latest actions and statements of the members of the new American administration showed that Russian expectations were wrong. On February 15, Trump wrote in his Twitter: “Crimea was TAKEN - [Keisling on dysfunctional Supreme Court and how bond financing became the roots of recent statewide corruption](https://newslanc.com/keisling-on-dysfunctional-supreme-court-and-how-bond-financing-became-the-roots-of-recent-statewide-corruption/) - The following is a first draft of an excerpt from Bill Keisling's forthcoming book on the history of corruption in Pennsylvania government. Over the past several decades, Keisling notes, as corruption in state government has grown worse, the state's corporate media has often been complicit with the politicians. These media outlets, sadly, have been important supporting players in - [Hope in Harrisburg, maybe](https://newslanc.com/hope-in-harrisburg-maybe/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: There is hope for better governance in Pennsylvania, but improvement cannot happen until the next decade. We are better than halfway through the current decade and power has flowed to the Republican leadership beyond due by voter registration. Through a redistricting process known as “Gerrymandering” many more lawmaker seats are held - [In the Time of Trump, Can Congress Take the Lead on Marijuana Policy?](https://newslanc.com/in-the-time-of-trump-can-congress-take-the-lead-on-marijuana-policy/) - by Phil Smith psmith This article was produced in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared here. DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: While the marijuana community -- consumers, industry, and advocates alike -- eyes with trepidation the reign of avowed drug warrior Jeff Sessions at the Justice Department, the Trump executive branch isn't the only game in town when - [New York State Assembly Passes Landmark Legislation to Seal Past Marijuana Possession Convictions](https://newslanc.com/new-york-state-assembly-passes-landmark-legislation-to-seal-past-marijuana-possession-convictions/) - Bill is First Step Toward Comprehensive Plan to Redress Harms of the War on Drugs in Communities of Color Sealing Records for Low-Level Marijuana Offenses Could Help Prevent Deportations in Trump America Advocates Urge Governor to Fully Decriminalize Personal Marijuana Possession, Seal Records, and Pardon People Who Have Been Falsely Arrested DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: - [We fall for political lies](https://newslanc.com/we-fall-for-political-lies/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Politicians and government officials speak a different language. Because we accept these untruths, high taxes and poor services follow. This time of year, “politspeak” gets a little deeper. (Don’t ping your Merriam-Webster. “Politspeak” is a new term. A preliminary definition: “pledges by politicians to get re-elected, but – on the - [SLATE: Government by White Nationalism Is Upon Us](https://newslanc.com/slate-government-by-white-nationalism-is-upon-us/) - SLATE: Before the election, when Donald Trump was still just an unlikely presidential nominee, a conservative under the pseudonym "Publius Decius Mus," wrote a remarkable essay in support of Trump. The pseudonym alone gave a glimpse into the writer's thinking. The real-life Decius was a Roman consul who sacrificed himself to the gods for - [Gorsuch on Grass: Where Does Trump's Supreme Court Pick Come Down on Marijuana? ](https://newslanc.com/gorsuch-on-grass-where-does-trumps-supreme-court-pick-come-down-on-marijuana/) - by Phil Smith psmith This article was produced in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared here. DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Where does Donald Trump's pick for the Supreme Court come down on weed? The record is pretty sparse. Neil Gorsuch hasn't made any known public pronouncements about marijuana policy, and despite his tenure on the 10th - [Russian “Prosecutie” Defends Nicholas II](https://newslanc.com/russian-prosecutie-defends-nicholas-ii/) - By Slava Tsukerman Last week one of the most discussed subjects by Russian media was the fight of Natalia Poklonskaya, a member of State Duma and the former Chief Prosecutor of Crimea, against the not yet released feature film "Matilda. The secret of the Romanov family". When in 2014 Russia annexed Crimea, the new separatist government - [Welcome, Secretary DeVos](https://newslanc.com/welcome-secretary-devos/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: When Betsy DeVos gets sworn in later this week as President Trump’s Secretary of Education, she should thank the Pennsylvania Democratic leadership. The Amway billionaire will be confirmed by a historical tie-breaking vote of Vice President Mike Pence either Monday night or Tuesday. Two moderate Republican women senators refused to - [Keisling: The building of the State Capitol](https://newslanc.com/keisling-the-building-of-the-state-capital/) - EDITOR'S NOTE: Assigned to write a book concerning corruption in Pennsylvania government over the past few decades, historian Bill Keisling could not resist at times tracing corruption back to the beginning of the last century. Here is an excerpt from one of his almost 300 researches of state corruption prepared to date. Architect of - [Changes in banking, reliance on monetary policy, and Hillary Clinton’s biggest mistake](https://newslanc.com/changes-in-banking-reliance-on-monetary-policy-and-hillary-clintons-biggest-mistake/) - By Robert Field Noble Award laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz writes in “the Euro, How A Common Currency Threatens The Future of Europe": Concerning modern banks “By some accounts, their ‘real’ lending amounts to just 3 percent of their activities; by others, to some 15 percent. But by any account, bank finance has been absorbed in - [China Moves Ballistic Missiles to Russian Border](https://newslanc.com/china-moves-ballistic-missiles-to-russian-border/) - By Slava Tsukerman Russian press informed readers that China posted a Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) intercontinental ballistic missiles of its own production near the Russian/Chinese border. The publications stressed that the information, including photographs of the missiles, came not from Russian intelligence, but from Chinese official sources, including Global Times, daily newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party. - [Wolf now in Corbett shoes](https://newslanc.com/wolf-now-in-corbett-shoes/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Four years ago, Republican Gov. Tom Corbett, in the middle of his first term, was at the top of a list compiled by Governing Magazine. He was labeled one of the most vulnerable governors up for re-election. Two years later, Democrat Tom Wolf defeated Corbett’s attempt for a second term. And - [LNP’s “CaucusPA.com” article makes important points](https://newslanc.com/lnps-caucuspa-com-article-makes-important-points/) - Unfortunately this front page article in todays Sunday LNP is not available at www.Lancasteronline.com, which seems to often be a problem. The article breaks no new ground, but it is essential information and deserves being re-published by newspapers across the state. Here is an excerpt taking from www.LNPtoday.com . “A stacked system: ‘This is politics’ …Despite public opinion - [“Bully” for Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray for maintaining our values](https://newslanc.com/bully-for-lancaster-mayor-rick-gray-for-maintaining-our-values/) - LNP reports in “Lancaster mayor calls Trump's immigration executive order 'unnecessary distraction'” : Gray has previously declined to label Lancaster as a “sanctuary city.” In his statement Friday, he said local authorities cooperate with federal officers in cases that involve “serious crimes,” and they “always comply with constitutional detainer requests.” A look at Donald Trump's - [North Americans Are Spending Nearly as Much on Weed as They Do on Wine](https://newslanc.com/79388-2/) - DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Move over, Napa Valley, there's a new kid on the block. When it comes to spending on mind-altering substances, Americans and Canadians are shelling out just about as much for marijuana as they do for wine. The bud of the herb is catching up with the fruit of the vine. (Wikimedia/Creative Commons) - [Russian Duma decriminalizing domestic violence](https://newslanc.com/russian-duma-decriminalizing-domestic-violence/) - By Slava Tsukerman The above poster shows official statistics presented by Russian Ministry of Interior. According to this data every day 36,000 Russian women and 26,000 Russian children are subjected to domestic violence. Twelve-thousand women are killed annually by their partners: one woman every 40 minutes. Two thousand children annually commit suicide and 10,000 run - [Is LNP’s Caucus a fox guarding the hen house?](https://newslanc.com/is-lnps-caucus-the-fox-guarding-the-hen-house/) - By Robert Field From the December 19, 2016 LNP: "Lnp Points Spotlight Toward Harrisburg Launches New Publication, The Caucus, To Investigate Waste And Fraud In The Capitol About The Caucus Members of the General Assembly will return to Harrisburg to be sworn in to new terms Jan. 3. The Caucus, a new publication of - [Capitolwire: Medical marijuana grower, dispensary applications available today.](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-medical-marijuana-grower-dispensary-applications-available-today/) - By Carley Mossbrook Staff Writer Capitolwire HARRISBURG (Jan. 17) – As of Tuesday afternoon, Pennsylvanians looking to grow and sell medical marijuana can apply for one of the state’s 12 growing permits and 27 dispensary permits. Marking the beginning of Phase One of the state's program, the state Department of Health hosted a media webinar Tuesday - [Kudos to LNP Editorial Board for “We shouldn't wait until death is near to talk about it”](https://newslanc.com/kudos-to-lnp-editorial-board-for-we-shouldnt-wait-until-death-is-near-to-talk-about-it/) - By Robert Field In our eightieth year, we believe reflecting upon death, but not obsessing about it, to indeed help us to make better decisions and to better enjoy our remaining years. Below are excerpts from LNP’s editorial “We shouldn't wait until death is near to talk about it”: “The topic of death ought - [Why Russians love Donald Trump?](https://newslanc.com/why-russians-love-donald-trump/) - By Slava Tsukerman All serious professional Russian commentators agree that there is no reason to believe that Donald Trump is going to be an especially pro–Russian President of the US. Even official press-representative of President Putin Dmitri Peskov had stated: “Let’s not rush, let’s not rejoice beforehand”. Nevertheless most of representatives of the Russian media - [Dick Miller: Reasons to dislike inaugurals](https://newslanc.com/dick-miller-reasons-to-dislike-inaugurals/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Donald Trump wants to be known as the “President of Change,” but Friday’s Inauguration events come off the same as most other President, Governor or – for that matter – dictator of your favorite Banana Republic. There are just more reasons to dislike inaugurations than to like them. That doesn’t - [Prosecutors: [Philadelphia] sting investigation was not partisan](https://newslanc.com/prosecutors-philadelphia-sting-investigation-was-not-partisan/) - NEWSLANC EDITOR: Our contention all along was that Kathleen Kane was pilloried by partisan forces for the type of minor offense that usually goes unnoticed and is almost never prosecuted. Readers may recall, as mentioned below, as Attorney Geral she declined to prosecute because she felt that the investigations were partisan. PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: City - [Radon in Lancaster homes is pervasive but there is a good way to reduce it](https://newslanc.com/radon-in-lancaster-homes-is-pervasive-but-there-is-a-good-way-to-reduce-it/) - By Robert Field Below is information from federal EPA and Wikipedia concerning the dangers from radon radiation. Our region and most of Pennsylvania (and much of the USA) are classified asmin the danger zone. Map of Radon Zones in Pennsylvania based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data Map of Radon Zones in the United States - [Stalin's Wife Documentary](https://newslanc.com/stalins-wife-documentary/) - By Slava Tsukerman This week the documentary “Stalin’s wife”, that had successful theatrical release years ago, finally became available on AMAZON. Here is the short story of the film. About ten years ago I’ve got a telephone call from Moscow, from my friend, a Russian film producer. It was not surprising. I have lived in the - [WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Obamacare for dummies](https://newslanc.com/we-connect-dots-obamacare-for-dummies/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Once upon a time the leaders of the industrialized nations on earth concluded that quality health care was a right, not a privilege. Scratch that. Every industrialized nation except for the United States. Bosses in the United States believed health care was another product of a free market. Another form of - [Park City in danger; "Department Stores, Once Anchors at Malls, Become Millstones"](https://newslanc.com/park-city-in-danger-department-stores-once-anchors-at-malls-become-millstones/) - NEWSLANC: For a decade we have been warning about the proliferation of commercial zoning and re-zoning in the region, enabling the development of large shopping centers, often with 'big box stores', to compete with Park City Mall. It was obvious that some anchors would succumb to Internet competition and , as they do, national brand - [California's Six Largest Cash Crops: Marijuana is a Monster](https://newslanc.com/79323-2/) - by Phil Smith DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: California's agricultural bounty is fabled, from the endless olive and almond groves of the Central Valley to the world-class grapes of the Napa Valley to the winter vegetables of the Imperial Valley to the garlic fields of Gilroy, and beyond. But the biggest item in California's agricultural cornucopia is - [LETTER: What will Baghdad face in 2017?](https://newslanc.com/letter-what-will-baghdad-face-in-2017/) - What will Baghdad face in 2017? by Cathy Breen January 2, 2017 Being stuck in traffic is a daily fare in Baghdad. While checkpoints have been dramatically reduced in recent times, and the number of concrete walls appear markedly decreased, traffic jams still defy description. It doesn’t help in the least that everyone is - [LETTER TO EDITOR with responses to questions by editor:](https://newslanc.com/letter-to-editor-with-responses-to-questions-by-editor/) - NEWSLANC EDITOR: The below questions set forth important issues, some of which are based upon inaccurate information. We appreciate the input and respectfully respond. 1) You may go to any emergency room in the nation and get healthcare. How much more "guarantee" do you want? NL: That is the most expensive form of healthcare - [Accept President-Elect Donald Trump](https://newslanc.com/accept-president-elect-donald-trump/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Donald Trump won the Presidency as legitimately as they come in American politics. As columnist Dave Barry contends, Russia had more to do with this election than the League of Women Voters. Hillary rigged the primaries to make nomination more difficult for Sen. Sanders before Vladimir Putin sent his cyber troops - [A New Year's Resolution and why it pains us to be critical of LNP](https://newslanc.com/a-new-years-resolution-and-why-it-pains-us-to-be-critical-of-lnp/) - By Robert Field, NewsLanc Publisher As has often been stated in our columns, we are in general very proud of the job that LNP does as a regional newspaper as well as most of its editorial observations. The loss of a local daily print publication and web site would be a great set back for Lancastrians. - [Pennsylvania resists paying lawyers’ bill for email report](https://newslanc.com/pennsylvania-resists-paying-lawyers-bill-for-email-report/) - ABC 27 / AP: The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office is resisting paying the bill from outside lawyers who investigated the swapping of sexually explicit and offensive material for years through office email by employees. A spokesman for Attorney General Bruce Beemer said Thursday the office is trying to negotiate an “acceptable settlement.” The spokesman says - [Draft excerpt from Bill Keisling's book underway: "Noah's Ark Deal (Act 61 of 1985)"](https://newslanc.com/draft-excerpt-from-bill-keislings-book-underway-noahs-ark-deal-act-61-of-1985/) - Editor: Bill Keisling's publications have been suspended as he works on his latest book, a compilation of representative items of Pennsylvania corruption and also of special laws favoring special interests. Below is a draft sample: By Bill Keisling Throughout the years of the Republican Thornburgh administration, from 1979 to 1987, the Democrats had been shut - [Education gone berserk: The pursuit of the empty 4.0](https://newslanc.com/education-gone-berserk-the-pursuit-of-the-empty-4-0/) - By Robert Field Perhaps you have read the articles on the chase by parents that begins in New York City and elsewhere for placement of children in a prestigious pre-school program as the first step in getting into a good school, college, post graduate and job! Yet this is a perceived as a necessity by - [Researchers say Pennsylvania's electoral system among worst in country](https://newslanc.com/researchers-say-pennsylvanias-electoral-system-among-worst-in-country/) - PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE: …The Electoral Integrity Project, affiliated with Harvard University and the University of Sydney in Australia, evaluated states' electoral systems based on interviews with more than 700 political scientists. Researchers scored states on the perceived integrity of 11 aspects of the electoral process, from how congressional and legislative districts are drawn to how votes - [US elections still vulnerable to rigging, disruption; PA Especially Vulnerable](https://newslanc.com/us-elections-still-vulnerable-to-rigging-disruption-pa-especially-vulnerable/) - CNBC / AP: ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Jill Stein's bid to recount votes in Pennsylvania was in trouble even before a federal judge shot it down Dec. 12. That's because the Green Party candidate's effort stood almost no chance of detecting potential fraud or error in the vote — there was basically nothing to - [Putin loses some support of Russians](https://newslanc.com/putin-loses-some-support-of-russians/) - By Slava Tsukerman: According to the Levada Center Survey made in late November, 2016, 29% of respondents admitted that in recent years their attitude toward the Russian President Vladimir Putin has worsened. At the same time 55% of respondents said that their attitude toward the head of state in recent years has not changed. And - [LETTER: My Confession](https://newslanc.com/letter-my-confession/) - Dear Hillary, I realize nobody is going to read this email on your end, but I'm writing it anyway. A lot was riding on this election. Your losing it to an ignorant, immoral con man and bigot was not merely an epic fail, it was THE epic fail of all time. Yes, Russia, Wikileaks, fake - [Changes in education, P-1](https://newslanc.com/changes-in-education-p-1/) - By Dick Miller: (First of two parts) WE.CONNECT.DOTS: With new players in place as a result of last month’s general elections, the political battle on the who, how and why of education is certain to escalate. At the Federal level, President-elect Donald Trump promises to “drain the swamp.” Education will feel the changes through - [The day may come when Lancaster City will need to sell its antiquated sewer systems](https://newslanc.com/the-day-may-come-when-lancaster-city-will-need-to-sell-its-antiquated-sewer-systems/) - A lengthily article appeared in the New York Times entitled “In American Towns, Private Profits From Public Works” which starts with the situation of Bayonne, NJ which sold its waterworks but then goes on to deal with the issue in general of public / private partnerships. The article bears especially relevance to residents of the - [PA license won't be valid for federal buildings in January, air travel in 2018](https://newslanc.com/pa-license-wont-be-valid-for-federal-buildings-in-january-air-travel-in-2018/) - PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: Starting on Jan. 30, Pennsylvanians most likely will need an alternative, more secure form of identification to enter federal facilities. And starting in January 2018, current state licenses won't be sufficient for boarding commercial flights. The problem is that Pennsylvania licenses and state IDs don't meet the requirements of the federal REAL ID - [Maine Legalization Opponents Give Up on Recount.](https://newslanc.com/maine-legalization-opponents-give-up-on-recount/) - By Phil Smith DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: The anti-legalization group that challenged the narrow victory of Question 1 in last month's elections has given up the ghost. No on 1 said Saturday it was apparent that the recount would not change the outcome. "We promised folks that if we came to a point where we could - [AG Decision not to prosecute Manheim Township School Board vindicates County Commissioners of 2006](https://newslanc.com/ag-decision-not-to-prosecute-manheim-township-school-board-vindicates-county-commissioners-of-2006/) - LNP: December 18, 2016: “Attorney General declines to prosecute in Manheim Township School Board case” “The state Attorney General’s Office said Thursday it will not prosecute members of the Manheim Township School because its investigation ‘did not reveal any evidence of an illegal intent’ to violate the Sunshine Act. The state’s top law enforcement - [Rare Russian article on anti-semitic incident](https://newslanc.com/rare-russian-article-on-anti-semitic-incident/) - By Slava Tsukerman There is no official state anti-Semitism in contemporary Russia. So until recently there were no publications about substantial acts of anti-Semitism. But lately the political tension and mutual hatred in Russian society keeps growing and it was inevitable that such an act should finally happen. And it happened on December 11, in - [Layoffs were foreseen](https://newslanc.com/layoffs-were-foreseen/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Some 521 employees of the PA Department of Labor and Industry (L & I) are set to lose their jobs tomorrow, less than a week before Christmas. Perhaps this is as good of a time as any to review Gov. Tom Wolf’s business prowess for the top state government job. - [In Legal Marijuana States, Consumers Are Turning to Buds Over Beer](https://newslanc.com/in-legal-marijuana-states-consumers-are-turning-to-buds-over-beer/) - by Phil Smith (smith) DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: A new industry study says access to legal marijuana is having a negative impact on beer sales. That's bad news for the brewing industry, but good news from a public health perspective. According to the industry site Brewbound, the research firm Cowen & Company analyzed the beer industries - [Lancaster city accused of 'under the table' deal for selling West King property at 'extraordinarily low' price](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-city-accused-of-under-the-table-deal-for-selling-west-king-property-at-extraordinarily-low-price/) - LNP: Lancaster city used legally questionable means to sell two historic downtown properties to its preferred buyer at a steep discount without advertising the prime real estate or inviting bids, a city business owner told City Council on Tuesday… Taking all factors into consideration, sale price is “extraordinarily low,” and “perhaps less than half the - [CAPITOLWIRE:  Could PA's budget hole of at least $600 million been avoided?](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-could-pas-budget-hole-of-at-least-600-million-been-avoided/) - By Chris Comisac Bureau Chief Capitolwire HARRISBURG (Dec. 14) - You wouldn’t have known it from the tone in which the news was delivered, but Pennsylvania’s state budget is going to be short by at least $600 million this year. This is the state budget that was supposed to be the responsible budget, approved by the - [LETTER: How others see the USA](https://newslanc.com/letter-how-others-see-the-usa/) - EDITOR'S NOTE: Below is an excerpt from a letter by a German and now Swedish physician to a member of his extended family in the USA. Comfortably compensated under the Swedish heath system, the writer has devoted himself to treating patients in distant, isolated locations… even north of the Arctic Circle. ...Well, Trump. You know, - [A Public Health and Safety Approach to Problematic Opioid Use and Overdose](https://newslanc.com/a-public-health-and-safety-approach-to-problematic-opioid-use-and-overdose/) - DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE: BACKGROUND ON INCREASING RATES OF OPIOID USE DISORDER AND OVERDOSE AS WELL AS INADEQUACY OF CURRENT RESPONSES Rates of opioid use, dependence, and overdose in the United States are reaching epidemic-level proportions. Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illicit drug heroin as well as the legal prescription pain medications - [Chechens in Syria](https://newslanc.com/chechens-in-syria/) - By Slava Tsukerman On December 8, Russian media reported that a joint detachment of Russian "Vostok" ("East") and "Zapad" ("West") elite special forces battalions from Chechnya are preparing to be sent to Syria. According to these reports the battalions will be transported to the Middle East by the end of the year, and their major - [What happened to Bill Keisling's columns?](https://newslanc.com/what-happened-to-bill-keislings-columns/) - By Robert Field, Publisher A couple of months ago we announced that Bill Keisling was putting together a list of state and local government corruptions or dubious dealings over the past couple of decades with intention of bringing home to Pennsylvanians why Pennsylvania has been named one of the five most corrupt states. Subsequently - [LETTER: President Barack Obama's legacy](https://newslanc.com/letter-president-barack-obamas-legacy/) - Twenty million people have insurance now that didn't have it before. That is a success. There are many aspects of Obamacare that [President Elect Donald Trump] wants to keep. All evidence points to the Iran deal being successful. You want to blame racism on Obama? Ha! The Republicans stopped his infrastructure proposals. You blame him? He - [Trump already in command](https://newslanc.com/trump-already-in-command/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: President-elect Donald Trump doesn’t get sworn in until January 20, but he already commands an important aspect of foreign affairs. Like improved relations, maybe even détente, with Russia. Questions of Trump’s business ties (and those of his associates) with Russia dogged the GOP nominee as much as his misogyny during the - [The Next Five States That Could Legalize Marijuana ](https://newslanc.com/the-next-five-states-that-could-legalize-marijuana/) - by Phil Smith ( smith ) This article as produced in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared here. DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Four states, including California, the nation's most populous, voted to legalize marijuana on November 8. That doubles the number of legal states to eight (plus the District of Columbia), and more than quadruples the number of - [Is Russia Preparing to Annex Belarus?](https://newslanc.com/is-russia-preparing-to-annex-belarus/) - By Slava Tsukerman On November 30, a delegation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, headed by the Commander of special operations Forces Major-General Vadim Denisenko arrived in Moscow for a three-day visit. During the official meeting, Commander of the Russian Airborne Troops Colonel General Andrei Serdyukov and the head of Belarusian delegation - [Kudos to LNP editorial board for speaking out against ‘alms for the rich’ (when it pertains to others)](https://newslanc.com/kudos-to-lnp-editorial-board-for-speaking-out-against-alms-for-the-rich-when-it-pertains-to-others/) - LNP editorial “Tax breaks for Rock Lititz should be digested with a dose of skepticism” goes on to comment: “Reinforcing Lancaster County’s status as a live-industry hub is a good thing. Rock Lititz is a unique, state-of-the-art facility — a 52,000-square-foot, 100-foot tall production venue the size of a supermarket. And if the tax - [The root of the populist movements in the USA and throughout Europe](https://newslanc.com/the-root-of-the-populist-movements-in-the-usa-and-throughout-europe/) - By Robert Field For early risers (or for those who know how to record and watch later), the first hour of Morning Joe on MSNBC is an extraordinarilly informative discussion of the events of the past day and things yet to come. Responding to the populist overwhelming victory (60 to 40) in Italy which - [Did Comey deny Hillary?](https://newslanc.com/did-comey-deny-hillary/) - BY Dick Morris WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Did FBI Director James Comey cause Hillary Clinton to lose the presidency? Would she have lost regardless of his clumsy stabs at fulfilling his understanding of the voters’ right to know such sensitive information at an equally sensitive time? Depends on who you are reading. One issue that no one argues - [Extremists Turn to a Leader to Protect Western Values: Vladimir Putin](https://newslanc.com/extremists-turn-to-a-leader-to-protect-western-values-vladimir-putin/) - NEW YORK TIMES: … “I’ve always seen Russia as the guardian at the gate, as the easternmost outpost of our people,” said Sam Dickson, a white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan lawyer who frequently speaks at gatherings of the so-called alt-right, a far-right fringe movement that embraces white nationalism and a range of racist - [FBI agent: Sting informant says he was told not to target Republicans](https://newslanc.com/fbi-agent-sting-informant-says-he-was-told-not-to-target-republicans/) - PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: …In a new court filing by the last sting defendant still fighting charges, FBI Special Agent Robert J. Haag said that the operative, Tyron Ali, told him the state office seemed "more interested in targeting Democrats than Republicans." And in an email Haag wrote in 2013, he said Ali told him he was - [As Clock Ticks Down, Pressure Mounts on Obama to Free More Drug War Prisoners](https://newslanc.com/as-clock-ticks-down-pressure-mounts-on-obama-to-free-more-drug-war-prisoners/) - by Phi Smith DRUG WAR CHRONICLES: President Obama has commuted the sentences of more than a thousand federal drug war prisoners, but thousands more have applications in the pipeline. With an incoming Trump administration exceedingly unlikely to act on those petitions, scholars, activists, and at least one US congressman are calling on Obama to expedite - [Lawmakers scared of the return of a vindicated and vindictive Kathleen Kane](https://newslanc.com/lawmakers-scared-of-the-return-of-a-vindicated-kathleen-kane/) - NEWSLANC EDITOR: By impeaching former Attorney General Kathleen Kane, Pennsylvania lawmakers would disqualilfy her from returning to run for governor. They have good reason for concern.. HOUSE COMMITEE TABLES KANE IMPEACHMENT CAPITOL WIRE: State lawmakers have decided not to proceed with the impeachment of Pennsylvania’s former top prosecutor, but are leaving the option on the table - [Will Rick Gray’s retirement be good for Lancaster City?](https://newslanc.com/will-rick-grays-retirement-be-good-for-lancaster-city/) - Article by LNP “Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray won't seek re-election” can be very good news for the citizenry and their children and grandchildren. Or it may not be. Gray is a decent individual but fell sway to special interests and bad advisors when it came to real estate development and public works projects. He flipped - [“Porngate” revisited](https://newslanc.com/porngate-revisited/) - By Dick Miller WE,CONNECT.DOTS: Anyone who says PA Democratic Governor Tom Wolf and the solid Republican leadership of the state legislature do not get along must be mistaken. Depends on the circumstances. Just about everyone is determined to reduce the fallout from “porngate.” If possible, voters/taxpayers cannot learn of any other executive, legislative or - [There’s a lot of worry that the incoming president will try to reinstate reefer madness in states where pot is already legal.](https://newslanc.com/theres-a-lot-of-worry-that-the-incoming-president-will-try-to-reinstate-reefer-madness-in-states-where-pot-is-already-legal/) - By Phillip Smith ALTERNET.ORG: The election of Donald Trump is sending chills down the spine of the nation’s nascent marijuana industry. Could he and a Republican Congress try to roll back the clock and force federal pot prohibition down the throats of states that have, via the popular vote, gone down the path toward legalization? - [Russian propaganda effort helped spread ‘fake news’ during election, experts say](https://newslanc.com/russian-propaganda-effort-helped-spread-fake-news-during-election-experts-say/) - WASHINGTON POST: The flood of “fake news” this election season got support from a sophisticated Russian propaganda campaign that created and spread misleading articles online with the goal of punishing Democrat Hillary Clinton, helping Republican Donald Trump and undermining faith in American democracy, say independent researchers who tracked the operation… “They want to essentially erode - [Russian elations have turned to wariness](https://newslanc.com/russians-keep-discussing-trump/) - By Slava Tsukerman On November 17th Russian Federal News Agency informed Russians that then president Donald Trump is going to visit Russia that first thing after his inauguration. The statement was illustrated by the above picture. Thanks to President Elect Trump’s earlier statements praising Russian President Vladimir Putin, the news of Trump’s election victory triggered - [Chronicle AM: ME Recount Possible, DEA Bans "Pink," WI Welfare Drug Tests Start](https://newslanc.com/chronicle-am-me-recount-possible-dea-bans-pink-wi-welfare-drug-tests-start/) - by psmith DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Cannabis cafes are coming, Maine legalization foes seek a recount, Massachusetts legislators are threatening to "improve" the legalization initiative, the DEA bans "pink," and more. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte wants to get rid of habeas corpus as he wages lethal drug war. (Creative Commons/Wikimedia MarijuanaMarijuana Victories Will See Cannabis Cafes - [Only state-run radio to broadcast nationally in Hungary from today](https://newslanc.com/79123-2/) - NOVEMBER 21, 2016 BY BENJAMIN NOVAK Hungary has reached another new milestone. As of Sunday, only four radio stations will broadcast nationally in Hungary, all of them state-run. Not since 1991 has radio been so one-sided, reports kreativ.hu. The broadcast frequency license of Class FM, a radio station previously owned by Fidesz oligarch-in-exile Lajos Simicska, formally expired on Sunday, - [The never-ending PA budget](https://newslanc.com/the-never-ending-pa-budget/) - By Dick Miller WE CONNECT DOTS: Not so long ago (late July, early August) Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and the state legislature were patting themselves on the back for passage of the 2016-17 budget in normal time. Normal time compared to the 2015-16 budget which did not get resolved until February of this year. That - [Mark Zuckerberg re Facebook's efforts to weed out fake news](https://newslanc.com/mark-zuckerberg-re-facebook-efforts-to-weed-out-fake-news/) - The below letter from Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Facebook, was released to the world wide media. A lot of you have asked what we're doing about misinformation, so I wanted to give an update. The bottom line is: we take misinformation seriously. Our goal is to connect people with the stories they find - [HIV Epidemic in Russia](https://newslanc.com/hiv-epidemic-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman One of the biggest news of this month in Russia was the publication of information about the growing HIV epidemic in Yekaterinburg (population of 1,349,772), the fourth-largest city in Russia and the administrative center of industrial Sverdlovsk region. Yekaterinburg is located in Ural mountains, on the border of Europe and Asia. Tatiana Savinova, the first deputy head of the city’s health - [Facebook fake-news writer: ‘I think Donald Trump is in the White House because of me’](https://newslanc.com/facebook-fake-news-writer-i-think-donald-trump-is-in-the-white-house-because-of-me/) - WASHINGTON POST: …Paul Horner, the 38-year-old impresario of a Facebook fake-news empire, has made his living off viral news hoaxes for several years. He has twice convinced the Internet that he’s British graffiti artist Banksy; he also published the very viral, very fake news of a Yelp vs. “South Park” lawsuit last year… You’ve been writing - [How Teens In The Balkans Are Duping Trump Supporters With Fake News](https://newslanc.com/how-teens-in-the-balkans-are-duping-trump-supporters-with-fake-news/) - BUZZ FEED: …Over the past year, the Macedonian town of Veles (population 45,000) has experienced a digital gold rush as locals launched at least 140 US politics websites. These sites have American-sounding domain names such as WorldPoliticus.com, TrumpVision365.com, USConservativeToday.com, DonaldTrumpNews.co, and USADailyPolitics.com. They almost all publish aggressively pro-Trump content aimed at conservatives and Trump supporters - [Rendell to blame](https://newslanc.com/rendell-to-blame/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: – If you were rooting for Trump, send a "Thank You” card to Ed Rendell. If Rendell would have left Joe Sestak alone in the PA primary for US Senate, Democrats would not only have won that seat but also cast its electoral votes for Hillary Clinton for President. Assuming Hillary - [The Pennsylvania Supreme Court Will Likely Be Democratic for the Next 6 Years](https://newslanc.com/the-pennsylvania-supreme-court-will-likely-be-democratic-for-the-next-6-years/) - PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE: On Tuesday, voters in Pennsylvania approved a state constitutional amendment that raises the retirement age for judges to 75. The question was intentionally misleading: A question that explained voters would be raising the retirement age was invalidated but still voted on last year, and was rejected. The one that pretended it was - [LETTER: Election should be anulled](https://newslanc.com/letter-election-should-be-anulled/) - NEWSLANC EDITOR: Although we do not necessarily agree with what is said below, we publish it because it is important for a democracy that serious, albeit divergent, voices be heard. The real reason Trump won the most electoral votes and I believe is grounds to annul the 2016 election: Donald Trump used intimidation to - [Let's revisit a relevant moment in US history](https://newslanc.com/lets-revisit-a-relevant-moment-in-us-history/) - By Robert Field Harry Truman was a great president but the country was bitterly divided over many of his proposals. Dwight Eisenhower became President and quietly facilitated many of the liberal improvements that Truman had initiated or proposed. Flash forward: Withdrawing troops form the Mid-East? Not fighting with Assad in Syria? Improving the Affordable - [LETTER: 389 suicides and rising over election results](https://newslanc.com/letter-389-suicides-and-rising-over-election-results/) - I read an article today which stated that 389 Americans have already committed suicide since the announcement of Trump's presidency in fear for their lives and the country's future. The first comment I saw read: "wow natural selection is back too? this has to be a dream..." I couldn't read any more. I honestly have - [LETTER: Recap of voting and implications](https://newslanc.com/letter-recap-of-voting-and-implications/) - Hillary got 400,000 more votes than Trump, who got 200,000 fewer votes than Mitt Romney did in 2012. 46.9 percent of the US electorate did not vote in 2012 as opposed to under 38 percent in 2008. The coalition of voters who elected America's first African-American were not sold on Hillary, who ended up getting - [LETTER: It is getting clearer every day](https://newslanc.com/letter-it-is-getting-clearer-every-day/) - EDITORS NOTE: We don't want to censure thoughtful communications because it is politically incorrect to speak critically about the President Elect so soon after election. Obviously publication should not be construed as agreement. We encourage civil and informed discussion. It is a relief from the ignorance and trash talk we often encounter on our Facebook page. - [MAKING EXCUSES: Clinton, McGinty losses highlight glass ceilings in Pa.](https://newslanc.com/making-excuses-clinton-mcginty-losses-highlight-glass-ceilings-in-pa/) - PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: … “Former Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell said he believed Clinton's gender played a role in her defeat. He noted the three male Democrats seeking statewide office - for treasurer, attorney general, and auditor general - all won Tuesday while Clinton and McGinty failed. " ‘I don't think that's an accident,’ he said. ‘I - [Russians React to Election of Donald Trump as President](https://newslanc.com/russians-react-to-election-of-donald-trump-as-president/) - By Slava Zuckerman This September the election of the Russian parliament took place. The poll made on the eve of the election showed that only 20% of Russians were even sure that they were going to vote. A poll of October 21-24 showed that 91% of Russians were interested in results of the American President - [Dear God: where do we go from here?](https://newslanc.com/dear-god-where-did-we-go-wrong-from-here/) - David Axelrod called what took place election night a "primal scream." Clearly there were many causes for disenchantment, but not the least was our failure to put people back to productive work during the Great Recession We relied heavily on monetary policy that greatly benefit the already wealthy at the expense of depriving those out of - [LETTER: Democratic Party no longer represents working class](https://newslanc.com/letter-democratic-party-no-longer-represents-working-class/) - The Democratic party once represented the working class. But over the last three decades the party has been taken over by Washington-based fundraisers, bundlers, analysts, and pollsters who have focused instead on raising campaign money from corporate and Wall Street executives and getting votes from upper middle-class households in “swing” suburbs. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/10/democrats-working-class-americans-us-election WK - [In case you missed the October 14 column by Bill Keisling](https://newslanc.com/in-case-you-missed-the-october-14-column-by-bill-keisling/) - : Does Trump have hidden support in Pennsylvania? October 14, 2016 Featured, Keisling on Pennsylvania Politics, News and Commentary 10 Comments Edit The ‘Undercover Trump Voter’: A ‘Reverse Bradley Effect?’ Donald Trump is pandering to angry, often under-educated and politically unsophisticated voters in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. So are voters shy to tell pollsters of their real voting intentions? by - [Sen. Pat Toomey has Ed Rendell and Chuck Schumer to thank for his re-election](https://newslanc.com/sen-pat-toomey-has-ed-rendell-and-chuck-schumer-to-thank-for-his-re-election/) - By Robert Field According to the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: “McGinty worked to overcome her status as a relative unknown to most voters by latching on to a traditional Democratic message and tying herself closely to Clinton, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and other party stars.” Yes, Katie McGinty was relatively unknown and undistinguished, - [Marijuana wins big on election night](https://newslanc.com/marijuana-wins-big-on-election-night/) - WASHINGTON POST: Voters in California, Massachusetts and Nevada approved recreational marijuana initiatives Tuesday night, and several other states passed medical marijuana provisions, in what is turning out to be the biggest electoral victory for marijuana reform since 2012, when Colorado and Washington first approved the drug's recreational use. Of the five recreational marijuana initiatives on the ballot, three - [Democrats never learn](https://newslanc.com/democrats-never-learn/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: In this year’s presidential battle of “first time evers,” history still repeats. Not surprising, the story about FieldWorks reveals Democrats don’t learn while Republicans know when to repeat Pennsylvania state police raided two offices of FieldWorks, a voter registration group earlier this week. Bruce Beemer, temporary Attorney General, suggested to - [LETTER: "The fix was in, and the people are still paying for it"](https://newslanc.com/letter-the-fix-was-in-and-the-people-are-still-paying-for-it/) - The contributor refers to Bill Keisling's and NewsLanc's forthcoming book on decades of corruption in Pennsylvania: I hope your 50 corruptions include the downtown Lancaster project. That $200 million albatross is about to grow in cost. And that dumb project -- a bad idea from its inception -- has paid exactly zero property taxes. Not - ["Building a Boat and a Tower": Re Genesis and the Election](https://newslanc.com/building-a-boat-and-a-tower-re-genesis-and-the-election/) - JTS: …In fact, our Torah portion includes two dystopias, each of which relates to a distinct constellation of political fears. The first presents as a natural catastrophe—rising flood waters that will wipe out all human habitations on land—but which the Torah ascribes to the consequence of human irresponsibility. A flawed hero manages to salvage what - [LETTER: A stark choice on Tuesday](https://newslanc.com/letter-a-stark-choice-on-tuesday/) - .... Words have consequences, and Trump's hate laced rhetoric has made bigotry acceptable, unleashing a wave of anti-Semitism which went underground following the horrors of the Holocaust.To quote an October 19 article in The New York Times, "Anti-Semitism has been resurgent in Europe for years. But it has taken on a new dimension in the - [Russian media's love affair with Trump](https://newslanc.com/russian-medias-love-affair-with-trump/) - BBC: f he could read Russian, I suspect he'd appreciate the way the media here have been covering the US election. Pro-Kremlin newspapers have waxed lyrical about Donald and, at times, torn Hillary to shreds. "I officially declare that Clinton is a cursed witch," wrote Russian MP Vitaly Milonov recently in the popular tabloid Komsomolskaya - [Are Russian government related businesses squeezing out the private sector?](https://newslanc.com/are-russian-government-related-businesses-squeezing-out-the-private-sector/) - By Slava Tsukerman A year ago, Putin devoted a significant part of his message on plans for the 2016 economy. He said the very structure of Russian economy should be changed. All strategic sectors, not just producing raw materials, should be raised to a new competitive level. Lagging sectors should be supported. The key to solving problems - [LETTER: "The ugly facts"](https://newslanc.com/letter-the-ugly-facts/) - The ugly fact that the republican majority in the house and senate used our legal system to have eight Benghazi hearings only with the goal of trying to discredit Hillary. It does not surprise me that they would use the FBI for the same purpose. Remember how a patriot John Kerry served a tour fighting - [Like no other election day](https://newslanc.com/like-no-other-election-day/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Perfect storm – noun, a detrimental or calamitous situation or event rising from the powerful combined effect of a unique set of circumstances. – Random House, 2016. (290) Sunday, October 30, 2016 – Has a “perfect storm” formed that can turn our Presidential election on November 8 into an event made - [Not a trace of media pluralism remains in Hungary, say experts](https://newslanc.com/78981-2/) - OCTOBER 29, 2016 BY PÉTER SZEGŐ BUDAPEST BEACON: “For years we’ve prepared a so-called ‘light censorship report’ but this expression is a euphemism. There really isn’t any point to calling it light.” “Let’s not be ashamed to call the system autocratic.” “Public service media has failed in Hungary.” “No trace of media pluralism remains.” These and similar - [The Best Way to Save Obamacare](https://newslanc.com/the-best-way-to-save-obamacare/) - NEW YORK TIMES OP-ED: … As someone involved in the debate over the Affordable Care Act from the start, I don’t find these unhappy events all that surprising. From the outset, I’ve argued that without a public option — a Medicare-like plan that would be available to all Americans buying health insurance — insurance competition - [Could debt to Russians be the reason for Trump withholding tax returns?](https://newslanc.com/could-debt-to-russia-be-the-reason-for-trump-withholding-tax-returns/) - By Robert Field As a veteran investor builder, we have our own slants on why Donald Trump is refusing to release his income tax returns . We speculate as follows: The obvious is he isn't nearly as rich as he claims to be. He may even be in trouble. Isn't it strange that a - [In Pennsylvania Senate race, big money drowns out everyday voices](https://newslanc.com/in-pennsylvania-senate-race-big-money-drowns-out-everyday-voices/) - Real people, who have a right to be heard, and real issues, are being drowned out by a cacophony of meaningless TV ads by Bill Keisling Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate race has become the most expensive in U.S. history. To date $118 million has been dumped in to this campaign, which pits incumbent Pat Toomey against - [Federal court asked to invalidate Pa. judge-retirement vote](https://newslanc.com/federal-court-asked-to-invalidate-pa-judge-retirement-vote/) - PHILLY.COM: : Two former Pennsylvania Supreme Court chief justices and a prominent Philadelphia lawyer are now asking a federal court to declare a ballot question about extending state judges' retirement age unconstitutional and any votes cast on it invalid. The complaint filed Thursday in U.S. District Court by former Chief Justices Ronald D. Castille and - [Cheese Days in Moscow Outgrowth of Sanctions](https://newslanc.com/cheese-days-in-moscow-outgrowth-of-sanctions/) - By Slava Tsukerman On September 30 / October 1, the Cheese Days Festival took place in Moscow. Most of the stalls were located in the square right in front of Kremlin. They were overflowing with at least 100 types of Russian-made cheese, including brie, camembert, gorgonzola, mozzarella, burrata and others. Sixty Russian manufactures were represented - [Kathleen Kane, Former Pennsylvania Attorney General, Is Sentenced to Prison](https://newslanc.com/kathleen-kane-former-pennsylvania-attorney-general-is-sentenced-to-priso/) - NEW YORK TIMES: The brief, unlikely political career of Kathleen G. Kane, Pennsylvania’s brightest rising star when she was elected attorney general less than four years ago, came to a humiliating close on Monday when a judge sentenced her to 10 to 23 months in prison for her conviction on charges of perjury and abuse - [Pa. voters, beware — slippery ballot question ahead](https://newslanc.com/pa-voters-beware-slippery-ballot-question-ahead/) - PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE COLUMN: ...The ballot question goes like this: “Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to require that justices of the Supreme Court, judges and magisterial district judges be retired on the last day of the calendar year in which they attain the age of 75 years?” Sounds pretty reasonable, right? Jurists, who enjoy about - [Kremlin Conducts Large Scale Nuclear-Bomb Survival Drills for 40 Million Russians](https://newslanc.com/kremlin-conducts-large-scale-nuclear-bomb-survival-drills-for-40-million-russians/) - WALL STREET JOURNAL: …The country recently held its biggest civil defense drills since the collapse of the U.S.S.R., with what officials said were 40 million people rehearsing a response to chemical and nuclear threats… The rhetoric reinforces Russians’ idea that their country is a superpower on par with the U.S. It also offers a distraction - [Who pays for higher ed hike?](https://newslanc.com/who-pays-for-higher-ed-hike/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Who will pay for the settlement State System for Higher Education made with the union representing 5,000 faculty members on Friday? Senators spent this week on new laws allowing cops to wear body cameras without telling citizens and use radar for local speed traps. If progress was made on pension reform, - [KEISLING: Does Trump have hidden support in Pennsylvania?](https://newslanc.com/keisling-does-trump-have-hidden-support-in-pennsylvania/) - The 'Undercover Trump Voter': A 'Reverse Bradley Effect?' Donald Trump is pandering to angry, often under-educated and politically unsophisticated voters in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. So are voters shy to tell pollsters of their real voting intentions? by Bill Keisling Is Donald Trump's support in Pennsylvania stronger than polls suggest? In the last several weeks polls have placed - [Recent Russian Events That Are of Significance](https://newslanc.com/recent-russian-events-that-are-of-significance/) - By Slava Tsukerman This week three events were most commented upon in Russian press. From the first look these events have nothing in common. Still they are so characteristic of today’s Russia that together they give pretty accurate sense of the atmosphere in the country. The first event happened on October 9, two days after - [Warnings of conspiracy stoke anger among Trump faithful](https://newslanc.com/warnings-of-conspiracy-stoke-anger-among-trump-faithful/) - BOSTON GLOBE: … Anger and hostility were the most overwhelming sentiments at a Trump rally in Cincinnati last week, a deep sense of frustration, an us-versus-them mentality, and a belief that they are part of an unstoppable and underestimated movement. Unlike many in the country, however, these hard-core Trump followers do not believe the real - [Say “No” again to judges](https://newslanc.com/say-no-again-to-judges/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Pennsylvania was once known for the quality of its judicial system. At least that is the claim of Peter F. Vaira, a respected former U.S. Attorney from Philadelphia. Today, this branch of state government could more aptly be branded as a “good ole boy legal system,” similar to what ruled southern - [Weed is Going to Win Big in November](https://newslanc.com/78898-2/) - Home » Drug War Chronicle » Issue #947 by Phil Smith This article was produced in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared here. A month out from Election Day, it's looking like marijuana legalization is going to be a big winner. Initiatives are on the ballot in five states, including California, and all indications are that they are going to - [LNP editorial tip toes around city’s hundred forty million dollar storm water / sanitary sewage price tag](https://newslanc.com/lnp-editorial-tip-toes-around-citys-hundred-forty-million-dollar-storm-water-sanitary-sewage-price-tag/) - By Robert Field LNP’s editorial “Becoming good stewards of the Chesapeake Bay” at long last lifts up the lid a bit more to allow its readers to take a peak at what is brewing as a result of the Rick Gray administrations blatant ignoring and concealing the largest financial challenge that the - [Federal agencies to stop accepting Pa. driver's licenses as proof of identity](https://newslanc.com/federal-agencies-to-stop-accepting-pa-drivers-licenses-as-proof-of-identity/) - PITTSBURGH TRIB LIVE: Federal agencies will begin rejecting Pennsylvania driver's licenses and photo IDs as official forms of identification on Jan. 30 unless the state comes into compliance with a national law that sets standards for state-issued IDs. Pennsylvanians won't be able to use their state IDs to enter military bases, nuclear power plants and - [“Right-wing extremism is on the rise in Europe” – Mitchell Orenstein and Daniel Kelemen](https://newslanc.com/right-wing-extremism-is-on-the-rise-in-europe-mitchell-orenstein-and-daniel-kelemen/) - BUDAPEST SENTINEL: One thing Brexit shows is that it is not really fruitful to try and appease these kind of right-wing, anti-EU, Eurosceptic movements, which (former British prime minister David) Cameron tried to do. In fact, one of the concerns that stopped the EU and the commissioners from doing more against Orbán earlier was that - [Is Putin's war on Syria prelude to something much worse?](https://newslanc.com/is-putins-war-on-syria-prelude-to-something-much-worse/) - By Slava Tsukerman Reading Russian newspapers and watching Russian state controlled TV can bring one to conclusion that Russia is preparing for the start of nuclear war. On September 30, Russian government officially informed Muscovites that underground shelters had been built, which could house 12 million people, enough for the entire population of Moscow. Russian - [Bankers endangered species](https://newslanc.com/bankers-endangered-species/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: The Wells Fargo scandal prompts a look at banking in Western Pennsylvania. If you are under 50, you probably can’t remember when local banks were an important part of the community. A single share of local bank stock was something you might give to each of your children at Christmas or - [Lewd Donald Trump Tape Is a Breaking Point for Many in the G.O.P.](https://newslanc.com/lewd-donald-trump-tape-is-a-breaking-point-for-many-in-the-g-o-p/) - NW YORK TIMES: Donald J. Trump’s campaign was teetering on Saturday after the release of a video in which he speaks of women in vulgar sexual terms, with more Republican leaders calling for him to leave the ticket and demanding that the party shift focus to down-ballot races. Representative Charles Dent, Republican of Pennsylvania, said - [How could the GOP replace Trump?](https://newslanc.com/how-could-the-gop-replace-trump/) - AOL NEWS: …The Republican National Committee's rules say it can fill any candidate vacancies that occur because of "death, declination, or otherwise" by either reconvening all 2,472 delegates to vote at another convention, or by letting its 168-member body decide via majority vote. In the latter scenario, each member would get a certain number of - [ART MORRIS: "Is a $10.3 million tax break fair to Lancaster residents?"](https://newslanc.com/art-morris-is-a-10-3-million-tax-break-fair-to-lancaster-residents/) - Letter to the Editor by former Lancaster mayor Art Morris About 10 years ago, Lancaster Newspapers (LNP) and High Associates (High) were given an estimated $43.8 million property tax break to build the downtown Marriott Hotel. Now they want to expand and build an adjoining Marriott Tower. The city is planning to give them, under a state economic - [Hillary Clinton visits Harrisburg: Not your father's presidential rally](https://newslanc.com/hillary-clinton-visits-harrisburg-not-your-fathers-presidential-rally/) - You could see and sense pride and even awe in the eyes of the girls and college-aged women who drifted into the hall. The possibilities of what they themselves might achieve with their lives because of this campaign lit their faces. For all the talk about how Donald Trump is bucking the system, it's nothing - [Capitolwire: Toomey breaks away from McGinty in new Quinnipiac poll.](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-toomey-breaks-away-from-mcginty-in-new-quinnipiac-poll/) - NEWSLANC EDITOR: If and when Republican Pat Toomey is re-elected, the responsibility for not gaining this senate seat will rest fully on former Democrat governor Ed Rendell and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York. They conspired to subvert the people's choice of Admiral / Congressman Joe Sestak through a last minute campaign filled with lies - [When You Hear the Margin of Error Is Plus or Minus 3 Percent, Think 7 Instead](https://newslanc.com/when-you-hear-the-margin-of-error-is-plus-or-minus-3-percent-think-7-instead/) - NEW YORK TIMES: In a new paper with Andrew Gelman and Houshmand Shirani-Mehr, we examined 4,221 late-campaign polls — every public poll we could find — for 608 state-level presidential, Senate and governor’s races between 1998 and 2014. Comparing those polls’ results with actual electoral results, we find the historical margin of error is plus - [The Innocent Origins of Today’s Corporate Crimes](https://newslanc.com/the-innocent-origins-of-todays-corporate-crimes/) - WALL STREET JOURNAL: For much of recorded history, businesses were financed by a single person or small group. Investors served as operators, and a firm’s owner and manager were one and the same. Managers had little incentive to misappropriate assets since that would simply mean moving money from one pocket to another… For all the - [An Online Education Breakthrough? A Master’s Degree for a Mere $7,000](https://newslanc.com/an-online-education-breakthrough-a-masters-degree-for-a-mere-7000/) - NEWSLANC EDITOR: We have often opined that the college and university systems have not evolved much since the Middle Ages when students had to travel to major center of learning for an educate. There is nothing more saintly about the academic industry than others: They seek to protect their vested interests, which means plentiful - [A reader asks why RealReporting / NewsLanc publishes articles on Russia](https://newslanc.com/a-reader-asks-why-realreporting-newslanc-publishes-articles-on-russia/) - Concerning "Is chairmanship of Russian State Duma a demotion for Vyacheslav Volodin?" "Who is the audience for this? Why are you publishing this in Lancaster, Pennsylvania?" EDITOR: Excellent question. Unlike as recently as twenty years ago, the Internet has permitted medium that are anchored regionally to communicate world wide, because it is the - [Is chairmanship of Russian State Duma a demotion for Vyacheslav Volodin?](https://newslanc.com/is-chairmanship-of-russian-state-duma-a-demotion-for-vyacheslav-volodin/) - By Slava Tsukerman The moving of Vyacheslav Volodin to the position of speaker of the State Duma (Russia's lower house of parliament) was one of the events most discussed by Russian media last week. From December 2011 until now Volodin was the first vice chief of the Kremlin’s staff, officially overseeing home affairs - [In this case, LNP editors exhibit integrity and courage](https://newslanc.com/in-this-case-lnp-editors-exhibit-integrity-and-courage/) - LNP editorial "In veering off-script in Manheim, Trump also strayed from the path of decency" observes: “ 'Hillary Clinton’s only loyalty is to her financial contributors and to herself,' Trump said. “I don’t even think she’s loyal to Bill, if you want to know the truth. And really, folks, really, why should she be, right?” - [PA lawmakers have full plate](https://newslanc.com/pa-lawmakers-have-full-plate-2/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: The Pennsylvania legislature has a full plate of business to get through in these waning days of their two-year session. Including themselves, there are many special interests to be served and so little time. Both chambers of the state legislature return to Harrisburg for very short pre-election sessions, after eight-week - [EDITORIAL: What does it take to get Pennsylvanians to wake up to statewide corruption?](https://newslanc.com/editorial-what-does-it-take-to-get-pennsylvanians-to-wake-up-to-statewide-corruption/) - Publisher Robert Field and columnist Bill Keisling have long pondered how Pennsylvania can be consistently rated among the most corrupt five states in the union and yet the state media and population don't seem to get the message, let alone do anything about it. Instead we keep on electing political front persons and, when someone like - [Hungary’s Refugee Referendum Is a Referendum on Europe’s Survival](https://newslanc.com/hungarys-refugee-referendum-is-a-referendum-on-europes-survival/) - Viktor Orban’s anti-Merkel crusade will never carry the EU as a whole. That may be the point. BY JAN-WERNER MUELLER Jan-Werner Mueller teaches politics at Princeton. His book "What is Populism?" will be published in September. This Sunday, Hungarians are being asked to participate in what most observers consider a somewhat mysterious, or perhaps outright - [Pennsylvania's dithering legislature unfit to address heroin and opioid crisis](https://newslanc.com/pennsylvanias-dithering-legislature-unfit-to-address-heroin-and-opioid-crisis/) - With a health problem this severe, and growing this rapidly, you'd imagine Pennsylvania lawmakers might want to do something about it. Think again. Pennsylvanians are dropping like flies, yet these guys in the legislature only want to work six more days in the last three months of the year. In those three months, an estimated 900 Pennsylvanians - [Will this year’s presidential election be rigged, as Donald Trump has predicted?](https://newslanc.com/will-this-years-presidential-election-be-rigged-as-donald-trump-has-predicted/) - POLITICO COLUMN: ..It’s highly unlikely, and that’s true whether we’re talking about scary new threats, like cyber-hacking by the Russians, or old-fashioned ballot-box stuffing of the sort that ostensibly has led Trump to recruit his own poll watchers. We’re much more likely to see the kind of unintentional ineptitude that plagued the 2000 presidential race. - [Parliamentary elections in Russia](https://newslanc.com/parliamentary-elections-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman The results of the Russia's 2016 Parliamentary elections were published last week. These results shocked some people: in spite of the fact that this year there was more oversight of the electoral integrity than it was in previous years and in spite of the fact that some liberal opposition parties participated in - [LNP EDITORS GOT THIS RIGHT: An answer to the affordable housing crisis](https://newslanc.com/78707-2/) - LNP EDITORIAL: …Salisbury Township supervisors have said their goal isn’t to keep people out, but they simply don’t want to build on land set aside for industrial development. That sounds reasonable. But you can’t have industrial development — Urban Outfitters’ massive distribution center off of Route 30, for example — and, at the same time, - [Pharma buys influence](https://newslanc.com/pharma-buys-influence/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Gotta hand it to our state legislators. Ten people a day dying from overdosing of anti-pain drugs such as Oxycontin, Vicodin and fentanyl in Pennsylvania. Maybe you can tweak the laws a bit to slow the epidemic. Changes like limiting scripts to ten-day supply. No “emergency” refills for doses that are - [[Lancaster Congressman Joe Pitts] received the most money from pain killer manufacturers](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-congressman-joe-pitts-received-the-most-money-from-pain-killer-manufacturers/) - LEHIGH VALLEY MORNING CALL: A joint investigation by The Associated Press and the Center for Public Integrity found that drugmakers that produce opioid painkillers and allied advocacy groups spent more than $880 million on campaign contributions and lobbying over the past decade as they worked to influence state and federal policies. … The investigation comes - [Why Russians Don't Smile](https://newslanc.com/why-russians-dont-smile/) - By Slava Tsukerman Russians rarely smile but instead exhibit what many would consider a poker face, such a the above photo. There are a lot of historical, sociological and philosophical reflections on the matter. Recently there interesting new research has been performed on the matter, to be discussed below. In Russia it is not acceptable to - [The war that will not end. Russian – Japanese Territorial Dispute](https://newslanc.com/the-war-that-will-not-end-russian-japanese-territorial-dispute/) - By Slava Tsukerman Since the end of the WWII relationship between Russia and Japan have been complicated because of the unresolved status of the four islands of the Kuril Ridge. The two countries, despite the passing of six decades, have not yet arrived at a peace treaty. A week ago, speaking at the World Economic Forum, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo - [Drinking to Blackout](https://newslanc.com/drinking-to-blackout/) - NEW YORK TIMES OP-ED: …“It’s pretty stressful here during the week,” explained the guy with the blue concoction in response to my uneasy glances. “So everyone tends to go pretty hard on the weekends.” I hadn’t known it at the time, but this was my first introduction to the aspirational “blackout.” That is, intentionally drinking - [Help us! Legislature returns.](https://newslanc.com/help-us-legislature-returns-2/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: – Pennsylvania’s greatest and most expensive sitcom comes out of recess tomorrow. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives convenes after a summer of campaigning for re-election. The Senate returns next Monday. The Senate convened for a half-day two weeks ago. Embattled Attorney General Kathleen Kane was convicted of high crimes and resigned. While - [Fentanyl Maker Kicks In Half a Million to Defeat Arizona Marijuana Legalization](https://newslanc.com/78680-2/) - By Phil Smith DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Marijuana legalization advocates have long argued that pharmaceutical companies, who could lose out if marijuana is legally available, are some of the staunchest supporters of marijuana prohibition, and now an Arizona company is making their case for them. Fentanyl (Creative Commons) According to campaign finance - [LETTER: Paul Ware bemoans losses to his foundation caused by institution he headed](https://newslanc.com/letter-paul-ware-bemoans-losses-caused-by-institution-he-headed/) - Re: Jamanis Family Concert September 14, 2016 at 4:24 pm Edit Good thing it’s free. Last time I contributed to something by Veri & Jamanis, it cost my foundation millions. Sincerely yours, Paul Ware EDITOR: Paul Ware was the Chairman of the Board of the Pennsylvania Academy of Music (PAM) and as such the overseer of - [Commentary: Beemer's task is to get truth out about porn scandal](https://newslanc.com/commentary-beemers-task-is-to-get-truth-out-about-porn-scandal/) - PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER OP-ED: By Peter F. Vaira …Prosecutors and former prosecutors I have spoken with are offended by the scandal. The full details have been kept secret for too long. The delay in exposing the limits of this scandal appears to many as another instance of lawyers protecting lawyers. This is a quagmire that former - [Capitolwire: Quinnipiac's new national presidential poll shows tightening - potentially a toss-up - contest.](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-quinnipiacs-new-national-presidential-poll-shows-tightening-potentially-a-toss-up-contest/) - Independent voters appear to be the primary reason for the narrowing of the gap. By Chris Comisac Bureau Chief Capitolwire HARRISBURG (Sept. 15) - Nearly three weeks ago, Democrat Hillary Clinton was characterized by many readers of national presidential polls as pulling away from Republican Donald Trump, with the Quinnipiac University Poll, like many other - [GOP hits new low with Trump](https://newslanc.com/gop-hits-new-low-with-trump/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: – By 1972 Donald Trump and his father, Fred, controlled 14,000 apartments in New York City, mostly in Queens and Brooklyn. Their company was the target of a serious discrimination suit, purporting their agents routinely attempted to steer minorities to complexes that were exclusively for people of their color or background. The - [Foolish self censorship by New York Times and Wall Street Journal re North Korea](https://newslanc.com/foolish-self-censureship-by-new-york-times-and-wall-street-journal-re-north-korea/) - By Robert Field NEW YORK TIMES: ..."'It’s too late on the nuclear weapons program — that is not going to be reversed,' William Perry, the defense secretary under President Bill Clinton during the 1994 nuclear crisis with North Korea, said in August at a presentation in Kent, Conn. The only choice now, he argued, is - [Jamanis Family Concert September 15 at Catholic High](https://newslanc.com/jamanis-family-concert-september-15-at-catholic-high/) - Lancaster Catholic High School Fine & Performing Arts Department proudly present our The Jamanis Family Concert featuring Veri & Jamanis, pianists our very own FPA Staff Member... Dr. Michael T. Jamanis, Violin Performing works by Brahms, Dvorak, Lisz, Corigliano & Gershwin Thursday, September 15th 7:30 PM Old Main Auditorium Free Admission - Donations accepted for - [Congress Turning a New Leaf on Marijuana](https://newslanc.com/congress-turning-a-new-leaf-on-marijuana/) - ROLL CALL: …Marijuana-related legislation was on a fast track to nowhere until 2014. That was the year Republicans and Democrats alike approved a measure that kept federal authorities from interfering in states that allowed marijuana use for medical purposes. Since then, both houses of Congress have seen a flood of similar proposals. Lobbyists, policy experts and - [Does new CRIZ Bill provide Lancaster Marriott Hotel with $10 million gift?](https://newslanc.com/does-new-criz-bill-provide-lancaster-marriott-hotel-with-10-million-gift/) - Editor's note: At the request of a reader, the below has been expanded to explain the above conservative reference to a "$10 million gift." 8/7/'16 In laboriously making our way through the recently enacted Pennsylvania Bill #1198, Session of 2015, an “Act relating tax reform and State taxation by codifying and enumerating certain - [Medical Marijuana Update: American Legion adds its support](https://newslanc.com/medical-marijuana-update-american-legion-adds-its-support/) - by Phil smith (smith), September 08, 2016, 05:16pm, (Issue #942) DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: In a surprise move, the conservative American Legion comes out for marijuana rescheduling, Arkansas medical marijuana initiatives see lawsuits fly, Ohio is now a medical marijuana state, and more. NationalAt the end of August, the American Legion called for marijuana to be rescheduled. - [Capitolwire: McGinty-Toomey contest is tight, Quinnipiac poll shows.](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-mcginty-toomey-contest-is-tight-quinnipiac-poll-shows/) - By Kevin Zwick Staff Reporter Capitolwire HARRISBURG (Sept. 9) – The U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania is tight and could go down to the wire, according to pollsters at Quinnipiac University. The latest poll shows Republican U. S. Sen. Pat Toomey edging Democrat Katie McGinty 46-45 percent. McGinty lead Toomey 47-44 percent in last month's poll. “High drama - [LNP Editorial Board simply can’t get their facts right… despicable re Joe Paterno](https://newslanc.com/lnp-editorial-board-simply-cant-get-their-facts-right-despicable-re-joe-paterno/) - By Robert Field LNP editorial "Honoring Joe Paterno Wrong Again" is a tragic example of the incredible combination of ignorance and laziness on the part of the Editorial Board of LNP, even when it comes to so thoroughly reported and important a matter to Pennsylvanians as what Michael McQueary told Coach Joe Paterno after McQueary witnessed - [Russian Plans for Treatment of Future Social Protests](https://newslanc.com/russian-plans-for-treatment-of-future-social-protests/) - By Slava Tsukerman According to the recent report of the Public Opinion Foundation, 75% of Russians are dissatisfied with their salaries, and 40% are no longer able to hang on to payday. The result of this is the increase of social protests. The number of protests in Russia are increasing during this third year since - [Canada Will Move to Legalize Marijuana Next Year](https://newslanc.com/canada-will-move-to-legalize-marijuana-next-year/) - by Phil Smith This article was produced in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared here. DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, elected last fall, campaigned on a promise that his Liberal government would legalize marijuana. Now, we're getting an idea of just when that is going to happen. Speaking at the UN General Assembly Special Session - [What would the Judge do?](https://newslanc.com/what-would-the-judge-do/) - By Dick Morris WE.CONNECT.DOTS: Bill and Hillary Clinton claim they were heavily under water when they exited the White House in 2001. They listed assets of $1.8 million and debts of $10.6 million, mainly legal fees from his impeachment defense. Today, only 16 years later, as they prepare to re-enter 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, they could - [NIGHTMARE: Newspaper rejects Clinton and Trump, endorses third-party candidate](https://newslanc.com/nightmare-newspaper-rejects-clinton-and-trump-endorses-third-party-candidate/) - NEWSLANC EDITOR: If Gary Johnson and from the Liberian Party and Jill Stein of the Green Party are permitted to join the presidential debates, and they deserve to be, it will set the stage for Donald Trump to back into the Presidency with les than 40% of the national vote. Whether merited or not, both - [The meaning behind “Michele Bachmann says 'this is the last election'"](https://newslanc.com/the-meaning-behind-michele-bachmann-says-this-is-the-last-election/) - AOL: Former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann shared with Christian Broadcasting Network viewers just how crucial she believes this election is… She said if Hillary Clinton is elected, she'll let people into the country who will change the demographics of states like Florida and Texas and make it impossible for Republicans to win there. Bachmann said, "If - [Will Att. Gen. Beemer and Gov. Wolf back the release of Special Prosecutor Gansler's report on ex parte government sharing of pornography?](https://newslanc.com/will-att-gen-beemer-and-gov-wolf-back-the-release-of-special-prosecutor-ganslers-report-on-ex-parte-government-sharing-of-pornography/) - AG Beemer: "The issue about ex parte communications (in the Gansler report) is a critical one. I think it strikes at the integrity of the system. Where those kinds of things are in play, that is certainly something that that public should have an opportunity to know about." Now that Bruce Beemer is in charge - [As Skill Requirements Increase, More Manufacturing Jobs Go Unfilled](https://newslanc.com/as-skill-requirements-increase-more-manufacturing-jobs-go-unfilled/) - WALL STREET JOURNAL: ...Gary Miller has observed manufacturing’s evolution firsthand. When he started at Ohio-based Kyocera SGS Precision Tools Inc. in 1989, it employed 550 production workers. Despite shedding half its workers, it now produces twice as much, thanks to higher-skilled employees and equipment such as computer-controlled machine tools, which cost up to $500,000 each. Mr. - [LNP hypocrisy knows no limit. Where is LNP's "fire wall"?](https://newslanc.com/lnp-hypocrisy-knows-no-limit/) - Editorial “Hillary Clinton failed (miserably) to maintain a firewall between the Clinton Foundation and her State Department” goes on to opine: “Hillary Clinton failed (miserably) to maintain a firewall between the Clinton Foundation and her State Department… “We don’t subscribe to the where-there’s-smoke-there’s-fire school of thinking. “Still, there’s a rule of journalistic ethics that - [Capitolwire: Beemer confirmed as new Attorney General.](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-beemer-confirmed-as-new-attorney-general/) - By Kevin Zwick Staff Reporter Capitolwire HARRISBURG (Aug. 30) – The Senate on Tuesday unanimously confirmed career prosecutor Bruce Beemer as Attorney General, hoping to steady the office after a turbulent few years under its former head, Kathleen Kane. Beemer, of the Pittsburgh area, told the Senate Judiciary Committee he will “endeavor to restore a - [Problems with education in Russia](https://newslanc.com/problems-with-education-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed with the proposal of the Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to dismiss Education Minister Dmitry Livanov. Dmitry Livanov has repeatedly been criticized for his way of running the reform of education and the reduction of the subsidies by the state places to universities. Thus, according to the documents, - [Capitolwire: GPA and 'grit factor' determine college-readiness, not test scores, officials say.](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-gpa-and-grit-factor-determine-college-readiness-not-test-scores-officials-say/) - By Christen Smith Staff Reporter Capitolwire HARRISBURG (Aug. 29) — College officials across the state say grades and a tricky-to-measure “grit factor” serve as the best indicators of preparedness when evaluating student admission applications every year. That's good news, considering the Pennsylvania Department of Education, in a report released earlier this month, advised the state expand - [Drug prices soar — live with it](https://newslanc.com/drug-prices-soar-live-with-it/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: – Mylan’s 600 per cent increase in the market price of an EpiPen drug is another result of big businesses’ unholy alliance with government. Monopoly drugs are the new cash cows. Ruthless business execs and shareholders have home field advantage. We outnumber them a thousand to one, but we’re sloppy in the - [Vindication half a century later?](https://newslanc.com/vindication-half-a-century-later/) - In 1964 I was fired by the Stewall Corporation because of difference in opinion of the founding board members and our interior designer concerning how nursing homes planned under my supervision should be furnished. The founders, Wallace E. Johnson and Stewart Bainum, national titans in the hotel and apartment industries, wanted the nursing homes to have - [LETTER: 'Old boy network' deep in sexual crimes and threatened by Kane](https://newslanc.com/letter-old-boy-network-deep-in-sexual-crimes-and-threatened-by-kane/) - In our state we have a very deep rooted group of family politicians that have been in politics and business for generations. If you are part of the network and screw up, they find another place for you in government or give you a nice business job. All for doing your part for letting them - [Due process triumphs over LNP editorial hysterics re Kathleen Kane](https://newslanc.com/due-process-triumphs-over-lnp-editorial-hysterics-re-kathleen-kane/) - By Robert Field Wednesday’s LNP editorial “Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s resignation is long overdue” rejoices in her conviction and takes credit for their strident calls for her resignation, which began at the time of her grand jury indictment. More on that below. With Pennsylvania rated by Fortune Magazine as the fifth most corrupt state in the union and a - [The worst possible way to give to charity](https://newslanc.com/the-worst-possible-way-to-give-to-charity/) - Most people only allocate so much money to give to charity. And that applies to a community as a whole. Rather than having professionals throughly vet what local charities are most deserving of scare philanthropic support, we have channelled the generosity of our community into a popularity contest. Most of the beneficiaries are dogs! And - [Kane trial wrap-up: Was Kathleen Kane's jury trial rigged?](https://newslanc.com/kane-trial-wrap-up-was-kathleen-kanes-jury-trial-rigged/) - A series of pre-trial decisions rendered against Kane in the weeks and months leading to the jury verdict helped to seal her fate -- long before a jury was ever selected. In Pennsylvania, you are protected when you go along, and you're endangered when you don't. by Bill Keisling A show trial, Merriam-Webster's dictionary - [How Russians feel about the 25th Anniversary of the end of Communism in Russia](https://newslanc.com/how-russians-feel-about-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-end-of-communism-in-russia/) - By Slava Tsukerman Last week was the 25th Anniversary of the coup of August 19-21, 1991, an attempt to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev from his post as the President of the Soviet Union. Almost all of the members of the Soviet government of the period were involved in the plot. The plotters called themselves the State Committee on the - [PA defines corruption](https://newslanc.com/pa-defines-corruption/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: When it comes to state governments judged most corrupt, Pennsylvania stands out. In one study only four other states are considered worse than PA. The Center for Public Integrity graded PA with an “F,” either for failing or flunking or both. Conviction of Attorney-General Kathleen Kane for perjury and her subsequent - [LETTER: Third Parties Aren't Spoliers, They're at the Cutting Edge of Democracy](https://newslanc.com/letter-third-parties-arent-spoliers-theyre-at-the-cutting-edge-of-democracy/) - Just published in The Guardian: Third Parties Aren't Spoliers, They're at the Cutting Edge of Democracy, with the subheadline: A vote for the Republicans or Democrats is a vote for the status quo. Pressure from the radical left could be the beginning of a transformational change And, it's written by a very credible author! It concludes - [It's Official: Five States Will Vote on Marijuana Legalization in November](https://newslanc.com/78473-2/) - by Phil Smith psmith, This article was produced in collaboration with AlterNet and first appeared here. DRUG WAR CHRONICLE: Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan last week certified a marijuana legalization initiative for the November ballot, setting the stage for a national election that will see the issue go directly to the voters in five - [Kane Trial Verdict: The night of the long knives](https://newslanc.com/kane-trial-verdict-the-night-of-the-long-knives/) - Kathleen Kane remained a Rashomon Rorschach test, a carrier of what you believe she carried, a doer of what you believed she did, a sayer of what you believed she said. by Bill Keisling Defense lawyers and Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele spent nearly four hours on closing arguments in the Kathleen Kane - [Pennsylvania’s Attorney General Is Convicted on All Counts](https://newslanc.com/pennsylvanias-attorney-general-is-convicted-on-all-counts/) - NEW YORK TIMES: She was a rising Democratic star. She was the first in her party to be elected state attorney general. She was one of the most powerful women in Pennsylvania. But on Monday night, Kathleen G. Kane, the state’s top prosecutor, became a convicted criminal… Ms. Kane was caught up in a web - [Does Putin plan to invade Ukraine?](https://newslanc.com/does-putin-plan-to-invade-ukraine/) - By Slava Tsukerman This week Russian media was sporting titles like: “Russia is on the brink of a major war”. Reading Russian publications one certainly could come to the conclusion that the world is really facing possibility of an immediate start of the World War III. There were many reasons for such media outburst, among - [Kane Trial Day 5: AG Kane declines to testify, and rests her defense without presenting witnesses](https://newslanc.com/kane-trial-day-5-ag-kane-declines-to-testify-and-rests-her-defense-without-presenting-witnesses/) - Since state Treasurer Budd Dwyer's conviction and tragic death, this type of non-defense at trial hasn't been used again by state officials facing prosecution, and for good reason by Bill Keisling Almost 30 years ago, in December 1986, Pennsylvania Treasurer R. Budd Dwyer, on trial in federal court, declined to present a defense at - [Election day NOT the end](https://newslanc.com/election-day-not-the-end/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: On the morning of November 9 you will see the worst in our politic is not over. A Clinton victory will just be the close of the latest chapter in the unraveling of the greatest – and longest lasting – democracy in the history of our planet. Trump is certain - [GUEST COLUMNIST: David and Goliath, or Why the One Percent Has to Rig the System](https://newslanc.com/guest-columnist-david-and-goliath-or-why-the-one-percent-has-to-rig-the-system/) - By Polly Cleveland, PhD Malcolm Gladwell’s bestseller, David and Goliath, asks how and why the weak win far more often than we expect. What characteristics of the weak can sometimes make them strong? What characteristics of the powerful can often make them vulnerable? For a long-time inequality buff like me, Gladwell provides some new insights. Gladwell - [Kane trial extra: Court officials release transcript of FBI wiretap of Kane consultant Josh Morrow](https://newslanc.com/kane-trial-extra-court-officials-release-transcript-of-fbi-wiretap-of-kane-consultant-josh-morrow/) - The value of phone tap recordings like this to criminal investigators is that they are unrehearsed, and recorded at the time of an alleged crime. There's little opportunity for someone like Morrow to rehearse a story, or say he can't remember what happened. by Bill Keisling Not long after the prosecution and defense rested Friday in - [Greetings from Earth!](https://newslanc.com/greetings-from-earth/) - (The following originally appeared at our sister publication The Budapest Sentinel, and appears here by permission.) Dear Supreme Leader: I am pleased to report that we have finally discovered another place in the vast cosmos resembling our home world. Situated in the western part of the Eurasian subcontinent, Hungary has anticipated many of the best - [Kane Trial Day 4: Consultant says he conspired with AG Kane to leak grand jury material](https://newslanc.com/kane-trial-day-4-consultant-says-he-conspired-with-ag-kane-to-leak-grand-jury-material/) - Political consultant Josh Morrow says he and Attorney General Kathleen Kane cooked up a cover story designed to conceal their involvement in the leak and to make Kane's former second-in-command, Adrian King, the fall guy by Bill Keisling Philadelphia-based political consultant Josh Morrow testified at trial Thursday that he and Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane conspired - [Kane Trial Day 3: Back stabbing, broken trust, and a clown newspaper company](https://newslanc.com/kane-trial-day-3-back-stabbing-broken-trust-and-a-clown-newspaper-company/) - Adrian King says his old friend Kathleen Kane is trying to frame him by Bill Keisling Wednesday, August 10 -- To hear former First Deputy Attorney General Adrian King tell it, his boss, Attorney General Kathleen Kane, one day simply and without explanation asked him to deliver a plain manila envelope to a political operative - [LNP report confirms NewsLanc’s CRIZ revelation but stretches credibility](https://newslanc.com/lnp-report-confirms-newslancs-criz-revelation-but-stretches-credibility/) - It is not surprising the well meaning and competent LNP reporter who reported on July 24 “CRIZ 2.0: Big things expected from revamped tax incentive” failed to recognize the significance of a misleading clause that bestowed up to an $18 million rebate of taxpayers money on Penn Square Partners (PSP), equitable owner of the - [Associated Press report on Kane trial is an exhibit of outrageous media bias](https://newslanc.com/associated-press-report-on-kane-trial-is-an-exhibit-of-outrageous-media-bias/) - As an example of just how ignorant and careless the media is concerning Kathleen Kane’s tribulations as Attorney General, we invite readers to review the following AP article syndicated to newspapers and then compare what NewsLanc columnist Bill Keisling reports concerning happenings on day three of the trial Question for Ms Dale: Where is the rest of the - [Obama Administration Set to Remove Barrier to Marijuana Research](https://newslanc.com/obama-administration-set-to-remove-barrier-to-marijuana-research/) - NEW YORK TIMES: The Obama administration is planning to remove a major roadblock to marijuana research, officials said Wednesday, potentially spurring broad scientific study of a drug that is being used to treat dozens of diseases in states across the nation despite little rigorous evidence of its effectiveness… For years, the University of Mississippi - [Canadian friends not impressed with health care system](https://newslanc.com/canadian-friends-not-impressed-with-health-care-system/) - Re: "Solve the Real Problems – Poverty Retirement and Health Insecurity – and the Economy Will Recover" When I see the “study” was done by a special interest group, in this case the California Nurses Union who will benefit immensely, I am immediately suspect. Although I agree with many of the points made by Zeese - [LETTER: Will Jeff Hawks say the same about the Convention Center?](https://newslanc.com/letter-will-jeff-hawks-say-the-same-about-the-convention-center/) - Jeff Hawks column of 1/5/12 should be archived and rewritten when the Convention Center/Hotel fiasco falls apart in the future. Will he have the guts to rewrite and change the names??? - [Kane Trial Day 2: Opening statements, two witnesses: Bradbury and Beemer](https://newslanc.com/kane-trial-day-2-opening-statements-two-witnesses-bradbury-and-beemer/) - One begins to surmise that this will be a third-rate trial about a fourth-rate newspaper article Judge Demchick-Alloy already ruled that Kane's team can not make mention of the porno emails Kane dug up; now it appears the defense is barred from discussing Jerry Sandusky by Bill Keisling Tuesday, August 9 -- "'Revenge! Revenge is - [Kathleen Kane Trial Day 1: Jury Selection](https://newslanc.com/kathleen-kane-trial-day-1-jury-selection/) - It's a show trial, and the old and the new and something blue are on show, not just AG Kathleen Kane. Inside and out of the Montgomery County courthouse there's a sense that times are changing, whether Pennsylvania government officials like it or not. by Bill Keisling Monday, August 8 -- The heat that has - [Capitolwire: Overdose deaths spike, again.](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-overdose-deaths-spike-again/) - By Christen Smith Staff Reporter Capitolwire HARRISBURG (Aug.8) — Drug overdose deaths across the state increased 30 percent last year, according to the latest report from the Pennsylvania State Coroners Association released Monday. The association reported 3,505 overdose deaths in 2015 — a dramatic uptick from the 2,489 recorded in 2014. Initial data for 2016, the - [Why Russians prefer Trump?](https://newslanc.com/why-russians-prefer-trump/) - By Slava Tsukerman According to latest research of VCIOM (Russian State Public Opinion Research Center) Russians prefer Donald Trump rather than Hillary Clinton in the White House. Forty-one percent of Russians are interested in the Election campaign for President of the United States. Fifty-nine per center of Russians believe that the results of the American - [Pennsylvania lawmakers got it good!](https://newslanc.com/pennsylvania-lawmakers-got-it-good/) - By Dick Miller WE.CONNECT.DOTS: The heat wave that struck Pennsylvania this summer did not prevent Democrat Gov. Tom Wolf and the Republican-controlled legislature from doing a “snow job” on PA taxpayers. In early July they declared work finished on the fiscal 2016-17 state budget. They needed to get back to their districts and campaign for - [LETTER: "This election is over..."](https://newslanc.com/letter-this-election-is-over/) - From the time when I wrote to the Washington Post in December that Trump now owned the soul of the Republican Party, I was rooting for him to be nominated, because any other candidate would have been more difficult for Hillary Clinton to defeat in November. Once the Republican Convention drew near and anti-Trump movements - [LETTER: “LNP remains a lily-white 'newspaper'…”](https://newslanc.com/letter-lnp-remains-a-lily-white-newspaper/) - Re: LNP takes cheap shot at Hillary Clinton by publishing Lewistown Sentinel bogus editorial NEWSLANC'S editor responded to a comment: “EDITOR: We believe there has ben a significant improvement at LNP over the past year or two While we find fault with them from time to time, we also have reason to be displeased at times - [LETTER: There are good officials and citizens can help](https://newslanc.com/letter-there-are-good-officials-and-citizens-can-help/) - Re: Since 2008 medium income stagnates in PA. Salaries of state officials grow. First of all, not all legislators in PA accepted those COLA,s. Some donated them to charities or the state treasury. A few do not accept pre diems either. You need to find out who those folks are BEFORE you vote! - [LETTER: People need to be thinking about how our 200+ year Constitution needs updating.](https://newslanc.com/letter-people-need-to-be-thinking-about-how-our-200-year-constitution-needs-updating/) - A series of Supreme Court decisions (you mention Citizen’s United, but that is just one) have made it impossible to control money in politics without a constitutional amendment or the Supreme Court reversing a long line of cases. - [LETTER: The ONLY possible way for the Convention Center to generate what it needs](https://newslanc.com/letter-the-only-possible-way-for-the-convention-center-to-generate-what-it-needs/) - While I do not believe that the intent of the original backers was to open a casino, a casino is the ONLY possible way for the building to generate what it needs to generate. - [Lancaster arrogance, folly or deceit?](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-arrogance-folly-or-predatory/) - We recently discussed with a prominent mid-state business leader a puzzling aspect of how public business is conducted in Lancaster County. - [Court relaxes restrictions on Pa. car searches](https://newslanc.com/court-relaxes-restrictions-on-pa-car-searches/) - As NewsLanc said: PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE: Police officers in Pennsylvania will now have an easier time searching your car without a warrant following a state Supreme Court decision that generated controversy along predictable lines between law enforcement and privacy advocates... At its essence, the court ruled that police in Pennsylvania now have to meet only - [LANCASTER SUNDAY NEWS](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-sunday-news-84/) - In his weekly column, Gil Smart asks “Would pipeline benefit Lancaster county at all?” - [LETTER: Justifies Gray and Patterson doing nothing](https://newslanc.com/letter-justifies-gray-and-patterson-doing-nothing/) - How would bike sharing be funded? Beyond the initial investment, organization and maintenance costs could be substantial. Grants have dried up for the most part, as have donations by businesses. - [LETTER: First year health care for previously uninsured is costly](https://newslanc.com/letter-first-year-health-care-for-previously-uninsured-is-costly/) - Millions, who now have health insurance who previously did not, are now using the health system. They are sicker and have multiple problems; therefore more costlier to treat. - [Steinman Convention Center?](https://newslanc.com/steinman-convention-center/) - Re: Steinman foundations join forces Yes, the Steinman Foundation(s) have certainly improved the quality of life for many Lancaster County residents (and those who are no longer residents) over the years. Perhaps if the Foundation were to make a considerable contribution to the Convention Center (for the naming rights?), and have that contribution earmarked for - [LETTER: Fulton Bank was very prudent to drop out of PSP](https://newslanc.com/letter-fulton-bank-was-very-prudent-to-drop-out-of-psp/) - Re: Two things Wells Fargo wants and the commissioners hopefully won’t do Are there any downsides for Lancaster County taxpayers if the Convention Center goes bankrupt??? If not, or if they are minimal compared to keeping it afloat; than let the bankruptcy begin!!! It should be obvious to everyone that a total rework of the - [LETTER: Solution to the convention center crisis](https://newslanc.com/letter-solution-to-the-convention-center-crisis/) - Bankruptcy is the only way to break the iron-clad “agreements” which created this mess in the first place. - [LETTER: Partners adamant for CC should be held responsible](https://newslanc.com/letter-partners-adamant-for-cc-should-be-held-responsible/) - I read “Crunch time for saving the Convention Center” with great interest. It has been, in my opinion, a project that should have never taken place. I have had that view from the beginning. It was mishandled financially and, yes, I believe misconstrued to much of the public. - [LETTER: To tax your competitors to build competition is not free market capitalism](https://newslanc.com/letter-to-tax-your-competitors-to-build-competition-is-not-free-market-capitalism/) - The business people that make up Penn Square Partners would balk if they had to pay to build their competition. - [LETTER: Is NewsLanc disingenuous over future debt?](https://newslanc.com/letter-is-newslanc-disingenuous-over-future-debt/) - Isn’t Newslanc more than a little disingenuous? Hasn’t Newslanc argued strenuously for greater debt knowing that future generations would have to pay for it? - [LETTER: Art Morris is WAY, WAY, WAY late to the party.](https://newslanc.com/letter-art-morris-is-way-way-way-late-to-the-party/) - Dale High and LNP, savvy and experienced builders and operators, absolutely planned for FF&E replacement. the problem is they planned for that to be paid for by the broke LCCCA, and they are broke in large part due to the unbalanced agreements they signed at the advice of their counsel...the former counsel of PSP. - [LETTER: Bad downtown decisions revisited](https://newslanc.com/letter-bad-downtown-decisions-revisited/) - In hindsight, I wonder how many of the power elite now wish that HACC had taken over the Watt & Shand building?? At the very least there would be much more daily downtown foot traffic from students/faculty who could also eat and shop downtown. - [Carol Petersen would make a great addition to NewsLanc](https://newslanc.com/carol-petersen-would-make-a-great-addition-to-newslanc/) - Re: Sunday News Columnist Carol Petersen’s Incendiary Swan Song Lets hope that Carol Peterson is not just a voice in the wilderness crying. I have always appreciated her thoughtful columns, although I have not always totally agreed with her on some of her positions. She has always done more than superficial research and provided stimulating - [LETTER: State responsible for school district’s pension crisis](https://newslanc.com/letter-state-responsible-for-school-districts-pension-crisis/) - The current crisis was created in early 2001 when the state legislature granted itself and many other state officials a 50% increase in its pension; to divert attention, 25% pension increases were given to all state and public school employees. - [LETTER: Prohibition is horrific policy](https://newslanc.com/letter-prohibition-is-horrific-policy/) - The focus should be on why prohibition is horrific policy, and how it causes an extreme amount of harm to our society. - [LETTER: “Opioids should be legalized before marijuana.”](https://newslanc.com/letter-opioids-should-be-legalized-before-marijuana/) - The most alarming trend is the suggestion that marijuana works better than opiods for pain. This just isn’t true and there has been research showing that marijuana can make pain worse for people. - [LETTER: Is Mayor Bill De Blasio eclipsing Governor Tom Corbett?](https://newslanc.com/letter-is-mayor-bill-de-blasio-eclipsing-governor-tom-corbett/) - Re: Mayor Bill De Blasio Promises To End Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides I hear Mayor DeBlasio is trying to rid NYC of the Central Park horse carriages. It appears the valuable real estate currently used to house the horses is coveted by a major developer/large campaign contributor of the Mayor. The developer is on record to - [CRIZ is a 'Pay Check Loan' for cities](https://newslanc.com/criz-is-a-pay-check-loan-for-cities/) - This is a device for the current generation to usurp the tax income that otherwise would be earned by future generations to meet the needs of our children and grand children. - [LETTER: Sen. Smucker legislation would render public education unsustainable](https://newslanc.com/letter-sen-smucker-legislation-would-render-public-education-unsustainable/) - This legislation that is initiated by conservative republicans with the relationship of The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and The State Policy Network (SPN) will end public education in leaving the public schools with the most difficult and costly students and an unsustainable infrastructure, that is the objective of ALEC & SPN. - [Some reasons for the scarcity of low cost housing](https://newslanc.com/some-reasons-for-the-scarcity-of-low-cost-housing/) - So much of the cost today is due to restrictive zoning and subdivision regulations, the very expensive and some say tortuous approval processes, governmental impact charges per unit (ostensibly to offset prior community investments in roads and utilities), and building codes (which add to safety.) - [LETTER: ‘Projections’ used to sell us a bill of goods](https://newslanc.com/letter-projections-used-to-sell-us-a-bill-of-goods/) - The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners, under the blind eyes of Paul Thibault, should never have accepted the garbage predictions brought to them by the LCCCA and PSP. Of course, the same counsel, Stevens and Lee, was representing both the LCCCA and the County at the time and had represented PSP prior to 2000. I am sure they were getting “great” counsel. - [Is it economically feasible for the Brunswick to prosper downtown?](https://newslanc.com/is-it-economically-feasible-for-the-brunswick-to-prosper-downtown/) - “The Brunswick need not compete directly with the Penn Square Partners’ Marriott, which aspires to be a higher-class facility. Downtown Lancaster as a whole, and specifically the taxpayer-owned convention center, could greatly benefit from lodging within easy walking distance that is of reasonably good quality yet is significantly less expensive than the pricey Marriott. - [Would miss Lancaster Newspapers](https://newslanc.com/would-miss-lancaster-newspapers/) - Re: Disagrees but encourages I would absolutely miss the Lancaster Newspapers. It’s far from perfect, but I believe the writer here is expecting too much from a paper that relies on advertisements to pay the bills. When the newspapers were rolling in money, not so long ago, they could alienate a few customers. That’s not - [Detroit Bankrupt: Federal Judge To Place City Under Chapter 9 Bankruptcy Protection](https://newslanc.com/detroit-bankrupt-federal-judge-to-place-city-under-chapter-9-bankruptcy-protection/) - "The citizens of Detroit need and deserve a clear road out of the cycle of ever-decreasing services," Snyder wrote. "The city's creditors, as well as its many dedicated public servants, deserve to know what promises the city can and will keep. The only way to do those things is to radically restructure the city and allow it to reinvent itself without the burden of impossible obligations." - [Ithaca’s Anti-Heroin Plan: Open a Site to Shoot Heroin](https://newslanc.com/ithacas-anti-heroin-plan-open-a-site-to-shoot-heroin/) - NEW YORK TIMES: Even Svante L. Myrick, the mayor of this city, thought the proposal sounded a little crazy, though it was put forth by a committee he had appointed. The plan called for establishing a site where people could legally shoot heroin — something that does not exist anywhere in the United States… But - [Why the columnists at the New York Times produce so much junk](https://newslanc.com/why-the-columnists-at-the-new-york-times-produce-so-much-junk/) - By Robert Field The first thing the New York Times should do is limit columnists to the publication of one article a month. No one can produce a worthwhile column each and every week. For example, Paul Krugman has been writing variations of the same three or four articles, if that many, for a decade. - [Senate GOP leaders' deceit on retirement age of judges ballot may boomerang](https://newslanc.com/senate-gop-leaders-deceit-on-retirement-age-of-judges-ballot-may-boomerang/) - Pollsters and public policy experts have long warned that when government is run by ballot questions, those who write the ballot questions will actually run the government. Now we see why. by Bill Keisling Facing the likelihood of a humiliating defeat at the polls for an ill-timed proposal to increase the retirement age of state - [More evidence of ‘Ole boys club’ desperation to block public hearings](https://newslanc.com/more-evidence-of-ole-boys-club-desperation-to-block-public-hearings/) - February 7, 2016 Featured, News and Commentary Comments Edit By Robert Field “As Porngate hits state high court, Sprague brought in as mediator” is an article in Philly.com. The idea is the Supeme Court Judge J. Michael Eakin would not be subject to any public hearing, but rather his fate as a judge would be - [LETTER: Pennsylvania justice system far too cozy](https://newslanc.com/letter-pennsylvania-justice-system-far-too-cozy/) - Re: KEISLING: Conflict of interest? Justice Eakin's wife is lawyer for Judicial Conduct Board chair There are 12.79 million people in PA. More than a few of them are lawyers. Is it not possible to create some separation between the judges and the judged? Of course Duncan has to be out, but they - [When did Judicial Conduct Board chair Jayne Duncan recuse herself from Justice Eakin's disciplinary case, and why?](https://newslanc.com/the-public-has-a-right-to-know-when-judicial-conduct-board-chair-jayne-duncan-recused-herself-from-justice-eakins-disciplinary-case-and-why/) - Justice Eakin's wife: Conduct Board Chair Duncan recused herself from Justice Eakin's disciplinary case Recusals have become an explosive topic in Pennsylvania court cases. Why? Common sense has gone out the window. The public has a right to know when Judicial Conduct Board chair Jayne Duncan recused herself from Justice Eakin's disciplinary case, and why. - [LETTER: First Deputy AG preventing AG from defending herself](https://newslanc.com/letter-first-deputy-ag-preventing-ag-from-defending-herself/) - Re: Re: Deputy Attorney General seeks to prevent independent investigation of e-mail scandal [First Deputy Attorney General Bruce] Beemer sent the letter regarding Kane’s alleged lack of authority to hire a special prosecutor — not to the courts, to one State Senator Lisa Baker, who is not even a lawyer, much less a - [LETTER: Perhaps Senate should move ‘Direct Address’ hearing to Salem, MA](https://newslanc.com/letter-perhaps-senate-should-move-direct-address-hearing-to-salem-ma/) - Re: KEISLING: Part One- The Pennsylvania Senate attempt at Direct Address of 1891 is so relevant today Superb investigative journalism! Kane is entitled to a trial. Perhaps the GOP “political sharps” realize that an early impeachment trial is incompatible with Kane’s anticipated criminal trial, in either or both of which Kane would be able - [KEISLING: Inquirer owner gives $10,000 to state House Speaker; Inquirer gets $583,705 in state ads](https://newslanc.com/keisling-inquirer-owner-gives-10000-to-state-house-speaker-inquirer-gets-583705-in-state-ads/) - H.F. (Harold Fitzgerald) "Gerry" Lenfest, owner of the Philadelphia Inquirer, donated $10,000 to Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai's campaign committee on October 4, 2014, in the same time frame as the Inquirer received the first of several rounds of state legal ads in late 2014. In 2014 Lenfest also gave Gov. Tom Corbett's campaign committee - [Philly Inquirer nets a questionable $583,000 from state, and stands to gain another $300K](https://newslanc.com/philly-inquirer-nets-a-questionable-583000-from-state-and-stands-to-gain-another-300k/) - Is the Inquirer bilking taxpayers and the Commonwealth of PA? If the judges stand their ground and demand a do-over election, it looks like another financial windfall for the state's financially strapped newspapers. None of the newspapers, meanwhile, seem to be complaining. by Bill Keisling (Editor's note: to view an Excel spreadsheet of the 2016 - [KEISLING: Part One: The Pennsylvania Senate attempt at 'Direct Address' of 1891 is relevant today](https://newslanc.com/part-one-the-pennsylvania-senate-attempt-at-direct-address-of-1891-is-so-relevant-today/) - A newslanc special feature FORWARD: Hoping to remove Attorney General Kathleen Kane from office and to silence her without a hearing, the leadership of the Pennsylvania Senate has invoked a 140-year-old constitutional provision called "Direct Address." Even though top members of the Republican party planned the Direct Address removal of Kane for more than a - [LETTER: Non-elected offices have created “little kingdoms”](https://newslanc.com/letter-non-elected-offices-have-created-little-kingdoms/) - Re: Lancaster Square East opportunities totally bungled… Unfortunately, Lancaster City and County are totally controlled by the Power Elite, in non-elected offices; who feel that they are far above everyone else in their little kingdom. They exhibit the attitude that, regardless of an individuals past experience or success, NO ONE is smarter than the Power - [LETTER:  Mayor Rick Gray likeable](https://newslanc.com/letter-mayor-rick-gray-likeable/) - Re: Lancaster Square East opportunities totally bungled... In one of my human development classes I scored an interview with the mayor himself. He went on a few tangents that didn’t have anything to do with success on the job. I liked him a lot as a person. EDITOR: I like him as a person too. - [LETTER: Request for thoughts on Bulova Building auction.](https://newslanc.com/letter-request-for-thoughts-on-bulova-building-auction/) - LETTER: I’m interested in your thoughts on the Bulova building, as it is in the same general area (see link). Perhaps you could post your ideas on NewsLanc.com? ROBERT FIELD: I refer you to article "Lancaster blunders and missed opportunities in 2015" As a long time developer, I think the land underneath the structure has value - [LETTER:  Rush to judgment re  AG Kathleen Kane](https://newslanc.com/letter-rush-to-judgment-re-ag-kathleen-kane/) - Re: KEISLING: PA AG Kathleen Kane: Gagged, bound, and tied to the sawmill Facts are what is in question. Unarguable is that Kane exposed a network of “good old boys” exchanging email that they should not have on government-owned computers. Many of those “good old boys” have been forced out of office or are in - [KEISLING: PA AG Kathleen Kane: Gagged, bound, and tied to the sawmill](https://newslanc.com/keisling-pa-ag-kathleen-kane-gagged-bound-and-tied-to-the-sawmill/) - Kathleen Kane posed a tangible threat to the well-entrenched cadre of corrupted officials from both parties who've been running the state, and who all rely on a turned blind eye. by Bill Keisling Pennsylvania ranks as among the most corrupt states in the union, we've been told by academics. But even those academic studies underplay - [Lancaster blunders and missed opportunities in 2015](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-blunders-and-missed-opportunities-in-2015/) - By Robert Field Looking back on 2015, we are again reminded of how difficult, most times impossible, it has been to avoid tragedies and spur improvements in Lancaster. Lancaster Public Library: We thought this fourth try through commitment to a very significant grant would lead at long last to the expansion and renovation - [Deputy Attorney General seeks to prevent independent investigation of e-mail scandal](https://newslanc.com/deputy-attorney-general-seeks-to-prevent-independent-investigation-of-e-mail-scandal/) - By Robert Field First Deputy Attorney General Bruce Beemer is challenging Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s hiring of outside lawyers to investigate a government e-mail scandal, according to an Pittsburgh Post-Gazette / AP report. Beemer previously was chief of staff to former Attorney General Linda Kelly. As a well meaning but perhaps a colossal act of - [Kudos to LNP for publishing NYT article re Kathleen Kane](https://newslanc.com/kudos-to-lnp-for-publishing-nyt-article-re-kathleen-kane/) - There it is, three normal columns wide and at the top of the front page - the New York Times' article that LNP headed “No Surrender”. The NYT coverage is by and large supportive of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, contrary to the premature and strident call for her resignation by LNP editors. (Perhaps due to - [LETTER: Long Live Lancaster Newspaper](https://newslanc.com/letter-long-live-lancaster-newspaper/) - Long live a newspaper in Lancaster Couny; I couldn’t agree more….just not under current ownership/management. Lancaster County/City residents deserve a newspaper with journalistic integrity and ethics. One that does not have a hand in the political structure, and one that will not feed at the public trough. One that is factual in reporting, one that - [LNP editorial neglects the significance of The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board Complaint re Justice Eakin](https://newslanc.com/lnp-editorial-neglects-the-significance-of-the-pennsylvania-judicial-conduct-board-complaint-re-justice-eakin/) - While LNP buries its head in the sand concerning the far more serious issue of who in the Attorney General’s department in 2014 redacted materials to exculpate Eakin, NewsLanc is very eager to get that answer. - [LETTER: Scott Martin was the only elected official to stand up to Lancaster’s greedy elite](https://newslanc.com/letter-scott-martin-was-the-only-elected-official-to-stand-up-to-lancasters-greedy-elite/) - istory will show that Commissioner Scott Martin was one of the best elected officials our county has ever seen. And he should be our congressman! But I will settle for Senator. And I am a life long democrat! - [KEISLING: Ed Rendell at AG Kane Senate removal hearing: "The wrong thing to do"](https://newslanc.com/ed-rendell-at-ag-kane-senate-removal-hearing-the-coolest-head-in-the-room/) - Rendell: "If your main complaint is the way she's conducted herself in office, impeach her. Don't use this method." Sen. Scarnati's Direct Address Removal Committee members are rather like kids who've found a locked gun cabinet, but who have no idea why the gun was put there, and how, or why it should be used. - [Two atrocities: One by PA Senate, the other by PA Media](https://newslanc.com/two-atrocities-one-by-pa-senate-the-other-by-pa-media/) - If the Pennsylvania Senate succeeds in forcing Attorney General Kathleen Kane from office by distorting the meaning of a long dormant 19th Century law, the entire concept of three co-equal bodies – legislative, executive and judicial – will have been replaced by the ability of the Senate alone to discharge elected public officials at its whim and pleasure. - [Kane refuses Senate committee request for documents; panel plans to issue subpoena](https://newslanc.com/kane-refuses-senate-committee-request-for-documents-panel-plans-to-issue-subpoena/) - Kane's office Friday issued a statement saying she will not comply with the committee's request because she contends that it has no lawful authority to take such actions under the state constitution. - [LNP aides and abets Inquirer hatchet job re Senate hearing on A. G. Kathleen Kane](https://newslanc.com/lnp-aides-and-abets-inquirer-hatchet-job-re-senate-hearing-on-a-g-kathleen-kane/) - Could it be that the only likely newspaper in the state to investigate LNP’s wrong doings in Lancaster County is the Inquirer? LNP’s chair certainly doesn’t want to anger the Inquirer’s editors. - [PART TWO: KEISLING: “Direct removal” (back door impeachment) wasn't meant to apply to attorney general](https://newslanc.com/part-two-keisling-direct-removal-back-door-impeachment-does-not-apply-to-attorney-general/) - By Bill Keisling Records of the 1873 convention tell the story To understand how and why this little-understood clause was added to the Pennsylvania constitution in 1873 we must read the records of the convention. Lucky for us, a rather full record of the 1872-3 constitutional convention was placed online by Duquesne University and can - [PART ONE: KEISLING: "Direct removal" (back door impeachment) wasn't meant to apply to attorney general](https://newslanc.com/part-one-keisling-direct-removal-back-door-impeachment-does-not-apply-to-attorney-general/) - In Kane's case, the state Senate is attempting a "back door impeachment," in violation of the sole powers vested with the state House of Representatives, and to which the attorney general was not intended by framers to be subjected. - [LETTER: Getting one’s act together](https://newslanc.com/letter-getting-ones-act-together/) - Lots of us have used and abused various substances, but some of us can get our act together when necessary, and others, unfortunately, can’t. - [LETTER: Newspapers are vessels to move public opinion](https://newslanc.com/letter-newspapers-are-vessels-to-move-public-opinion/) - Newspapers have long been vessels to move public opinion. Unfortunately what some call crony capitalism others call public service and of course the majority of citizens don’t care. - [LETTER: We all stand on the shoulders of others](https://newslanc.com/letter-we-all-stand-on-the-shoulders-of-others/) - Plagiarism is tricky. From the examples given in the newspaper yesterday, I wonder if the speech was legally the product of plagiarism. It was not a direct copy, even though the spirit of the speech appeared to be completely stolen. - [LETTER: Cycle of illegal cross border immigration and then reprieve](https://newslanc.com/62760/) - We seem to go through this cycle every 20 to 30 years. We look the other way as millions of mostly Hispanics cross the border while we give scrutiny to others who hail from other parts of the world. - [Lancaster County Convention Center Timeline - Revised and updated 1/'13](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-county-convention-center-timeline-rev-113/) - The timeline below covers the history of the Lancaster County Convention Center and Marriott Hotel project. The timeline is part of a comprehensive revision and edit of the convention center series originally published by NewsLanc.com. The entire revised series will be published in the coming weeks and months. - [CC Series Chapter Ten Revised: The County Bond Guaranty](https://newslanc.com/cc-series-chapter-ten-revised-the-county-bond-guaranty/) - After their latest legal victory in late 2002, convention center sponsors now looked to move the project forward without impediment in 2003. But they would have to do so without one of their most helpful hands in Harrisburg. - [AP study on college football players should leave no illusion about steroids](https://newslanc.com/ap-study-on-college-football-players-should-leave-no-illusion-about-steroids/) - But it's clear from the AP's work that college football players are pretty much free to use steroids without fear of discovery or penalty. That's the main takeaway, and the widespread shrug it elicited could be indicative of a general fatigue when it comes to the issue. Or it could be this: People who care about sports have a strange, conflicted relationship with the issue of performance-enhancing drugs. - [COLUMN: Signing bonuses for drilling rights arrive in west central Pennsylvania – Part Two](https://newslanc.com/column-signing-bonuses-for-drilling-rights-arrive-in-west-central-pennsylvania-part-two/) - Facts are difficult to come by. The drillers are large corporations with legions of lawyers and communication specialists. Information is released only when the drillers deem it necessary to advance their interests. The media in West Central PA asks no questions. - [Friedrich von Hayek, micro- economist, political philosopher, conservative construct – Part One](https://newslanc.com/friedrich-von-hayek-micro-economist-political-philosopher-conservative-construct-part-one/) - “The man who shot Liberty Valance” is the heading to a chapter describing the circumstances whereby the London School of Economics in 1931 awarded a professorship to a young Austrian economist to confront the evolving federal deficit spending recommendations for England of the popular and highly influential John Maynard Keynes. - [LANCASTER SUNDAY NEWS](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-sunday-news-33/) - Concerning Lancaster General Health, an editorial “Nonprofit?” concludes: “We can understand why some states and municipalities across the country have begun proposing and adopting limits on how much the leaders of nonprofit agencies can earn. - [Authorities had ample Red flags over fifteen years: Sandusky victims in their own words](https://newslanc.com/authorities-had-ample-red-flags-over-fifteen-years-sandusky-victims-in-their-own-words/) - EDITOR : Author / reporter Bill Keisling spent three weeks reviewing the 3000 page transcript from the recent Jerry Sandusky trial. The testimony from victims and witnesses provide much new and often shocking information. This is but the first installment of his excerpts and comments. - [Extreme County tax hike, and teaching old dogs new tricks](https://newslanc.com/extreme-county-tax-hike-and-teaching-old-dogs-new-tricks/) - The Commissioners could save another half a million if they found the courage to defund the bloated and inefficient Lancaster Library System and turned the money over to the individual libraries on a ratio based upon public use…. The System would neither be missed nor lamented. … - [Lancaster Acquisition of Harrisburg Incinerator Index](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-acquisition-of-harrisburg-incinerator-index/) - Index of articles about the Lancaster Acquisition of the Harrisburg Incinerator: Unwanted incinerator suitor says Lancaster authority went afoul of state law Does the proposed LCSWMA purchase of plagued Harrisburg incinerator make sense? Harrisburg incinerator may need millions in repair before sale LCSWMA’s CEO acknowledges lack of incinerator feasibility study Does Harrisburg’s incinerator have a - [LETTER: Unethical practices of Health Management Associates](https://newslanc.com/letter-unethical-practices-of-health-management-associates/) - (Re: A Hospital War Reflects a Bind for Doctors in the U.S.) Everyone locally should read this piece, because its sheds overdue light on the unethical practices of Health Management Associates, the for-profit megachain that owns two hospitals in our community. Attorney Generals in seven states are “…investigating physician referrals... - [Harrisburg Hope founder Alan Kennedy-Shaffer wins state appeal allowing him to continue with grassroots group](https://newslanc.com/harrisburg-hope-founder-alan-kennedy-shaffer-wins-state-appeal-allowing-him-to-continue-with-grassroots-group/) - HARRISBURG PATRIOT-NEWS: The founder of grassroots community group Harrisburg Hope has won the appeal he filed with Gov. Tom Corbett's office of Administration, allowing Alan Kennedy-Shaffer to continue leading the organization during his free time. The PLCB claimed Kennedy-Shaffer's involvement with the group violated the code of conduct because his organization promoted a political agenda. - [LETTER: Fat cat directors provide excessive compensation to friends](https://newslanc.com/fat-cat-directors-provide-excessive-compensation-to-friends/) - [Concerning article “McDonald’s Server Would Have To Work 550 Years To Earn CEO’s Pay”,] The astonishing aspect of this article is not that Johnson only makes $8/hour, but that Skinner makes $8.8 million. It’s proof that capitalism is not the invisible hand that Adam Smith promised it could be. - [LETTER: Just suckering the public](https://newslanc.com/letter-just-suckering-the-public/) - The comments at the end of the article are great. But the truth of the matter is right in the article itself. "Party officials said the review is aimed at studying their tactics and message, not at changing the philosophical underpinnings of the party.” - [LCSWMA’s CEO acknowledges lack of incinerator feasibility study](https://newslanc.com/lcswmas-ceo-acknowledges-lack-of-incinerator-feasibility-study-2/) - At the time of publication of “Does the proposed LCSWMA purchase of plagued Harrisburg incinerator make sense?” , NewLanc invited Jim Warner, CEO of the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, to comment by means of a Letter to the Editor. - [LCSWMA's CEO: "No situation where Lancaster funds will be utilized..."](https://newslanc.com/lcswmas-ceo-no-situation-where-lancaster-funds-will-be-utilized/) - Since spring 2011, LCSWMA has endeavored to acquire the Harrisburg MERRF (Materials Energy Recycling Recovery Facility) in a very public, transparent manner. We submitted two initial proposals, in March and May of 2011, with wide distribution to Harrisburg and Lancaster officials; as well as posted the proposals on our website for public access. - [Digital health records incentive challenged by Joe Pitts](https://newslanc.com/digital-health-records-incentive-challenged-by-joe-pitts/) - PITTSBURG POST GAZETTE: Four Republican House leaders sent a letter Friday to U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, asking the department to suspend payments to hospitals and physicians practices that switch from paper to electronic health records. The foursome -- Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Pitts, R-Lancaster; Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich.; Rep. Fred Upton, D-Mich.; - [Convention Center / Incinerator: Same story, different cast](https://newslanc.com/convention-center-incinerator-same-story-different-cast/) - The Harrisburg Patriot-News article is very interesting. If our local paper was not knee deep in it, I would suggest that you could read a very similar story in the Lancaster paper in 4 or 5 years on our convention center. Substitute your favorite local crooks, government swindlers and law firms sticking it to the - [Need to convince public that death penalty is unfair](https://newslanc.com/need-to-convince-public-that-death-penalty-is-unfair/) - Concerning a “Flagrant conflict of interests”: It’s always a sad day when the state puts someone to death. The fact that the crime was so long ago makes it even more sad, but it is the price we pay for the slow grinding wheels of justice. The accused trial wasn’t perfect but it was fair. - [Amtrak Reveals Plans for Expanded Parking](https://newslanc.com/amtrak-reveals-plans-for-expanded-parking/) - Approved site plans for future parking at the Lancaster Amtrak Station will provide for 89 more parking spaces. The plan also allows for a local bus canopy, taxi drop off area and a Trailways Bus canopy.The prior proposed plan, criticized by NewsLanc, only added 36 spaces, and those spaces were remote from the train station.According - [LETTER: Like it or not these problems require additional revenues to fix](https://newslanc.com/letter-like-it-or-not-these-problems-require-additional-revenues-to-fix/) - Re: Gov. Wolf’s smart political play is to let this year’s budget fight drag on In response to the conservative, pro non-Union teachers and non-Union public employees comments above. It’s not the union teachers or union employees that are causing the problems. It’s people like yourselves who are the problem. Like it or not - [Truth in advertising scam perpetrated by the state courts and General Assembly?](https://newslanc.com/truth-in-advertising-scam-perpetrated-by-the-state-courts-and-general-assembly/) - $2.6 million was spent by the Wolf administration to advertise the ballot question, as it was previously written, in state newspapers, and voters were repeatedly told in the state's advertisements to expect to vote on the issue in April Serious questions were raised about whether the Wolf Administration might not be upholding its statutory requirements - [LETTER: LNP editorial was just lip service](https://newslanc.com/letter-lnp-editorial-was-just-lip-service/) - The LNP editorial was just lip service, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they sent it to Mr. Stedman for his approval before running it. - [LETTER: “I am glad I am no longer a resident of Lancaster.”](https://newslanc.com/letter-i-am-glad-i-am-no-longer-a-resident-of-lancaster/) - Re: In Defense of ‘Daddy Justice’ I know Ben Vonderheide,and know he has an uncompromising level of integrity and honesty. I was victimized by Lancaster's Judicial racket for misdemeanor offenses stemming from the disease of addiction to alcohol. I thank God I left that town 10 yrs. ago because it was Philadelphia's Judicial system that - [Sometimes it only takes a few words in the right ear](https://newslanc.com/sometimes-it-only-takes-a-few-words-in-the-right-ear/) - An application for a variance under the zoning code had been filed to establish a methadone clinic in a township outside of Wilkes-Barre. The local Citizens Voice, a sister publication to the Scranton Times-Leader , had been critical in its coverage of the application. - [LNP editors owe Kathleen Kane and Lancaster public an apology](https://newslanc.com/lnp-editors-owe-kathleen-kane-and-lancaster-public-an-apology/) - uCertainly a matter as serious as calling for the resignation of an elected public official deserves some research, some questions, some reflection on the seriousness of the alleged offense. - [LGH to buck the trend by adding tower of new hospital rooms](https://newslanc.com/lgh-to-buck-the-trend-by-adding-tower-of-new-hospital-rooms/) - By adding a potential of 140 new rooms, the hospital flies in the face of the thrust of the Affordable Care Act and predictions of experts that the demand for beds will in general diminish by 20% over the next five years. - [LETTER: Another step by LNP to eliminate print edition?](https://newslanc.com/letter-another-step-by-lnp-to-eliminate-print-edition/) - I wonder what the advertising income comparison would be between the two formats? - [LETTER: First hand experience with Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania](https://newslanc.com/letter-first-hand-experience-with-judicial-conduct-board-of-pennsylvania/) - I had the distinct impression that the legislators on this committee were appointed to sit through my testimony (and that of others) were being punished by their superiors for some unknown reason. - [LNP editorial gets Manheim Township takeover of Overlook food service almost right](https://newslanc.com/lnp-editorial-gets-manheim-township-takeover-of-overlook-food-service-almost-right/) - mayor — who told LNP last week that the complicated restaurant business is a potential drain on tax dollars, and a distraction for local government.” - [LETTER: Kathleen Kane’s biggest mistake](https://newslanc.com/letter-kathleen-kanes-biggest-mistake/) - What’s coming next is the Feds doing just that and, when it does, Fina and his minions will have more to worry about than Kane finding their porno stashes. - [LETTER: In essence, this appears to be another Pennsylvania “witch hunt” of a woman](https://newslanc.com/letter-in-essence-this-appears-to-be-another-pennsylvania-witch-hunt-of-a-woman/) - Re: KEISLING: Inquirer and Patriot-News re Kathleen Kane: So much smoke, so little fire I posted the majority of this comment on the Facebook page of The Pennsylvania Civil Rights Law Network, as they have a link for this terrific article about what PA attorney General Kathleen Kane is enduring. In essence, this appears to - [KEISLING: Inquirer and Patriot-News re Kathleen Kane: So much smoke, so little fire](https://newslanc.com/keisling-inquirer-and-patriot-news-re-kathleen-kane-so-much-smoke-so-little-fire/) - The danger of a public trial for the newspapers and their sources is that the subject of porno emails, the copious and ongoing grand jury leaks of materials to the newspapers, and the Philadelphia newspapers' own role in alerting Corbett's cronies to Kane's "leaks" are bound to come out. - [Kane antagonists complain of slowness of due process](https://newslanc.com/kane-antagonists-complain-of-slowness-of-due-process/) - You have to give Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane's credit: she's managed to get the right people mad at her. - [Indiana Companies Press Pence: Take 'Immediate' Action To Ban Discrimination](https://newslanc.com/indiana-companies-press-pence-take-immediate-action-to-ban-discrimination/) - NEWSMAX: Indiana-based companies including Eli Lilly & Co. and Anthem Inc. pressed state leaders to enact legislation clarifying that the state’s new religious-freedom law can’t be used to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. “All our companies seek to promote fair, diverse and inclusive workplaces,” the companies’ chief executives wrote in a letter - [LETTER: Penn gets ‘cash cow’ LGH, Lancaster loses autonomy; leaderships get golden parachutes](https://newslanc.com/letter-penn-gets-cash-cow-lgh-lancaster-loses-autonomy-leaderships-get-golden-parachutes/) - This will not improve care; it will syphon funds to Penn. There is no “weakness” in our healthcare system and LGH is a cash cow. Penn gets LGH, the community loses autonomy, and the LGH leadership gets promises of golden parachutes for selling out a public entity. - [“LGH/Penn merger: Questions, but no answers yet” (or until deal is done, if then!)](https://newslanc.com/lghpenn-merger-questions-but-no-answers-yet-or-until-deal-is-done-if-then/) - Although unable to pry information out of LGH, the article did provide important information from other sources. - [KEISLING: The moral and ethical decline of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Part 3](https://newslanc.com/keisling-the-moral-and-ethical-decline-of-the-philadelphia-inquirer-part-3/) - It turns out, according to the Inquirer's own reporting (if you can trust it), this is not the only time that Frank Fina has gone running to the same grand jury Judge Carpenter with suspicious requests which serve to help Fina out of a serious problem. - [Decline of the Philadelphia Inquirer Part 4: Burning a source](https://newslanc.com/decline-of-the-philadelphia-inquirer-part-4-burning-a-source/) - Rather than go to jail to protect a source as most newspaper reporters would do, the Inquirer and Daily News seem satisfied to work with court officials to expose a source, and punish the source for giving them information. - [LETTER: Is there is minimum standard required to be considered a newspaper?](https://newslanc.com/letter-is-there-is-minimum-standard-required-to-be-considered-a-newspaper/) - I suspect actually producing “news” is just the necessary means of acquiring readership to justify advertising rates. It is all about them generating revenue from advertising and marketing. - [LNP's total abnegation of responsibility](https://newslanc.com/lnps-total-abnegation-of-responsibility/) - When the Lancaster public was informed of the local transaction of the century, that Lancaster General Health was on the cusp of completing a merger into the University of Pennsylvania Health System, the news was generated not by LNP but from an Associated Press report entitled “LG Health Nears Deal To Join Penn Medicine.” - [LETTER: Hispanics are not a race](https://newslanc.com/letter-hispanics-are-not-a-race/) - Re: Report: The ‘next America’ is now Hispanics are not a race, many are white in appearance, some are black, some are brown. These breakdowns of U.S. demographics are meaningless. Also the classification of people being born up to year 1964 as being baby boomers is also meaningless. I was born in 1961 and I - [LETTER: How would the U. S. react to a Russian sponsor coup in Canada?](https://newslanc.com/letter-how-would-the-u-s-react-to-a-russian-sponsor-coup-in-canada/) - If Russia had sponsored a coup in Canada, got a pro-Russia regime installed in Ottawa with a government wanting to join in military alliance with them, just what does anyone suppose the U.S. response would be? - [LETTER: Gov. Wolf sees the flaws in state store privatization proposal](https://newslanc.com/letter-gov-wolf-sees-the-flaws-in-state-store-privatization-proposal/) - If a one-time billion dollars is realized on the front end, the licenses have to be monstrously expensive, said cost also passed on to the end-user. Licensees will cluster in and around the five counties containing Pittsburgh and Philly – which generate nearly 50% of the cash flow. - [LETTER: Privatization will lead to increased prices](https://newslanc.com/letter-privatization-will-lead-to-increased-prices/) - Splitting up into small chains and mom and pop stores will NOT lead to cheaper prices. Lived in Maryland for years with privatized liquor and the selections were poor and the prices much higher than in PA. - [LETTER: Bush’s legacy; let him go defend it.](https://newslanc.com/letter-bushs-legacy-let-him-go-defend-it/) - Re: Iraqi forces tighten siege of Tikrit “Reconquered”, they re occupying unoccupied land around the city. They haven’t taken it yet. Saudi Arabia is already warning that this signals Iran taking over parts of Iraq, presumably the Shia dominated areas. And guess what? They are. One has to wonder how much longer the U.S. will - [Part 2: Pennsylvania judges make million dollar pay grab](https://newslanc.com/part-2-pennsylvania-judges-make-million-dollar-pay-grab/) - Nowhere did Segal use the word senile. Instead, the mandatory retirement age of 70 was part of a sweeping proposal to make our courts modern and impartial, and youthfully efficient, without political entanglements and chicanery. - [Part 3: Pennsylvania judges make million dollar pay grab](https://newslanc.com/part-3-pennsylvania-judges-make-million-dollar-pay-grab/) - Today's advocates of extending the retirement age of Pennsylvania judges to 75 intentionally ignore the political influence and corruption issues of the proposal, and instead try to change the conversation to medical issues. - [LETTER: No American troops for Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/letter-no-american-troops-for-ukraine/) - So if you really think U.S. troops, depleted and debauched from their illegal and immoral occupations of recent years, are going to take on Russian armor and infantry (still the best in the world) you’d be wrong. - [Harrisburg parking boycott](https://newslanc.com/harrisburg-parking-boycott/) - In reality, these shortfalls were both predictable, and avoidable. It's now clear that Corbett's receivership team overstated anticipated revenues in order to make the numbers work on paper, and to facilitate the city bailout of the bond dealers, whose lobbyists made political contributions to Corbett. - [MH370 search: Pilot Zaharie Shah named as ‘chief suspect’ by Malaysian investigators](https://newslanc.com/mh370-search-pilot-zaharie-shah-named-as-chief-suspect-by-malaysian-investigators/) - Malaysia’s criminal investigation into the disappearance of flight MH370 has identified the plane’s pilot as its prime suspect, it has been reported. - [LETTER: Convention Center Project opponents got it right](https://newslanc.com/convention-center-project-opponents-got-it-right/) - It is interesting to note just how much the “naysayers” got right. Project opponents appear to have been more accurate in their predictions than project supporters. - [The best present for Fathers Day? Stop bashing men](https://newslanc.com/the-best-present-for-fathers-day-stop-bashing-men/) - What could be more typical of the modern swing of the social pendulum (Zeitgeist) than columnist (and local defender of ‘virtue’) Carol Petersen’s “Dads play vital role in family”. - [LETTER: Iranian election shows people are against spiritual leader Khamenei](https://newslanc.com/letter-iranian-election-shows-people-are-against-spiritual-leader-khamenei/) - It is remarkable that the person with the second most votes, the mayor of Tehran, was also a moderate and also at odds with Khamenei. This goes to show that how much the people are against the spiritual leader Ayatolah Khamenei and how much they want to change the current policy. - [Bill Clinton Parts Ways With Obama on Syria](https://newslanc.com/bill-clinton-parts-ways-with-obama-on-syria/) - "Nobody is asking for American soldiers in Syria," said Clinton. "The only question is now that the Russians, the Iranians and the Hezbollah are in there head over heels, 90 miles to nothing, should we try to do something to try to slow their gains and rebalance the power so that these rebel groups have a decent chance, if they’re supported by a majority of the people, to prevail?" - [Bill Cluck and Bill Keisling exchange comments re Incinerator deal](https://newslanc.com/bill-cluck-and-bill-keisling-exchange-comments-re-incinerator-deal/) - “Let's set the record and facts straight. The ‘host fee’ is $1/ton of waste processed at the incinerator. It is a statutory requirement under Act 101, 53 P.S. Section 4000.1301. Once the City was no longer the operator of the incinerator, the host fee kicked in. - [Social Security a Ponzi scheme](https://newslanc.com/social-security-a-ponzi-scheme/) - Re: "Rubio to Newsmax: Determined to Fix ‘Broken’ Immigration System" The editorial comment implies a “Ponzi scheme” situation. The ratio of employees to those drawing benefits is now less than 3:1. This means a large increase in workers (tens of millions) will be needed to fund promised benefits doing jobs that for the most part - [Fire the dopes](https://newslanc.com/fire-the-dopes/) - Re: “County in Alabama Strikes a Bankruptcy Deal (= Corbett’s nightmare)” “Despite those concessions, residents of Jefferson County have still often complained that they were treated inequitably because several of their elected officials went to prison as a result of the refinancing, while no one from the bank was convicted of a crime. They have - [Ignore the facts. Incinerator deal plowing forward](https://newslanc.com/ignore-the-facts-incinerator-deal-plowing-forward-2/) - Corbett pulls together a way to see that most if not all of the debt is paid off, thus not only earning the gratitude of the lenders (likely in the form of huge campaign donations) but also creating still another feeding trough for bankers, attorneys, consultants and others as up to $350 million of bonds from LCSWMA and others are sold (who in turn should express their gratitude with campaign contributions.) - [LETTER: Convention Center debt too highly leveraged](https://newslanc.com/letter-convention-center-debt-too-highly-leveraged/) - Re: “In Pennsylvania, swaps are a $17.2 billion problem” "The convention center as designed by Cooper Carry is far too much facility for the amount of money that could have realistically been expected from the “hotel tax”. Consequently, the construction debt is so highly leveraged that the only way this integrated facility could have been - [Nuclear accidents relating to mining or uranium not reported](https://newslanc.com/nuclear-accidents-relating-to-mining-or-uranium-not-reported/) - Re: “Nuclear Power Falters, Engulfed by ‘Cauldron’ of Bad Luck” Reality of the risk, costs and slowness of coming online is hitting the nuclear energy. Major accidents will pop up now and then, but there are lots of constant environmental problems with nuclear. We just did a radio show yesterday with native Indians from the - [LETTER: Beware the Dominionists](https://newslanc.com/letter-beware-the-dominionists/) - Re: "Bob Dole: GOP Should Be ‘Closed For Repairs’" "Bob Dole was spot on with his criticism of the Republican Party. They have gone so far to the Right Wing that they are nothing more than obstructionists. The Democrats in many ways are no better. But there is a reason why the Republicans are obstructing - [LNP reporter coverage was both selected and limited by editorial policy](https://newslanc.com/lnp-reporter-coverage-was-both-selected-and-limited-by-editorial-policy/) - Re: “EDITORIAL: INTELL again slants Convention Center coverage” At the Thursday, May 25, 2013 public meeting of the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority, more information was released from the platform than was published in the newspaper. Scott Martin was named as having been actively involved in the negotiations with Wells Fargo, and it was clearly - [DEP documents reveal long history of hazardous waste at Harrisburg incinerator](https://newslanc.com/dep-documents-reveal-long-history-of-hazardous-waste-at-harrisburg-incinerator/) - EDITOR: Earlier this week, NewsLanc received about 1,000 pages of DEP files documenting the long history of environmental problems at the Harrisburg incinerator. The below, drawn from these documents, is the long history of unaddressed dangerous hazardous waste at the site. - [Marv Adams weekly column now a fluff piece](https://newslanc.com/marv-adams-weekly-column-now-a-fluff-piece/) - Re: "Is Ernie Schreiber at it again?" “Short answer…probably not. The ivory tower sees life through a different lens than 99% of the population…witness the lack of diversity within the walls of the management, editorial and reporting staffs. “Using the term journalistic ethics in any story about LNP is a stretch. Ernie was brought back - [LANCASTER SUNDAY NEWS](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-sunday-news-54/) - In a column “Where politics trumps principle” , Gil Smart writes: “…But what becomes clear now — and should have been clear all along — is that Obama, and the type of governing ‘liberalism’ he represents, is a mirage. This is simply more of the same. - [LANCASTER NEW ERA](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-new-era-52/) - Editorial “Hershey Trust’s flawed strategy”* concludes “Nonetheless, the Trust’s wheeling and dealing up to this point has emitted an odor, and it doesn’t smell like chocolate.” WATCHDOG: A wag of the tail for the editors addressing the subject, albeit it with ‘kid gloves.’ What they do not mention is the Trust has been used as - [Just when most needed, LCSWMA board cancels its May meeting](https://newslanc.com/just-when-most-needed-lcswma-board-cancels-its-may-meeting/) - "Eighty percent of life is just showing up," Woody Allen once remarked. By this simple measure, the board of directors of the Lancaster County Solid Waste (LCSWMA) failed this week, as they didn't even bother to show up for this month's board meeting scheduled for Friday, May 17. - [LETTER: Only executives benefit from LGH added profits](https://newslanc.com/letter-only-executives-benefit-from-lgh-added-profits/) - “The non-executives do not get to see any of that profit. Most regular employees have only earned about a 25 cent increase in pay, in the last several years. The organization has not filled any positions that people have left to go elsewhere. Many departments are struggling to perform patient care in a safe and efficient manner. - [Even 2 parent families can be screwed up](https://newslanc.com/even-2-parent-families-can-be-screwed-up/) - Re: Extreme Weather and Extreme Denial OK Dr. Tom. I used to smoke pot, occasionally and socially, I didn’t like the high it was too dulling. But I understand that we all have different chemical compositions and thus different experiences as the result of ingesting any type of chemical. Even if those differences are subtle - [Helmet saved writer's life](https://newslanc.com/helmet-saved-writers-life/) - If His Honor [Rick Gray] is so adamant about being opposed to the mandatory helmet law claiming it is a matter of choice, then why is he not also opposed to the seat belt law? - [Harrisburg incinerator bail out is at huge risk to Lancaster residents](https://newslanc.com/harrisburg-incinerator-bail-out-is-at-huge-risk-to-lancaster-residents/) - Based upon the information available from an uncooperative and extremely defensive LCSWMA , the entire deal as currently framed makes no prudent business sense. There is nothing per se wrong about a single entity such as LCSWMA becoming the de facto regional bulk waste disposal authority. But it should not be at the extreme risk and very possible huge expense to the residents of Lancaster County. - [LNP was not “taken advantage of” concerning Convention Center Project](https://newslanc.com/lnp-was-not-taken-advantage-of-concerning-convention-center-project/) - Re: " LNP once-enthusiastic faith costing it serious money" …The financial team at LNP/Steinman enterprises wasn’t “taken advantage” of. That someone would suggest so is just hilarious. The folks at LNP/Steinman were willing participants and saw the parking garage as a great investment and revenue generator. Quite simply, they were wrong. But that doesn’t mean - [NewsLanc acquires almost 2000 pages of Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority minutes](https://newslanc.com/newslanc-acquires-almost-2000-pages-of-lancaster-county-solid-waste-management-authority-minutes/) - For the past week, reporter Bill Keisling has ‘buried himself’ in records obtained from the LCSWMA through an open records request. He has discovered startling information that provides hard facts and substantiation to previous NewsLanc speculations and contentions, as recently described in “Can the LCSWMA fish swallow the Harrisburg Incinerator whale?” - [LETTER: Much to be investigated in local area if LNP chose to actually do so](https://newslanc.com/much-to-be-investigated-in-local-area-if-lnp-chose-to-actually-do-so/) - Re: “Withdrawal symptoms from omitting the newspaper at breakfast” LNP seems to be on a ‘crusade’ to identify themselves as the ‘local paper’, where they report on ancillary items of limited interest, or are self-serving for limited ‘power base’. - [LETTER: Lancaster Newspapers more like the Advertiser every day.](https://newslanc.com/letter-lancaster-newspapers-more-like-the-advertiser-every-day/) - Well…at least that leaves LNP off the hook….they don’t do BIG stories anymore, only “local fluff stuff”, sprinkled amongst an ever increasing number of ads….they are becoming more like The Advertiser everyday day!! - [SHORT FORM: Lancaster and Harrisburg waste authorities conceal a toxic mountain “time bomb”](https://newslanc.com/short-form-lancaster-and-harrisburg-waste-authorities-conceal-a-toxic-mountain-time-bomb/) - Many in Lancaster County are aware that Harrisburg is buried under a mountain of debt from its long-failed incinerator. Less known is what Harrisburg has buried under a mountain of toxic ash piled some 80 feet high next to the incinerator. - [An exchange re toleration of pedophiles and investigative reporting](https://newslanc.com/an-exchange-re-toleration-of-pedophiles-and-investigative-reporting/) - Long, long ago, while covering Three Mile Island, screenwriter Mike Gray ("The China Syndrome") made the point to me that a fatal error of aircraft pilots (and nuclear control room operators, and writers) is to focus on one gauge, and one theory, in a crisis, and in so doing limiting the operator's ability to look for other signs of trouble in a complex accident. - [Acceptance of Martin Plan first step for negotiations with Wells-Fargo](https://newslanc.com/acceptance-of-martin-plan-first-step-for-negotiations-with-wells-fargo/) - Imagine the following: LCCCA Chair Kevin Fry to Wells-Fargo Sr. Vice President: We would like you to lower the high fees and excessive interest rates that will come into effect in April and render the Convention Center even more insolvent. - [In Second Look, Few Savings From Digital Health Records](https://newslanc.com/in-second-look-few-savings-from-digital-health-records/) - NEW YORK TIMES: …RAND’s 2005 report was paid for by a group of companies, including General Electric and Cerner Corporation, that have profited by developing and selling electronic records systems to hospitals and physician practices. Cerner’s revenue has nearly tripled since the report was released, to a projected $3 billion in 2013, from $1 billion - [Friedrich von Hayek, micro- economist, political philosopher, conservative construct – Part Two](https://newslanc.com/friedrich-von-hayek-micro-economist-political-philosopher-conservatie-construct-part-two/) - Part One By Robert Field (Author's preface: Even the wife complained that reading the below tended to put her to sleep. But the intention is to share with the reader the type of economic matters that were being debated prior to Keynes' break through ideas which were the basis of The General Theory. Hayek remained - [Tsukerman on Russia Index](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-on-russia-index/) - Index of articles written by Slava Tsukerman Shocking inauguration of Vladimir Putin Protest meetings in Moscow brutally suppressed Putin's Cult Unexpected European Sensation The New Russian Government to rewrite history (again) The March of Millions Why was the scandal created by the Russian Government? St. Petersburg's Scarlet Sails Festival Russian police attitude towards demonstrators Flood - [Does hidden new Russian law make Far East a ‘joint venture’ with China?](https://newslanc.com/does-hidden-new-russian-law-make-far-east-a-joint-venture-with-china/) - The Russian Duma adopted the law "About the territories of outrunning social and economic development in the Russian Federation”. This law, violating the Russian constitution, gives the Russian government right to lease territories to foreign companies, annulling the rights of Russian owners of their land and property in the territories... - [The Ukrainian Army](https://newslanc.com/the-ukrainian-army/) - On August 11 a Ukrainian web site news.liga.net published a sensational interview with the commander of the Ukrainian Volunteer Battalion Dnepr–1 Yuri Bereza. What is the Volunteer Battalion Dnepr–1 and why an interview with its commander made such a sensation? - [Once again LNP Editorial Board is mindlessly piling on](https://newslanc.com/once-again-lnp-editorial-board-is-mindlessly-piling-on/) - Readers might want to compare LNP’s editorial “Applauding local religious leaders for acknowledging 'a great sin'” with the article by Dick Miller from www.weconnectdots.net that we re-published yesterday. The editorial board once again is feeding the mass circulation what it wants to hear: Protection of children from sexual predators. They say: “Earlier this month, Lancaster - [LETTER: Understanding Kathleen Kane's main point re porn e-mails](https://newslanc.com/letter-understanding-kathleen-kanes-main-point-re-porn-e-mails/) - An example would be, as a worker in an office would you exchange sexual emails with a co-worker or supervisor you don’t know personally? Would you exchange them with anyone other than someone you know has the same weird predilections that you have? So what does it reveal when judges, prosecutors and U.S. Attorneys are exchanging them? - [SHOCKING: Now LNP news coverage blatantly deceives readership about Justice Eakin](https://newslanc.com/shocking-now-lnp-news-coverage-blatantly-deceives-readership-about-justice-eakin/) - LNP front page along side the masthead: “Cleared: State Supreme Court Justice Michael Eakin didn’t send racy emails investigators said” LNP heading on the Associated Press article: “Panel found Eakin Didn’t send porn” Actual Associated Press headline: “Eakin cleared in 2014 after panel found he didn't email porn. - [Higher estate taxes on the top 0.01% is would have twin benefits](https://newslanc.com/higher-estate-taxes-on-the-top-0-01-is-would-have-twin-benefits/) - Not only is this a huge source of potential revenue, but it serves to mitigate the negative impact of huge fortunes passing from the reasonably responsible hands of the earners to the haphazard, inexperienced and untested recipients. - [Joe Kennedy said “All businessmen are SOBs.” Not all.](https://newslanc.com/joe-kennedy-said-all-businessmen-are-sobs-not-all/) - But what is startling to us is the willingness of decent business people to sit quietly and even hob nob socially with predators that openly and unabashedly mislead and loot the public. - [LETTER: Contributor's Pros and Editor's Cons for State Bar suspending A. G. Kane’s law license](https://newslanc.com/letter-contributors-pros-and-editors-cons-for-state-bar-suspending-a-g-kanes-law-license/) - Ms. Kane has and continues to receive her due process under the law. All of her supporters want her to receive a free pass, period. The state bar should suspend her license until she either successfully defends herself, resulting in the suspension being rescinded with no pregnant harm done to her, or she is convicted, resulting in her disbarment in which she is permanently removed from office. - [LETTER: What's not supposed to happen in a judicial system](https://newslanc.com/letter-what-is-not-supposed-to-happen-in-a-judicial-system/) - What of Eakin’s wife Heidi representing sinning judges before the Judicial Conduct Board? What of Judge Eakin playing golf with Jayne Duncan’s Judge and Heidi telephone the DA’s office and bragging about it? - [LETTER: Entire PA Supreme Court should resign](https://newslanc.com/letter-entire-pa-supreme-court-should-resign/) - The remaining few justices on the highest court in PA should also resign. They allowed this to continue for nearly a year. They should have stepped up to the plate, but they all failed. They’re no better than than Eakin, McCaffery and Castille. - [KEISLING: Citizens gather at state capitol to demand due process for AG Kathleen Kane](https://newslanc.com/keisling-citizens-gather-at-state-capitol-to-demand-due-process-for-ag-kathleen-kane/) - "We can't image Woodword and Bernstein telephoning John Mitchell and telling him, 'Your associate FBI director, Mark Felt, who goes by the name of Deep Throat, is passing out national secrets in parking garages around town.' But that's what appears to have happened in Kane's case." - [LETTER: LNP fears Kane will investigate ‘good old boys’ in Lancaster County](https://newslanc.com/letter-lnp-fears-kane-will-investigate-good-old-boys-in-lancaster-county/) - The single biggest reason that LNP’s ownership, senior management and editorial board is against our state Attorney General is their fear that she will eventually set her investigative sites on the corrupt ‘good ole boy/girl’ politics inherent in Lancaster City/County. - [LETTER: Supreme Court willing to ruin Kane to protect reputation](https://newslanc.com/supreme-court-willing-to-ruin-kane-to-cover-up-to-protect-reputations/) - One of our esteemed Supreme Court Justices engaging in inappropriate use of state e-mails and now we know in addition to their willingness to ruin Kane to protect their reputations they are part of a conspiracy engaging in an illegal prosecution of Kane. - [LETTER: Kane should do the right thing](https://newslanc.com/letter-kane-should-do-the-right-thing/) - This is a distraction to her job, guilty or not guilty. She needs to do the right thing. - [LETTER: Send the whole pack of Corbett cronies porno to news outlets (We disagree)](https://newslanc.com/letter-send-the-whole-pack-of-corbett-cronies-porno-to-news-outlets-we-disagree/) - So Kane just needs to roll the dice; they want to ruin her so she should just send the whole package of Corbett cronies porno stashes to every news outlet in the country. - [LETTER: "Informed people know it is just a vendetta"](https://newslanc.com/letter-informed-people-know-it-is-just-a-vendetta/) - Re: Kane case no slam dunk, defense attorneys say Doesn’t have to be a slam dunk; to most of the public an indictment is a conviction. Informed people know it is just a vendetta from Fina because he was caught with his porno stash. But the spectacle of public arraignment and finger printing, that’s all - [LETTER: Questioning the integrity of Tom Baldridge](https://newslanc.com/letter-questioning-the-integrity-of-tom-baldridge/) - The study was never confidential but its owners, the Lancaster Campaign/Lancaster Alliance – controlled by PSP with Baldridge as the trained lapdog and mouthpiece, knew it would not hold up to scrutiny. As the entire basis of the tax and project, the owners of that study knew it had to be released. It was finally released at the 11th hour by Tom. - [LETTERS: Some churches are inadvertent fire traps](https://newslanc.com/letters-some-churches-are-inadvertent-fire-traps/) - Re: Fire tragedy after tragedy, mostly due to blocked exits How do we get churches to maintain fire exits? I complained recently about a fire exit being blocked by a vinyl sign that was tied over the door. I was told that there was nothing to worry about. A previous church I attended did not - [LETTER: Supremes “are swinging for the fences”](https://newslanc.com/letter-supremes-are-swinging-for-the-fences/) - Re: Response to “Board Seeks Suspension of Kane’s Law License, Sources Say” So the partisans on the Supreme Court told the Disciplinary Board to send it their way so they can suspend her. They are swinging for the fence. If the trial turns out to be trumped up, like I think it is, they would - [LETTER: VA should be taking care of combat wounded, service related injured and then retired military](https://newslanc.com/letter-va-should-be-taking-care-of-combat-wounded-service-related-injured-and-then-retired-military/) - One of the GOP’s greatest wins would have to be in fooling much of the public into thinking that the Obama administration is responsible for the fiasco the VA is when in fact it was the Republican Congresses and Republican Presidents going back to Reagan that have underfunded the VA. - [LETTER: McCain was no hero](https://newslanc.com/letter-mccain-was-no-hero/) - Re: Trump and His Apologists Trump is a demagogue and the other sleazy pack of liars running in the Republican primaries aren’t? The WSJ have been lubing us up for another Bush presidency and they don’t like anything that could change that. Go Trump! I will vote for him; he is no more crazy than - [TSUKERMAN: Russia's out dated army and long expired nuclear capacities](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-russia-out-date-army-and-long-expired-nuclear-capacities/) - The functional period of operation of a nuclear charge of the Russian ballistic missile is ten years, and then the warhead must be returned to the plant, because it is necessary to change plutonium. Handling nuclear weapons is a very expensive process, requiring the entire industry for the continuous maintenance and replacement of charges. - [LETTER: Who will take responsibility for Lancaster’s decline five years from now?](https://newslanc.com/letter-who-will-take-responsibility-for-lancasters-decline-five-years-from-now/) - Re: Will CRIZ ruin downtown Lancaster investors as NIZ is doing to Allentown? 5 years from now, when downtown Lancaster is no longer “vibrant and robust’, will LNP, PSP and High Industries take responsibility? Will the authors of CRIZ take responsibility when businesses leave due to an unfair taxation without representation effort to save the - [LETTER: “Naïve and timid White House policy on the Middle East”](https://newslanc.com/letter-naive-and-timid-white-house-policy-on-the-middle-east/) - Re: Richard Holbrooke’s decline and fall, as told in Hillary Clinton Nothing in it surprises me very much. Much as I like Obama otherwise, I never thought that his foreign policy and the White House foreign policy team accomplished much for the United States. A major reason for the emergence of the Islamic State and - [LETTER: U. S. promoted civil war in Iraq](https://newslanc.com/letter-u-s-promoted-civil-war-in-iraq/) - A partition of Iraq has already taken place because, contrary to all of the propaganda about the U.S. “preventing” a civil war in Iraq, they in fact along with the British promoted it at every step of the invasion and military occupation. - [Russian Reaction to the Development of Their Relationship with China](https://newslanc.com/russian-reaction-to-the-development-of-their-relationship-with-china/) - On June 20, 2015, the International Economic Forum took place in St. Petersburg. It was announced at the forum that 29 new Russian-Chinese projects worth over $20 billion are already approved, and the total number of joint projects has increased to 58. Currently signed agreements between Russia and China signed agreements amount to over $1 trillion. - [LETTER: Asks if PSP has applied for a CRIZ loan](https://newslanc.com/letter-asks-if-psp-has-applied-for-a-criz-loan/) - Do you know if PSP has put in their CRIZ application? The only way I know to find out is by calling Randy Patterson. - [LETTER: “Reefer Madness” vs. “21st Century”](https://newslanc.com/letter-reefer-madness-vs-21st-century/) - RE: Capitolwire: Medical cannabis debate still raging despite General Assembly’s budget fever. Hello Rep. Matt Baker: While you were carrying out your 1937 “Reefer Madness” agenda the rest of the world has being catching up with the 21st century! Here are some of the highlights of this past week. BREAKING: U.S. Senate Appropriations votes 22-8 - [LETTER: “Heartening” but “No good solution to the problem”](https://newslanc.com/letter-heartening-but-no-good-solution-to-the-problem/) - Yes, the minimum and advisory standards for criminal behavior should be reviewed. It was intended to equalize the punishment for various offenses in order to create more justice, but it has served as a barrier to the true administration of justice and placed exorbitant power in the hands of the prosecuting attorneys who are in control of plea bargaining. - [LETTER: LGH charged almost 5 ½ times as much as under Medicare](https://newslanc.com/letter-lgh-charged-almost-5-½-times-as-much-as-under-medicare/) - hope a state law can be passed to limit the max hospitals in PA can charge over the Medicare allowance. - [LETTER: Bloomberg headline contrary to actual report that fracking does pollute](https://newslanc.com/70690/) - ... [M]unicipalities in western PA are saying they can’t remove this pollution with conventional means and the existing testing for harmful substances in drinking water might not even be including all of the toxins being dumped by fracking. - [LETTER: Sarah Palin and the GOP](https://newslanc.com/letter-sarah-palin-and-the-gop/) - I don’t know, I personally have always found Palin to be a shallow phony but that pretty much reflects the rank and file of the GOP who support any of the empty suits they have running that party. - [Vladimir Putin needs war in Ukraine to stay in power](https://newslanc.com/vladimir-putin-needs-war-in-ukraine-to-stay-in-power/) - In a Letter to the Editor entitled “How would the U. S. react to a Russian sponsor coup in Canada?,” the contributor sets forth legitimate Russian concerns about NATO’s long term aggressively building influence and often alliances along Russian borders. - [(If you look close enough) LNP has expressed concerns for the viability of Park City](https://newslanc.com/if-you-look-close-enough-lnp-has-expressed-concerns-for-the-viability-of-park-city/) - A reader alerted us of two articles on the subject by Gil Smart which we had not seen, apparently because they were not his regular column but posted at www.LancasterOnLine.com - [Letter: Corbett’s legacy, not Paterno’s](https://newslanc.com/letter-corbetts-legacy-not-paternos/) - Whatever games Corbett was playing as AG and Governor it meant that Sandusky went free to abuse other children. - [As Medicaid Rolls Swell, Cuts in Payments to Doctors Threaten Access to Care](https://newslanc.com/as-medicaid-rolls-swell-cuts-in-payments-to-doctors-threaten-access-to-care/) - For the last two years, the federal government has required state Medicaid agencies to pay at least as much as Medicare pays for primary care services. Family doctors, internists and pediatricians have thus received Medicare-level payments for primary care, with the federal government making up the difference in costs… - [LETTER: Praise for all three county commissioners](https://newslanc.com/letter-praise-for-all-three-county-commissioners/) - I think we should all thank the current three commissioners for their efforts over the past 7 years. By eliminating the plethora of redundancy taking place at the county and adopting a zero tolerance towards the misuse of tax payer funds... - [Why NewsLanc reps are back on the streets this weekend](https://newslanc.com/why-newslanc-reps-areback-on-the-streets-this-weekend/) - Despite the near freezing temperatures, we are distributing news letter because the public needs to know more about the proposed merger of Lancaster General Hospital with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. - [Is LGH / U of P hospital mergers a scam?](https://newslanc.com/is-lgh-u-of-p-hospital-mergers-a-scam/) - A primary rationale is to increase the hospitals’ bargaining power with the commercial insurers in order to be able to raise their rates. If many of the hospitals in a geographic region are art of a single hospital system, then the insurer must include them in a network and the hospital system can demand high rates. - [LETTER: AG office employees showed either lack of intelligence or concern](https://newslanc.com/letter-ag-office-employees-showed-either-lack-of-intelligence-or-concern/) - Re: LNP editorial “Linked to pornographic email scandal, Richard Sheetz could not stay on in DA’s office” The problem I see is not the morality of the situation, but the poor handling. By now everyone should know not to send questionable emails at work. To do so, shows either a lack of intelligence or a - [LETTER: Local media won't critique LGH / Penn arrangement](https://newslanc.com/letter-establishment-wont-critique-lgh-penn-arrangement/) - Can anyone realistically expect that LNP (or WGAL for that matter) will dig deep in any semblance of an investigative report against LGH? - [LETTER: The Turks hatred of the Kurds far exceeds their concern about ISIS](https://newslanc.com/letter-the-turks-hatred-of-the-kurds-far-exceeds-their-concern-about-isis/) - The Turks want above all to see Kobani fall to ISIS so there will no longer be a Kurdish presence on their Syrian border. - [A plan for a Constitutional Convention](https://newslanc.com/a-plan-for-a-constitutional-convention/) - By Kevin Zeese Convention USA is a website produced by a former Supreme Court Judge from Michigan. Judge Thomas E. Brennan has advocated an Article V amendatory constitutional convention since 1982. See his Law Review article. I was on a conference call with him last week and found him to be very serious about the - [LETTERS: Re "An individual spent over $100,000 for a two page ad in the NYT to share his views"](https://newslanc.com/letters-re-an-individual-spent-over-100000-for-a-two-page-ad-in-the-nyt-to-share-his-views/) - ...too many people forget that approximately twenty minutes to a half hour beforehand Begin called the British commander and warned him ahead of time that a bomb was to go off and to get his troops out of there, which he managed to laugh off. - [LETTER: NY Times is always hawkish in its reporting on war](https://newslanc.com/letter-ny-times-is-always-hawkish-in-its-reporting-on-war/) - Ukraine: This is much of the US making. Ambassador Nuland admitted the US has spent $5 billion to build NGOs to challenge the previous democratically elected government. - [LETTER: Let commuters absorb the full costs of rail service and parking](https://newslanc.com/letter-let-commuters-absorb-the-full-costs-of-rail-service-and-parking/) - Taxpayers already provide too much of a subsidy for Amtrak riders. - [LETTER: Limit government backed loan to students of engineering, computer science, and medicine](https://newslanc.com/letter-limit-government-backed-loan-to-students-of-engineering-computer-science-and-medicine/) - The simple fact is, that the more government aid that is available, the higher tuition will go. - [LETTER: Rep. Sturla’s statistics are irrelevant and misleading](https://newslanc.com/letter-rep-sturlas-statistics-are-irrelevant-and-misleading/) - [Representative Mike] Sturla is a perfect example of the old saying ” Numbers don’t lie but liars use numbers”. - [Understanding world from a dental chair](https://newslanc.com/understanding-world-from-a-dental-chair/) - In addition to a half-dozen comely assistants, Dr. Mong’s suite includes one room where an entire wall is a map of the planet. Sit in that chair and think about world issues. - [LETTER: NYC and northern NJ gambling will impact PA and AC revenue](https://newslanc.com/letter-nyc-and-northern-nj-gambling-will-impact-pa-revenue/) - I am all for casinos and would love to see one in downtown Lancaster at the site of our convention center; however, if we think they are the long term answer to our statewide budget problems, we have a much larger problem. - [LETTER: There needs to be honest conversations to find solution to pension problem](https://newslanc.com/letter-there-needs-to-be-honest-conversations-to-find-solution-to-pension-problem/) - There needs to be an honest conversation with employees and the union to find a solution to this problem that is workable and doesn’t continue to kick the can down the road. - [STUDY: Binge Drinkers Rule the World (?)](https://newslanc.com/binge-drinkers-rule-the-world/) - Research already demonstrates that young people use alcohol for social means…as a way of fitting in,” Dumas tells The Daily Beast. “Our research further suggests that young people might be gaining social status benefits via their heavy drinking, or that higher social status might encourage riskier drinking practices among young people.”… - [The Verdict on a Troublesome Carcinogen](https://newslanc.com/64459/) - "Some companies have stopped using formaldehyde, but the chemical is still found in nail polish, shampoo, soap, fabric softeners, hair straighteners, carpets and other consumer products…" - [NewsLanc seeks nominees for Convention Center ‘Honor Roll’](https://newslanc.com/newslanc-seeks-nominees-for-convention-center-honor-roll/) - NewsLanc is requesting nominations for it’s the Honor Roll. Otherwise we must rely upon our Convention Center Series to identify individuals and we know that such a list will be incomplete. - [Honoring those who challenged the Convention Center Project](https://newslanc.com/honoring-those-who-challenged-the-convention-center-project/) - Below are NewsLanc’s nominees for a Convention Center Project Honor Roll of individuals and institutions who exposed to considerable risk and criticism by challenging the feasibility of the project as gleaned from Newslanc's Convention Center Series. - [LETTER: Restoration of Penn State’s records and football program](https://newslanc.com/letter-restoration-of-penn-states-records-and-football-program/) - The speed at which Joe Pa was tossed under the bus was incredible, especially given the lifetime of dedication Joe gave to Penn State. - [LETTER: Entire family court system in Lancaster a sham](https://newslanc.com/letter-entire-family-court-system-in-lancaster-a-sham/) - The good news is that Jeffrey Reich is currently under investigation by the Judicial Conduct Board for having ex parte’ communication with an attorney about a case that, to date, he denies ever having. - [LETTER: A cry for justice for fathers and children](https://newslanc.com/letter-a-cry-for-justice-for-fathers-and-children/) - There is no doubt in my mind that Lancaster County PA courts system is corrupt and discriminates against fathers except the lucky few to whom they have to give custody too from time to time to try to prove otherwise on paper. It the quid pro quo status 80/20 percentage. - [The $63.6 million convention center ‘swindle’: Who were responsible?](https://newslanc.com/the-63-6-million-convention-center-swindle-who-were-responsible/) - NewsLanc has created a Dishonor Role of those who we believe stretched the bounds of ethical behavior and the law in bringing about the project. - [LETTER: it is unlikely wealthy people would create wealth for the purpose of giving it away.](https://newslanc.com/letter-wealth-redistribution-of-itself-would-not-solve-the-problem/) - As I look at the numbers, wealth redistribution of itself would not solve the problem, not to mention it is unlikely wealthy people would create wealth for the purpose of giving it away. - [LETTER: "NCAA threatened the dreaded 'death penalty'"](https://newslanc.com/letter-ncaa-threated-the-dreaded-death-penalty/) - When they make you an offer you can’t refuse, you don’t refuse. When the heat of the moment passes you can always go back to court and try to straighten it out. - [LETTER: A few feast](https://newslanc.com/letter-a-few-feast/) - Re: CRIZ corporate welfare at the expense of PA taxpayers CRIZ reminds me of a quote from the book The Godfather: "A man with a briefcase can steal more money than a man with a gun." Once again a few will feast while the multitudes starve. - [U.S. Soldiers Told to Ignore Sexual Abuse of Boys by Afghan Allies](https://newslanc.com/u-s-soldiers-told-to-ignore-sexual-abuse-of-boys-by-afghan-allies/) - The practice is called bacha bazi, literally “boy play,” and American soldiers and Marines have been instructed not to intervene — in some cases, not even when their Afghan allies have abused boys on military bases, according to interviews and court records… - [LETTER: CRIZ = Corporate welfare at the expense of PA taxpayers](https://newslanc.com/letter-criz-corporate-welfare-at-the-expense-of-pa-taxpayers/) - Your CRIZ piece was an eye-opener and should be required reading for EVERY resident of Lancaster County. This entire initiative is nothing but a giant shell game and scam to benefit the well-connected. - [Bloomberg Focuses on Rest (as in Rest [of the cities] of World)](https://newslanc.com/bloomberg-focuses-on-rest-as-in-rest-of-the-cities-of-world/) - Michael R. Bloomberg, determined to parlay his government experience and vast fortune into a kind of global mayoralty, is creating a high-powered consulting group to help him reshape cities around the world long after he leaves office. - [LETTER: If you knew you were going to die, why did you all just attack the guards whom you outnumbered?](https://newslanc.com/letter-if-you-knew-you-were-going-to-die-why-did-you-all-just-attack-the-guards-whom-you-outnumbered/) - The reason even the most violent, vicious criminal will cooperate is because there are many things much worse than dying. Many guards at this prison were former Soviet prison guards and they were specially trained to inflict unimaginable pain without killing the subject. - [Don’t tell F & M but “Court ruling strips Millersville University police of jurisdiction on some roads”](https://newslanc.com/dont-tell-f-m-but-court-ruling-strips-millersville-university-police-of-jurisdiction-on-some-roads/) - At the time of the F & M Security Police mugging of innocent bystander Ron Harper in the state right-of-way across from the residence of college president John Fry, NewsLanc’s research encountered that state law provides full police power to campus police within half a mile of any college or university own property! This flabbergasted us. - [LETTER: PA a failing civilization](https://newslanc.com/letter-pa-a-failing-civilization/) - It is known as a state run by the Democrats when actually it’s been run by the Republicans for the last 25 years. Prosecutors who do porn on their work computers trying to arrest the AG who could have arrested them. - [LETTER: Employee Retirement will cost SD of L an extra $4 million in 2013-2014](https://newslanc.com/letter-employee-retirement-will-cost-sd-of-l-an-extra-4-million-in-2013-2014/) - Even with the pain of increasing local real estate taxes, staff and program cuts are inevitable as a result of Pennsylvania’s gross mishandling of school pension funds over the past decade and a half. - [Some slight good news re Fukushima](https://newslanc.com/some-slight-good-news-re-fukushima/) - There has been some slight good news since we wrote our article, Japan is pledging more money to the effort -- this could literally cost a trillion when it is all over which will take many years -- and they are raising the salaries of workers. - [LETTER: Makes case for LBJ involvement in JFK assassination](https://newslanc.com/letter-makes-case-for-lbj-involvement-in-jfk-assassination/) - It seems EXTREMELY clear LBJ AND Connally worked together to lure JFK to Dallas as part of the plot to kill Kennedy. There’s just too much evidence; LBJ’s own mistress, for one, with the comment LBJ made to her the night before, and only 2-3 hours before JFK’s assassination, “…those sons of bitches, Kennedy’s won’t be able to embarrass me ever again,” . - [Providing job is as important as affordable housing](https://newslanc.com/providing-job-is-as-important-as-affordable-housing/) - Re: "Median wage falls to lowest level since 1998" All these data illustrate how Washington is failing to address one of the most basic needs of the American people: work. Unfortunately it’s not just Washington that misunderstands this concept. Many groups in Lanc county beat the “affordable housing” drum without focusing on the other half - [LETTER: In defense of Mayor Rick Gray](https://newslanc.com/in-defense-of-mayor-rick-gray/) - By Todd Smith, Lancaster City Councilman Re: "Good luck Charlie in getting information from Lancaster City" LETTER: This is not new information. If Charlie Smithgall would have showed up at even one meeting regarding the Green Infrastructure Plan he would have been privy to an itemized breakdown of Green Infrastructure projects and the associated wastewater - ["Cheap shots" and did LNP censure its own editorial?](https://newslanc.com/cheap-shots-and-did-lnp-censure-its-own-editorial/) - I’m sure that Mayor Gray was aghast that LNP allowed candidate Smithgall the opportunity to respond. - [LETTER: Health care and the camel’s nose](https://newslanc.com/letter-health-care-and-the-camels-nose/) - Re: “Reform Medicare by raising eligibility age” Let me again try to understand this proposal. Your idea will result in healthcare costs declining from 1/6 of GNP to 1/9 of GNP a 1/3 decrease). By healthcare costs you re including medicare, medicaid, and the VA. For some reason you fail to close the loop by - [LETTER: Gray will deny crime rise; Smithgall make vague promises](https://newslanc.com/letter-gray-will-deny-crime-rise-smithgall-make-vague-promises/) - As for the crime question, it is a big embarrassment to Gray and he will do everything he can to avoid the issue. LNP seems to be happy to sweep it under the rug for him. - [LETTER: Gray will deny crime rise; Smithgall make vague promises](https://newslanc.com/letter-gray-will-deny-crime-rise-smithgall-make-vague-promises-2/) - 1) what will either candidate do about a police department that apparently cannot solve 12+ murders – such a statistic does not bode well for the public’s (city and non- city alike) perception of safety when in the Lancaster area; and - [LETTERS: Private Equity Companies often ruin businesses](https://newslanc.com/letters-private-equity-companies-often-ruin-businesses/) - Re: "Dividend Recaps: How Private Equity Is Sucking the Life Out of Good Companies" I write computer code for a living. I have worked at a few places purchased by Private Equity Companies (PE). In my experience they come in and fire just about everyone who creates new products and anyone who makes a decent - [LETTER: How would candidates address Convention Center’s financial problems?](https://newslanc.com/letter-how-would-candidates-address-convention-centers-financial-problems/) - Re: "Smithgall lists his achievements as mayor; Gray remains silent" While I can’t disagree too much with the items that were listed; I would hesitate to rank the Convention Center as #4. While it undoubtedly has brought profits to PSP through the Marriott Hotel, I fail to see a significant impact on downtown businesses or - [LETTER: Charlie Smithgall responds to Anonymous](https://newslanc.com/letter-charlie-smithgall-responds-to-anonymous/) - Re: “Smithgall lists his achievements as mayor; Gray remains silent” - [LETTER: Obama Care the socialization of medicine](https://newslanc.com/letter-obama-care-the-socialization-of-medicine/) - But then, the wealthy editor of Newslanc, who lobbies continuously for more government intervention in all aspects of American life, doesn’t really care about the growing costs of government services and the subjugation of the citizenry, as he is able to obtain services without regard to cost for himself and his family. - [U.S. To Become World's Largest Oil Producer, Overtaking Russia](https://newslanc.com/u-s-to-become-worlds-largest-oil-producer-overtaking-russia/) - HUFFINGTON POST / REUTERS: The United States will become the world's largest oil producer next year - overtaking Russia - thanks to its shale oil boom which has transformed the global energy landscape, the West's energy watchdog said on Friday. The prediction comes only days after estimates by the U.S. government showed the United States, - [LETTER: Obama vs. other presidents](https://newslanc.com/letter-obama-vs-other-presidents/) - Re: John Boehner Blamed For Shutdown In New ‘Temper Tantrum’ Ad To Air During Sunday Football. Perhaps readers would like to know, of all prior presidents, whom, in Newslanc’s opinion, has caused more divisiveness than Mr. Obama? - [LETTER: “A disgrace to the profession”](https://newslanc.com/letter-a-disgrace-to-the-profession/) - "LNP will do whatever it takes to keep their PSP puppet in place. Their self-serving ‘journalism’ has become a disgrace to the profession." - [LETTER: LNP: “Slippery slope of unethical journalism”](https://newslanc.com/letter-lnp-slippery-slope-of-unethical-journalism/) - Rest assured; LNP will orchestrate this ‘debate’ to insure that ‘their’ candidate of choice and their ‘pet issues’ will receive the most attention and favorable press. LNP has no business ’sponsoring’ (what exactly is the cost of sponsorship for a debate???) anything that has to do the political arena….they have fed at that trough for too long already. - [LETTER: "Degenerate"](https://newslanc.com/degenerate/) - It is outrageous that someone would dismiss this woman’s monstrous behavior with the phrase, “Kids make mistakes”, and it is REVOLTING that someone would equate stealing a few bottles of liquor with the death of an infant and the abuse of his corpse. - [LETTER: Harrisburg should say “No deal”](https://newslanc.com/letter-harrisburg-should-say-no-deal/) - Harrisburg would be foolish to enter into another “stacked deck” agreement. Harrisburg should say “No Deal” and walk away. - [LETTER: Don’t blame the public](https://newslanc.com/letter-dont-blame-the-public/) - The ‘public’ never were really given a say in this project; other than a FOX43 poll which showed an overwhelming majority were OPPOSED TO IT…our duly elected officials chose to ignore public opinion, and were deathly afraid to challenge the ‘power elite’ of lancaster – opponents were thororoughly and unmercifully denigrated by LNP (a partner in PSP and a ‘power elitist’ of the first order). Had this dead -horse project been placed on a voter ballot it NEVER would have been given birth. - [LETTER: The Center will ultimately die - either as an empty building or casino](https://newslanc.com/letter-the-center-will-ultimately-die-eiether-as-an-empty-building-or-casino/) - Re: LETTER: PSP should make up all Convention Center deficits Why? I mean you and I both know that they should, but they were allowed to position themselves in a way where they have no liability and hold all the cards in a totally one-sided “partnership” with us so why would they? Morally they should - [LETTER: Is state CRIZ being created to save the Convention Center?](https://newslanc.com/is-state-criz-being-created-to-save-the-convention-center/) - It looks like the ENTIRE State funding from Senator Smucker’s “City Reinvestment and Improvement Zone” program will be going toward the LCCCA’s debt, something like $5 MILLION. So much for investing in “blighted” area. - [LETTER: LNP should investigate unsolved murders with Lancaster City](https://newslanc.com/letter-lnp-should-investigate-unsolved-murders-with-lancaster-city/) - I agree with the first responder…both Smithgall and Gray will do whatever LNP/PSP wants them to do. Neither of them has the courage to challenge the “Lancaster Elite”, or to do what is in the best interest of city/county residents when it comes to the albatross CC/Marriott. - [Pricked pride](https://newslanc.com/pricked-pride/) - Cathy called to say she was having car trouble and would be a little late for work so I was handing out NewsLanc’s weekly newsletters outside the Central Market. While accepting a newsletter, a middle age lady of pleasant demeanor asked if I recalled the article concerning insects. I suddenly swelled with pride, the article - [INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL NEW ERA](https://newslanc.com/intelligencer-juornal-new-era/) - Front page article “New details emerge about sale of Harrisburg incinerator to Lancaster County waste authority” reports: “The county waste authority approved agreements Thursday to purchase Harrisburg's troubled, debt-ridden, trash-burning incinerator for $130.7 million.” WATCHDOG: Big news: The LCSWMA that has negotiated the acquisition of the Harrisburg Incinerator has now approved the acquisition of the - [Online studies need to be economical and from respected schools](https://newslanc.com/online-studies-need-to-be-economical-and-from-respected-schools/) - Re: “Virtual U: Master’s Degree Is New Frontier of Study Online” The idea of online learning being the new, and cheaper, future is great. If we can in fact get there, particularly on the cheaper front. The problem with online learning is many that are less expensive are not through schools that are considered accredited - [Harrisburg Receiver Unkovic showed courage in identifying corruption](https://newslanc.com/harrisburg-receiver-unkovic-showed-courage-in-identifying-corruption/) - Re: Parties at center of Attorney General investigation of Harrisburg incinerator deeply involved in LCSWMA deal I am in agreement with the assessment brought forward by Bill Keisling. The offices involved sat on the information too long. Unkovic did his part, but those in charge for whatever reason, self interest or otherwise, sat on the - [Students should protest in peaceful and mature manner](https://newslanc.com/students-should-protest-in-peaceful-and-mature-manner/) - Re “Millersville students calling for new graduation speaker”: I, as a parent of a graduating senior, am shocked at their choice for graduation speaker. After making 4 years of payments to the school, I feel I deserve better. I know my child deserves better. I feel as if the audience will be held against their - [Street Cars: A bad idea finds new life](https://newslanc.com/street-cars-a-bad-idea-finds-new-life/) - An Intelligencer Journal – New Era article entitled “Hourglass Foundation speaker says young and old together revitalize cities” reports on a talk given to members of the local organization by Christopher Leinberger whom they describe as a “Land use strategist, author, professor and Brookings Institution Fellow”. - [Incinerator deal all about bailing out the banks and creditors](https://newslanc.com/incinerator-deal-all-about-bailing-out-the-banks-and-creditors/) - Re: “Is Lancaster to be sacrificed to save Harrisburg from bankruptcy?” Very good. What’s even more interesting now, is the fact that no one knows what direction the negotiations are going. [Every] thing is “top secret”, as the community get led by the nose right back into the rabbit hole. Even after all of this, - [Jane Fonda: 'A hero in my book'](https://newslanc.com/jane-fonda-a-hero-in-my-book/) - RE: “Jane Fonda: I Will Go to My Grave With ‘Unforgivable Mistake’ ” You write “Although her cause had merit and needed to be publicized, Fonda overstepped the legitimate bounds of political activism.” Perhaps, but even the publicity from her visit probably helped save many naive young men that might have died in that misguided - [Don't read this letter!](https://newslanc.com/dont-read-this-letter/) - Re: U.S. Senator, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, comes out in favor of gay marriage Good for Bob. People should be able to marry whom they want and as many as they want. Unless there is solid science barring a marriage there is no reason to regulate it. Now, when will he support legalizing drugs? - [Not an admirer of Marv Adams](https://newslanc.com/not-an-admirer-of-marv-adams/) - Re: “Writing 30 on a career” Comparing Marv Adams to anything but the [soldier] that he is/was at Lancaster Newspapers is too good for him. I could never for the life of me discern what is/was so compelling about his or his daughter’s little microcosm of the world. Having said that, Marv is/was the perfect - [Predatory interest on student loans](https://newslanc.com/predatory-interest-on-student-loans/) - Re : "Stockton, CA Eligible For Bankruptcy Protection, Judge Rules”: I’m guessing this is a win for taxpayers who will hopefully not have to pay higher taxes for excessive spending by politicians. Of course, the cost of borrowing will probably also rise. I guess that leaves college students as the only borrowers not able to - [It's an outdoor show, not a gun show](https://newslanc.com/its-an-outdoor-show-not-a-gun-show/) - Re: "Vendors: NRA's no sales policy shows preference for manufacturers over local shops" I agree. It’s about money, not gun sales. Seems to me one can go to the show and see all kinds of outdoor products including guns. The fact you can’t take a gun home with you is meaningless. It’s an outdoor show, not - [An overview: Take my incinerator, please!](https://newslanc.com/an-overview-take-my-incinerator-please/) - From the perspective of observers in Harrisburg, Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority's (LCSWMA) bid to buy the Harrisburg incinerator certainly is a big, and an important, piece of the puzzle to get Harrisburg on the road to solvency, and to keep the capital city out of bankruptcy court. - [LETTER: We already have our own clowns](https://newslanc.com/letter-we-already-have-our-own-clowns/) - Re: "Clown festival moves from Seaside Heights to Lancaster, Pa." May I be so bold as to suggest the out-of-town clowns play the “Lancaster In-Town Clowns” from the Lancaster Newspaper management, editorial and news writing staff; the mayor’s office, the police detective department, and oh yes, let’s not forget High Industries. - [CC Chapter Nineteen Revised: 'An alternate use for the site': The PKF Report](https://newslanc.com/cc-chapter-nineteen-revised-an-alternate-use-for-the-site-the-pkf-report/) - Any hope that selecting Pannell, Kerr, Forster (PKF) to perform the first genuine feasibility study on the convention center project would bring harmony to the the Lancaster community was dashed almost immediately after PKF's selection by the Lancaster County Commissioners. - [LETTER: The biggest hoax since the Vietnam war](https://newslanc.com/letter-the-biggest-hoax-since-the-vietnam-war/) - They pulled off the BIGGEST DEFENSE DEPT. hoax since the Vietnam war. A weapons inspector who worked in Iraq kept on going on TV before the war almost shouting...they will find nothing I know, funny how the BUSH administration didnt want to talk to him of all people but to powerful rich Iraqis who had everything to gain from a U.S. invasion. - [LETTER: Mayor Gray has high approval rating](https://newslanc.com/mayor-gray-has-high-approval-rating/) - In most regards, I think that Gray is unopposed shows he has a high approval rating. Things are going well in the city and I believe most people feel the biggest problems are beyond his control (not that he isn’t trying to address them). - [Iran will cave; North Korea the big problem](https://newslanc.com/iran-will-cave-north-korea-the-big-problem/) - I have a hunch that Iran will give in to the demands of the P5+1. And the US will accept some enrichment by Iran. In return some sanctions will be lifted. Israel and by that I mean BiBi will be very unhappy. - [At Penn State meeting, Paterno questions linger](https://newslanc.com/at-penn-state-meeting-paterno-questions-linger/) - WILKES-BARRE TIMES LEADER: Penn State’s trustees heard Friday — if they didn’t already know — that the firing of football coach Joe Paterno soon after Jerry Sandusky’s arrest on child molestation charges remains an open wound among the school’s vast ranks of alumni… - [Pennsylvania courts in crisis Part 1](https://newslanc.com/pennsylvania-courts-in-crisis-part-1/) - With the conviction of Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin this February, Pennsylvania now faces the specter of the second legislative impeachment of a high court judge in 20 years. - [Showing proper respect for our flag](https://newslanc.com/showing-proper-respect-for-our-flag/) - Re “NRA raised $1.1 million in January”: Whoever took the photo for this article evidently has no knowledge of respect for the flag of the United States of America. The flag should NOT be worn as a piece of clothing. Seeing how the flag is displayed shows how so many people have no knowledge of - [CC Chapter Twelve Revised: New County Chair and TIF Time Warp](https://newslanc.com/cc-chapter-twelve-revised-new-chair-and-tif-time-warp/) - Lancaster County Commissioner Chairman Pete Shaub was not only making himself a nuisance to convention center project sponsors, he was also vexing those who worked with and around him. - [Minority representations on LNP staff](https://newslanc.com/minority-representations-on-lnp-staff/) - Re “Are editors of the Lancaster Newspapers latent racists?”: How many staff reporters/editors on the LNP payroll are minorities? That answer will determine if LNP is racist or not. - [Adult students often are passed over for loans](https://newslanc.com/adult-students-often-are-passed-over-for-loans/) - Re: Younger Generations Lag Parents in Wealth-Building A second major trend is the rise of student loan debt, which has continued to grow through the recession, sometimes saddling students with burdens that extend into six figures and might take decades to pay down. What’s worse is being an “adult” student. Those of us that have - [A pleasant dinner in downtown Lancaster](https://newslanc.com/a-pleasant-dinner-in-downtown-lancaster/) - While living in Lancaster has a number of benefits - well, at least it is a good place to raise a family – there has always been a paucity of good restaurants unless you like shoofly pie…ugh. Hence the incredible popularity of The Olive Garden where a tasty but pedestrian meal can be had. One - [Union workers have extracted wages and benefits beyond open market](https://newslanc.com/union-workers-have-extracted-wages-and-benefits-beyond-open-market/) - Concerning “EDITORIAL: Privatization doesn’t need to be crooked to be predatory”, Well let’s face it – the group shouting “Foul” the loudest in both cases are the unionized workers who stand to lose the most if these changes take place. But the lottery, state stores, and turnpike are big targets because the workers have extracted - [County contains 60 municipalities, 16 school districts](https://newslanc.com/county-contains-60-municipalities-16-school-districts/) - Concerning “If changing county form, go all the way: Consolidation”: The situation is even worse right here in Lancaster County. There are sixteen complete school districts, and part of a seventeenth; only one is really needed, and the efficiencies which would result could stabilize real estate taxes for some time. - [Leopard spots can't change](https://newslanc.com/leopard-spots-cant-change/) - [Concerning the “Inconvenient truth about Gore] A Dec. 9, [1999] editorial in the Lancaster [Pa.] New Era even published the polished misquote that the Republican National Committee had stuck in a press release: “I was the one who started it all.” The New Era then went on to psychoanalyze Gore. “Maybe the lying is a - [Randy Patterson may be Mayor Rick Gray’s Achilles Heel](https://newslanc.com/randy-patterson-may-be-mayor-rick-grays-achilles-heel/) - Mayor Rick Gray recently announced his desire to run for a third term in office. That over two terms nothing has been accomplished concerning Lancaster Square East, an eyesore in the very heart of downtown, could bea major election topic. - [Where does the other $2 billion of lottery revenue go?](https://newslanc.com/where-does-the-other-2-billion-of-lottery-revenue-go/) - Re: For Corbett, lottery privatizing is a game of chance “And the current lottery works well.” Works well for who (or whom)? The lottery brings in over $3 billion/year and only 1/3 goes to the seniors. Where, I would love to know, does the other $ 2 billion/ year go?! The lottery commission has had - [Explanation for $3.6 billion of Turnpike debt](https://newslanc.com/explanation-for-3-6-billion-of-turnpike-debt/) - Re: Turnpike fiscal mess in need of private cleanup The people of PA voted for Ed Rendell and we got act 44. Now the Gazette says the Turnpike is being mismanaged? From the PA Turnpike website: In July 2007, Governor Rendell signed Act 44 into law, requiring the PTC to make payments to PennDOT for - [An Unfettered Press: Libel Law in the United States](https://newslanc.com/an-unfettered-press-libel-law-in-the-united-states/) - That all changed in 1964 when the Supreme Court issued a ruling that revolutionized libel law in the United States. The famous decision in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan once and for all created a national rule that squared more fully with the free press guarantees of the First Amendment. - [INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL NEW ERA](https://newslanc.com/intelligencer-journal-new-era-28/) - Article “Court upholds dismissal of lawsuit filed against Lancaster Newspapers” states: "Lancaster Newspapers is gratified that the three-judge Superior Court panel that heard the appeal determined, like the Common Pleas Court judge below... - [LETTER: Hershey expands plant, cuts employees](https://newslanc.com/letter-hershey-expands-plant-cuts-employees/) - INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL NEW ERA Letter to the Editor: … “Consider the classic story, ‘The Emperor's New Clothes.’ Then consider the front-page story, ‘Hershey unveils plant expansion,’ on Sept. 19. The story began with some details: Hershey is doubling the former plant's size, transforming it into ‘the world's most technologically advanced chocolate making facility’ where, in - [One townships reaction to request for library funding](https://newslanc.com/one-townships-reaction-to-request-for-library-funding/) - Back in the early 90s, I worked as a stringer for the Ledger Newspapers, covering public meetings in Colerain and Little Britain townships. Having recently moved to the area from NJ, I was unaccustomed to the local brand of rural conservatism. Attending those meetings–often opened in prayer led by a local pastor–was a full-immersion baptism in Southern End ways. - [Caring isn't enough](https://newslanc.com/caring-isnt-enough/) - Do we really care about educating our youth….? What? We spend more on education than any society on earth. Of course we care. If test scores are any indication, we care much more than those we are trying to educate. - [Even the better educated suffer from stress in today’s circumstances](https://newslanc.com/even-the-better-educated-or-suffering-from-stress-in-todays-circumstances/) - In reference to “Life Spans Shrink for Least-Educated Whites in the U.S.”: Considering what stress can do on a person, coupled with the other factors they indicated, it’s no wonder that the life expectancy has shrunk over the years. Quality of life is not what it should be under many of the circumstances all people - [Wealth is not the real challenge](https://newslanc.com/wealth-is-not-the-real-challenge/) - “Mr. Kramer asked “Do you think the man worth $20 million is much happier than the man with $10 million?” He then answered his own question ‘Damn right he is!’ ” The surprising thing about money is that we all want more of it. However, speak to someone that has all the money in the - [LETTER: Razing of the Willow Valley Inn](https://newslanc.com/letter-razing-of-the-willow-valley-hotel/) - The most vulnerable are the hotels that do group business and Willow Valley has always done a lot of that business…mostly in the religious market. That is exactly a market that has been targeted by the CC. This project will hurt everyone! - [INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL NEW ERA](https://newslanc.com/42221/) - Concerning “Statement by a Group of Past Chairs of The Pennsylvania State University Faculty Senate Regarding the Freeh Report, the NCAA Consent Decree, and Their Academic Implications”: (Nothing) WATCHDOG: We could not find mention either in Wednesday’s print edition or by 7:30 AM on Wednesday at Lancasteronline.com. Either the news editor is on vacation or - [A constructive string of reader comments](https://newslanc.com/a-constructive-string-of-reader-comments/) - A letter “Abuse Hidden Behind the badge” has triggered a series of comments from both women and men. What started somewhat adversarial in tone has emerged almost as a consensus that more attention needs to paid to the abuses of both women and men, the need for fairness to fathers, and what is indeed in - [Sunday News report on Lancaster Square East both informs and raises questions](https://newslanc.com/sunday-news-report-on-lancaster-square-east-informs-and-raises-issues/) - A front page Sunday News article “Back to square one” is a gratifying summary of the past and current situation concerning downtown Lancaster’s greatest embarrassment, a situation that has been mishandled by City officials for at least five years. What stands out is the misdirection and at times ignorance expressed by City officials. - [A conjecture concerning Mike McQueary](https://newslanc.com/a-conjecture-concerning-mike-mcqueary/) - [In response to “Was Mike McQueary a hero or a coward?”] McQueary comes of like an opportunistic dupe who won’t state emphatically that he didn’t tell Paterno he saw a “rape.” He needs to be lie detector tested. I sense he saw something and later when he heard the Corbett stooges were at PSU looking - [PSU alum are angry as hell but...](https://newslanc.com/psu-alum-are-angry-as-hell-but/) - Watchdog, we PSU alums are angry as hell at Emmert and his tyrannical abuse of power. Unfortunately, every whisper of disagreement or protest about his egregious sanctions are met by the national media and pitchfork-toting public with “they still don’t get it” or “football is still more important than children getting raped” - [Its time for Gov. Corbett to be investigated](https://newslanc.com/its-time-for-gov-corbett-to-be-investigated/) - [In response to "Did Gov. Tom Corbett sacrifice Penn State to avoid investigations" It is about time! Corbett accepts $640,000 in campaign contributions from donors of The Second Mile (the same donors tied to a Phila pedophile ring), delayed the investigation and prosecution of Jerry Sandusky for three years (until after his election as Gov.), - [LANCASTER NEW ERA](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-new-era-65/) - The editors conclude “When the sanctions were imposed in July 2012, there seemed to be the general feeling that they were 'strong medicine' but necessary for an ailing football team and university. - [Did Gov. Tom Corbett sacrifice Penn State to avoid investigations?](https://newslanc.com/did-gov-tom-corbett-sacrifice-penn-state-to-avoid-investigations/) - ...From Bill Keisling’s report “Timeline Clery Act violations and failures to investigate by Tom Corbett and Penn State University” that on repeated occasions, first as attorney general and later as governor, it is clear: Corbett took steps to discourage the investigation of the criminal pedophilia of Jerry Sandusky; - [PSP should be held responsible](https://newslanc.com/psp-should-be-held-responsible/) - Submitted on 2012/08/08 at 12:03pm PSP strikes again….todays’ (8/8) Convention Center article (by PSP shill Brernard Harris, naturally) has PSP taking MORE income from meeting room space located within the framework of the Convention Center; and using public funds for renovation expenses to boot!!!!!!! PSP is an embarrassment to all city and county taxpayers; should - [Tom Corbett should do jail time](https://newslanc.com/tom-corbett-should-do-jail-time/) - Editor: The below is in response to "The shocking truth about Joe Paterno, Penn State and Gov. Tom Corbett" : "Don’t know what would be necessary to impeach Corbett, but whatever is necessary, whatever the cost, would be well worth it. He should also do jail time, he too, like the catholic priests who did nothing, - [Children are losers when fathers rights are ignored](https://newslanc.com/children-are-losers-when-fathers-rights-are-ignored/) - [Re Deprived of a Day in Court], I believe Ben is doing very important work in discovering and weeding out injustice in the court. Ben knows there are good judges and bad judges, the bad being influenced by the millions of dollars the VAWA laws provide. He also knows there are good fathers and mothers - [EDITORIAL: Does NCAA have authority to “kill” Penn State football?](https://newslanc.com/editorial-doesncaa-have-authority-to-kill-penn-state-football/) - The editor is not a lawyer. However, he has had over half a century of dealing with legal matters and he knows the importance of going back to the original source when doing research. Therefore we have downloaded and read NCAA Constitution, Operating Bylaws, Administrative Bylaws - ['Conspiracy' to drop kids from medical assistance](https://newslanc.com/conspiracy-to-drop-kids-from-medical-assistance/) - [Kids were dropped from state medical assistance] because Gov. Corbett tasked the PA DPW with cutting them. Their method to do so is to send applicants on an impossible paper chase with deadlines that can’t be met or to just lose the paperwork so that the children can be dropped from coverage. The private company - [Sandusky should have been arrested the first day](https://newslanc.com/sandusky-should-have-been-arrested-the-first-day/) - What [Kathleen Kane] stated is true of most states when it comes to prosecution of crimes against children. What was a one day investigation, in which a child was found credible and a caseworker found Sandusky to exhibit behaviors of a child sex predator, would have normally resulted in an immediate arrest, instead 3 years - [The biggest failing of Penn State University](https://newslanc.com/the-biggest-failing-of-penn-state-university/) - In large part, here is the media’s and public’s perception of Penn State's dealing with the Jerry Sandusky atrocities: Penn State and its football program = incubation of pedophilia. Ergo, no punishment can be harsh enough. Also, the circumstances concerning investigations of Jerry Sandusky’s pedophilia cover up over fourteen years of convolutions... - [NEW YORK TIMES](https://newslanc.com/new-york-times-26/) - Maureen Dowd in her column “Paterno Sacked Off His Pedestal” states: “But Freeh learned the sulfurous truth: that it was Paterno who persuaded Graham Spanier, who was the university president, Gary Schultz, a vice president, and Tim Curley, the athletic director, not to report Sandusky to state authorities. Eager to protect the brand and their - [NEW ERA / PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS](https://newslanc.com/new-era-philadelphia-daily-news/) - In a column, John Baer writes of Joe Paterno: “His reputation and success collapse under evidence that Joe was party to and, in one critical instance, instigator I nkeeping the truth about Sandusky’s sickening crimes hidden.” WATCHDOG: Growl: This is an example of columnist using secondary sources or failing to read accurate the original source. - [Concerning call for a referendum](https://newslanc.com/concerning-call-for-a-referendum/) - That is a nice sentiment but absolutely and totally unrealistic. When the referendum fails to support any type of tax increase the LCCCA will be standing in front of the Commissioners with their hands out because they cannot and will not ever be able to pay their obligations, let alone the building upgrades and replacements - [What about Convention Center expenses?](https://newslanc.com/what-about-convention-center-expenses/) - As cheerleader-in-chief Gib Armstrong once said, it would take a TMI like event to cause such a drop in hotel taxes as to jeopardize the project. That is the BIG LIE, and it was never challenged or questioned by LNP. What about the other side of the ledger? What about EXPENSES? It is on the expense side where the real peril of this project exists. Why? Because like a bunch of lemmings being led to the edge of a cliff we accepted the numbers that were bought and paid for by the LCCCA as gospel. Hotel taxes won’t fall by 50% but why won’t expenses rise by 100%, 200% or 300%? - [Convention Center shortfall actually estimated to be $1 million for the year](https://newslanc.com/convention-center-shortfall-actually-1-million-for-the-year/) - On May26th, NewsLanc reported: “According to the Convention Center Authority, the deficit each year amounts to approximately $500,000, largely because of a shortfall in projected revenue from the Hotel Room Sales Tax. (It reportedly has a cumulative short fall of over $2 million.)” - [Recovery will take time](https://newslanc.com/recovery-will-take-time/) - But at least jobs were created… Considering we are still in a recession and we are very slowly re-emerging from it, I’d rather see a few new jobs being created than none at all or even more being eliminated. People need to start remembering that it doesn’t take a long time for things to collapse, - [Harrisburg’s Debt History Concluding Chapters - Carpet baggers, politicians, muted media and compulsive borrowing](https://newslanc.com/harrisburgs-debt-history-concluding-chapters-carpet-baggers-politicians-and-compulsive-borrowing/) - "Harrisburg was a cool place to live 100 years ago," the librarian at the Historical Society of Dauphin County told me one day not long ago. I'd wandered into the library of the Historical Society to dig up information on the City Beautiful Movement, and Harrisburg's water supply at DeHart Dam, opened in the late 1940s. - [Politicians should clean up their own voter fraud](https://newslanc.com/politicians-should-clean-up-their-own-voter-fraud/) - If the politicians are so worried about voter fraud, why don’t they clean their own house first! How many votes are made by members not in attendance? How many votes are made by sticking a paper clip in their voting switch? How many other fraudulent actions are taken in the legislature that the public doesn’t - [LETTER: I find this article boldly inaccurate and slanderous.](https://newslanc.com/letter-i-find-this-article-boldly-inaccurate-and-slanderous/) - I have lived and worked in Moscow for 6 years and have yet to see anybody defile or rebuke the American flag OR its people (ME!)… It ISN’T Americans that many (NOT most!) Russians dislike, it’s our government. - [Night Wolf attempts motor rally to Berlin](https://newslanc.com/night-wolves-attempt-motor-rally-to-berlin/) - Night Wolves were initially denied entry by Germany's federal government, after criticism of their plans arose and Poland denied them entry. - [Putin's Biker Gang Lends Muscle to Rebel Cause in East Ukraine](https://newslanc.com/putins-biker-gang-lends-muscle-to-rebel-cause-in-east-ukraine/) - NEWSMAX: Dressed in leathers and camouflage, motorbike gang leader Vitali waves at two charred Ukrainian tank turrets decorating the entrance to his club as he recounts how his group has fought alongside pro-Russian rebels… The biker -- also known by his nickname "Prosecutor" -- is boss of the east Ukraine branch of the Night Wolves - [Is RNC about to replace Donald Trump with Mitt Romney?](https://newslanc.com/is-rnc-about-to-replace-donald-trump-with-mitt-romney/) - NEWSLANC EDITOR UPDATE, AUGUST 5TH: We were mistaken or mis-advised when we reported below that the RNC has the power to replace a candidate if he/ she withdraws, is incapacitated or otherwise. According to the Wall Street Journal “The party’s Rule 9 states that the party has the power “to fill any and all vacancies which may - [Practicing Muslims far outnumber practicing Christians in Russia](https://newslanc.com/practicing-muslims-far-outnumber-practicing-christians-in-russia/) - The population of Russia is about 132 million. Twenty million of them are Muslims. It appears like small minority. But it is an ideologically and religiously homogeneous minority. All identify themselves as practicing Muslims. - [Ukrainian Uprising](https://newslanc.com/ukrainian-uprising/) - Civil uprising, which started in Kiev in November 2013 as peaceful protest against President Viktor Yanukovich’s rejection of a free trade deal with EU, now takes violent forms and spreads to Lvov and other western Ukrainian cities. - [Mayor Gray owes Hamid Zahedi an apology](https://newslanc.com/shame-on-mayor-gray-for-blatant-falsehood/) - In an article appearing in the Intelligencer Journal New Era titled “Mayor, Lancaster city scrutinize Hotel Brunswick”, the following appears: “Gray said the owner, New York-based investor Hamid Zahedi, has told city officials the tenant is responsible for management and upkeep. - [Earlier efforts to develop downtown hotel](https://newslanc.com/earlier-efforts-to-develop-downtown-hotel/) - Your analysis of the Brunswick is dead on but we need to go back just a little bit farther to realize our foolishness. When the Brunswick was torn down for redevelopment the FIRST time, then Mayor Monohan went to the most successful local lodging group at the time, the group that had opened and was - [Romney Ohio Campaign Stop Interrupted By Protesters](https://newslanc.com/romney-ohio-campaign-stop-interrupted-by-protesters/) - HUFFINGTON POST: Protesters shouted throughout Mitt Romney's campaign appearance in Ohio with House Speaker John Boehner. Romney on Sunday gave an abbreviated campaign speech from the bed of a pickup truck in Boehner's home district. A small but noisy group of protestors shouted throughout his speech, which lasted about six minutes. The protesters shouted, "Romney - [LETTER: Smith Travel computer models overstate hotel revenues](https://newslanc.com/smith-travel-computer-models-overstate-hotel-revenues/) - I would like to add #5, to your list of 4 factors effecting Convention Center finances. The recent controversy between LNP and the Hoteliers on releasing their proprietary tax data sheds light on a 10 YEAR OLD problem with CC financing. - [Making every visit to the auto dealer pleasant and friendly](https://newslanc.com/making-every-visit-to-the-auto-dealer-pleasant-and-friendly/) - ...Reading things like that is what keep us coming back every day. We log (like many other professions) long hours and work nights that keep us away from our families each and every week, every month, and every year. Sometimes, the toll a 60-65 weekly schedule takes on us can seem like too much. Yet, - [SUNDAY NEWS](https://newslanc.com/sunday-news-219/) - In a news article titled “Climbing over towering mountain of debt” reports: “The ‘Fiscal Impact and Recovery Task Force,’ convened by the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau, released its long-awaited report last week and detailed the scope of the challenges facing the convention center. - [Pennsylvania names first director of medical-marijuana office](https://newslanc.com/pennsylvania-names-first-director-of-medical-marijuana-office/) - PITTSBURGH GAZETTE: The man picked to lead Pennsylvania’s medical-marijuana program, John J. Collins, will bring experience in public and private health services when he starts the job Monday… He will be paid $76,519 a year, according to the department. Implementation of the program is set to be complete by early 2018, about two years - [Insiders to Trump: Drop out](https://newslanc.com/insiders-to-trump-drop-out/) - POLITICO: Amid widespread chatter that Donald Trump could drop out of the presidential race before Election Day, Republican insiders in key battleground states have a message for The Donald: Get out. That’s according to The POLITICO Caucus — a panel of activists, strategists and operatives in 11 swing states. The majority of GOP insiders, 70 percent, - [LETTER: Tourist Bureau Speaks…what did they say?](https://newslanc.com/letter-tourist-bureau-speakswhat-did-they-say/) - So the PDCVB took their turn to comment on the state of affairs at the Lancaster Convention Center on June 6. Having a few hours free, I came to hear what they had to say. It appears to me that they spent a lot of time and a lot of energy to make six relatively simple points that I will list, in no particular order, and then provide further comment: - [LETTER: No exception. The Convention Center has failed.](https://newslanc.com/no-exception-the-convention-center-has-failed/) - [In response to “Surprise, surprise…convention center actually doing quite well except…”] The reality here is that there is no “EXCEPT” that applies. The CC project is paid for by hotel taxes. The CC project is supposed to generate hotel rooms. The CC DOES NOT and is therefore a failure in its primary mission. - [The governor’s bad week](https://newslanc.com/39059/) - YINZERCATION: …Tuesday, Gov. Corbett’s office refused to accept letters from school children in Pittsburgh, and was greeted with a rally at his front door in Harrisburg. (See “The Governor Must Listen.”) But Wednesday took the cake. Yesterday, Pennsylvania literally took to the streets, protesting Gov. Corbett’s education cuts with large demonstrations in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and - [Requests investigation of Gov. Tom Corbett](https://newslanc.com/requests-investigation-of-gov-tom-corbett/) - IF SOME REPORTER SEES THIS, IT WILL BE THE 2ND WATERGATE. PLEASE START AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE DOINGS OF TOM CORBETT GUV OF PA. THIS MAN IS SO CORRUPT IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE ANYBODY VOTED FOR HIM. HE HAS DONE NOTHING BUT BAD THINGS FOR THE PEOPLE OF PA ESPECIALLY THE LOW INCOME AND MIDDLE - [Calls for refrendum on any Convention Center bail out](https://newslanc.com/calls-for-refrendum-on-any-convention-center-bail-out/) - The only ones to which this makes economic sense are Penn Square Partners – who knows how much they they are profiting at the public trough? We need ‘full disclosure’ so everyone can see the true story. Our elected officials need to step up and do the right thing, and hold accountable those that should - [Closing Convention Center would trigger downward spiral](https://newslanc.com/closing-convention-center-would-trigger-downward-spiral/) - To [anonymous comment] - how exactly is [“Close it and be done”] going to help? Isn’t downtown Lancaster struggling enough without having yet ‘another’ empty building bringing things down? Instead of so many people fighting, still, about whether this convention center should have opened, why not help keep it going and bring more traffic/business to - [What the Convention Center CSL Report really said](https://newslanc.com/what-the-convention-center-csl-report-really-said/) - The "Conventions, Sports & Leisure” (CSL) Report is largely a white wash of the convention center project and provides no meaningful recommendations for stemming the losses. It tip toes around the projects deficiencies and ever so gently criticizes egregious errors and rapacious exploitations. - [Bill Clinton deserves some of the blame!](https://newslanc.com/bill-clinton-deserves-some-of-the-blame/) - I generally agreed with your commentary on Keynesian and the need for public spending to get the economy moving again. This seems so obvious yet it is debated. But, I disagree with you putting all the blame on Bush. No doubt his tax cuts were a contributing factor and continue to be a problem for - [More re middle class generates jobs, not billionaires](https://newslanc.com/more-re-middle-class-generates-jobs-not-billionaires/) - Yes, the obvious escapes us when there is so much propaganda surrounding us. Of course, jobs would be plentiful if the wealthy created jobs since the wealthy have more wealth than ever before in history. Another truth — government creates jobs. I wish Obama understood this one. Teachers, police, fire fighters, social workers, court personnel, - [LNP was willing passenger on Dale High's bus](https://newslanc.com/lnp-was-willing-passenger-on-dale-highs-bus/) - The editor may wish to give LNP a free ride but I do not. I am in total agreement that Dale High, has, and is driving the bus through his surrogates Cooley, Fitzgerald and Smithgall. That said, LNP is happy to be a passenger be it riding shotgun or sitting in the back seat and - [The World After America](https://newslanc.com/the-world-after-america/) - It was only through reading the Acknowledgment at the end of “Strategic Vision, American and Crisis of Global Power” that we discovered the reason between the deficiencies of portions of the first half of the book and the brilliance of the final chapters: They were drafted by two different aides! - [A valuable window into the world post 2025](https://newslanc.com/a-valuable-window-into-the-world-post-2025-4/) - America and the Crisis of Global Power.” He then proceeds, at times superficially, to discuss the causes of the decline of America and Europe. - [Keisling on Pennsylvania Politics Index](https://newslanc.com/keisling-on-pennsylvania-politics-index/) - Index of the ongoing series by Bill Keisling Six Decades of PA's Governors, AG's & Republicans Six Decades of PA’s Governors, AGs, and Republicans: Part One Six Decades of PA’s Governors, AGs, and Republicans: Part Two Harrisburg Watershed Series Part One- Private interests seek to grab invaluable water shed for pennies on the dollar Part - [Harrisburg's debt history: Fire and rain](https://newslanc.com/harrisburgs-debt-history-fire-and-rain/) - These days we often hear that a forest must occasionally burn down so that new growth can revitalize a forest. This is also true of cities. And it's certainly was true of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. - [Prosecutions, politics and critisms that Gov. Tom Corbett can't shake](https://newslanc.com/prosecutions-politics-and-critisms-that-gov-tom-corbett-cant-shake/) - The Harrisburg Patriot-News today publishes three articles on why Tom Corbett isn't worried about a Sandusky investigation, and related subjects. They were written by Charles Thompson, co-writer of the original "Bonusgate" article. - [The Paternos' response to Freeh](https://newslanc.com/the-paternos-response-to-freeh/) - The concern lies not in whether Joe Paterno failed to make a phone call. The concern is whether the attorney general's office in Pennsylvania was so badly dysfunctional and politicized that a phone call would not bring a meaningful, appropriate, or helpful response. - ["Silent no more" confirms everything](https://newslanc.com/silent-no-more-confirms-everything/) - The article confirms everything. Corbutt is rotten to the core! He munipulated everything for his gain and made Joe Paterno and Penn State his scapegoat and he did not once think of the damage he was doing to Sandusky's victims. Corbutt is as evil as Jerry. - [Sandusky victims in their own words, Part 3](https://newslanc.com/sandusky-victims-in-their-own-words-part-3/) - In the fall of 2000 Ron Petrosky worked as a janitor at the Penn State main campus in State College. "At that time I was what they call a grade nine janitor," he says. "I worked in the football building, (called the) Lasch Building. - [Throwing mud at Gov. Tom Corbett](https://newslanc.com/throwing-mud-at-gov-tom-corbett/) - (Re “Only an independent blue-ribbon panel can properly investigate the Sandusky scandal”) Bill, you certainly seem have a massive woody for Governor Corbett. What a stew you are cooking up. In this one posting you accuse him of enabling a debauched child molester, a crime which, when reported in 1998, was not prosecuted aggressively by - [Likelihood of Republican AG candidate investigating Tom Corbett](https://newslanc.com/likelihood-of-republican-ag-candidate-investigating-tom-corbett/) - (Re “Republican AG Candidate Changes Tune On Investigating Sandusky Case”) Saying he will doesn’t mean he will; Corbett is proof of that. It is as simple as this: PA DPW referred children to the Second Mile. Sandusky retired from PSU in ‘98. Sandusky was enabled in his child abuse by Second Mile and PA DPW - [Sandusky report's author Geoffrey Moulton addresses questions about where his review didn't go, and why](https://newslanc.com/sandusky-reports-author-geoffrey-moulton-addresses-questions-about-where-his-review-didnt-go-and-why/) - HARRISBURG PATRIOT-NEWS: …His assignment, the Widener University School of Law professor-turned-special deputy to Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane explained in a recent interview with PennLive, was always defined by some fairly strict parameters. He was to look at the actions of law enforcement from the date of the initial complaint against Sandusky in November 2008 - [LETTER: We are Penn State, Proud and Strong](https://newslanc.com/letter-we-are-penn-state-proud-and-strong/) - While you may believe all that you read remember the investigation was commissioned by the Board of Trustees who in their own right are part of the problem. If you are going to blame ONE particular person (JoePa) who acted appropriately then you need to go after EVERYONE involved. - [Tom Corbett gives the lie to Tom Corbett](https://newslanc.com/tom-corbett-gives-the-lie-to-tom-corbett/) - Amid growing concern that he did a scandalously bad job as state attorney general, Tom Corbett last week managed to call attention to his less than stellar performance as Pennsylvania's governor. Hours after the July 12 release of the Freeh Report on the Penn State / Jerry Sandusky scandal, reporters in Harrisburg asked Gov. Corbett about his two year delay in bringing the case to court while he was attorney general. - [Once again, LNP editors incapable of saying “We were wrong”](https://newslanc.com/once-again-lnp-editors-incapable-of-saying-we-were-wrong/) - Editorial at LNP is headed: "NCAA's fumbles don't absolve Penn State of its mistakes in handling Sandusky." According to the LNP editorial: “Jerry Sandusky committed crimes against children, and used the perks of the Penn State football program to groom his victims. - [Criminal Justice / Welfare System neglect deflected onto Penn State / Paterno](https://newslanc.com/criminal-justice-welfare-system-neglect-deflected-onto-penn-state-paterno/) - For those desirous of knowing what actually took place as well as the multitude infected by the current hysteria in large part instituted by former Attorney General and current Governor Tom Corbett to deflect blame from himself, the following re-print of Bill Keisling’s January 24th, 2012 article will serve as at least a partial antidote. - [LETTER: “Fina is a crooked cop"](https://newslanc.com/letter-fina-is-a-crooked-cop/) - Kathlene Kane promised to do a “no stone unturned” investigation of the Sandusky investigation, but limited her investigation to a small rubble pile in the midst of a boulder field. At a minimum, she should have addressed the fraudulent presentation and obvious evidence of prosecutorial misconduct. - [LETTER: Montgomery County hatchet job on Kathleen Kane](https://newslanc.com/letter-montgomery-county-hatchet-job-on-kathleen-kane/) - If a prosecutor can't get a grand jury to go his way, he should find another job. It's typical Pennsylvania politics at work and the Inquirer is buying into it to sell papers. - [KEISLING: The moral and ethical decline of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Part 2](https://newslanc.com/the-moral-and-ethical-decline-of-the-philadelphia-inquirer-part-2/) - For many in Pennsylvania, the suicide of state Treasurer Budd Dwyer remains the day when the Philadelphia Inquirer permanently went off the rails, created a fall guy, and made state politics a senseless, inhumane blood sport, not governed by facts, fairness, or basic human decency. - [KEISLING: The moral and ethical decline of the Philadelphia Inquirer](https://newslanc.com/keisling-the-moral-and-ethical-decline-of-the-philadelphia-inquirer/) - Though lots have been made of Kathleen Kane's inexperience, it was AG Kane's ignorance of the ethical cesspool at the Inquirer and Daily News that proved catastrophic for her, as it has for the public. - [LETTER: Making obscenity normal](https://newslanc.com/letter-making-obscenity-normal/) - It seems like an obscenity to celebrate a concentration camp, but it makes complete sense for people to feel gratitude for having jobs and to feel pride in performing them well. After a while, a concentration camp becomes simply a workplace, an enterprise that contributes to the local community by providing jobs. - [Learning from mistakes](https://newslanc.com/learning-from-mistakes/) - Re: Black Dolphin I feel so bad looking at where we are in society today I did a lot of stupid things in my past some of which earned me 3 years in federal lock up . I feel very lucky to have passed through the system when they were still focused on rehabilitation instead - [One Day of the Moscow Trial](https://newslanc.com/one-day-of-the-moscow-trial/) - The Moscow trial of the three members of the punk rock group Pussy Riot (whose “crime” was the subject of my previous report “Religious Conflict In Russia”) was in the center of public attention this past week not only in Russia, but also all over the world. - [21st Century Lancaster: The Public be damned](https://newslanc.com/21st-century-lancaster-the-public-be-damned/) - Anyone who reads “A City Transformed; Redevelopment, Race, and Suburbanization in Lancaster, Pennsylvania 1940 – 1980” by David Schuyler will be impressed with the openness of governing bodies to third party expertise and public debate. - [Let’s lease capacity, not purchase, Harrisburg incinerator](https://newslanc.com/lets-lease-capacity-not-purchase-harrisburg-incinerator/) - Re: “LCSWMA board minutes shed light on long road to buying the Harrisburg incinerator” Kudo’s to Newslanc for digging into this. What? Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements between public (taxpayer funded) institutions? Prices set by Dolphin County Commissioners? Dolphin County sets the price and LCSWMA pays it? Borrowing 150 Million dollars to buy a troubled incinerator - [LANCASTER SUNDAY NEWS](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-sunday-news-50/) - At the outset of the first of a two part series, “A burning question remains: Will county's deal for Harrisburg's incinerator go through?” states: “[Jim] Warner, executive director of the authority, said Moody's was clueless. ‘There is no doubt the bond industry has this bias against anything regarding the Harrisburg plant,’ Warner told a financial reporter. Yes, he said, the plant had problems in the past. But now it's running well and turning a profit.’ - [Harrisburg to seek bids to privatize sanitation and trash collection](https://newslanc.com/harrisburg-to-seek-bids-to-privatize-sanitation-and-trash-collection/) - City receiver eyes selling Public Works Building and grounds adjacent to Harrisburg's incinerator, to the Lancaster Authority with the incinerator, to bury ash. 'The secretive plan is driven by a perceived need to help shoe-horn the pending deal with the Lancaster Authority, whose bid to buy the troubled Harrisburg incinerator has run into increasing political and financial turmoil' - [AG wants to remove 3 leaders of Hershey Trust](https://newslanc.com/ag-wants-to-remove-3-leaders-of-hershey-trust/) - PHILLY.COM: In a sign of the continuing chaos at the top of the $12 billion Hershey charity, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office is seeking the resignation of three long-standing board members at the Hershey School for poor children, according to a letter from the office obtained by the Inquirer… The resignations would amount to - [Hershey Trust announces more student housing at site of controversial golf course](https://newslanc.com/hershey-trust-announces-more-student-housing-at-site-of-controversial-golf-course/) - In what some observers are calling a stunning about-face, the Milton Hershey School today announced it "will seek township approval to build additional student homes as part of its long-planned North Campus expansion on the site of the Hershey Links Golf Course and Pumpkin World properties." - [Extreme delay in Sandusky case is unacceptable](https://newslanc.com/extreme-delay-in-sandusky-case-is-unacceptable/) - [District Attorney Ray Gricar drops the ball] is a very interesting piece. I enjoyed the insight that you have provided here. I also know John Sesock to be a highly regarded, nationally known, expert in the field of child sexual abuse. Transferring of the jurisdiction back and forth between DPW in Harrisburg and the Centre - [District Attorney Ray Gricar drops the ball](https://newslanc.com/district-attorney-ray-gricar-drops-the-ball/) - In 1998, young victims surrounded Jerry Sandusky. Why didn't DA Ray Gricar make a serious attempt to find and interview them? - [Analysis of the Sandusky transcripts – Part Four](https://newslanc.com/analysis-of-the-sandusky-transcripts-part-four/) - Aided by state child welfare officials, Second Mile provided cover and protection for Jerry Sandusky, not kids. Failed state child welfare agencies close to Sandusky and Second Mile have yet to be thoroughly investigated. - [The Sandusky trial transcripts Part 2](https://newslanc.com/the-sandusky-trial-transcripts-part-2/) - This story is like a reverse Rashomon, the Kurosawa crime drama where everyone is interviewed and tells a different story. Here the repetition is a powerful indictment of Corbett and the investigators on this case. It's not as if Sandusky is going to a foreign city to victimize each boy in a different fashion, making it difficult or impossible to investigate: Bangkok, in a taxi. San Francisco in a shower room, etc. - [Capitolwire: Corbett's job approval rating ticks up, but voters split on his handling of PSU scandal, Q-Poll says.](https://newslanc.com/capitolwire-corbetts-job-approval-rating-ticks-up-but-voters-split-on-his-handling-of-psu-scandal-q-poll-says/) - HARRISBURG (Dec. 9) – Gov. Tom Corbett’s overall job approval rating increased one percentage point since early November, while voters split on his handling of the child sex scandal at Penn State University, according to the latest poll from the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. - [Big political names, donors picked for Corbett's privatization panel](https://newslanc.com/big-political-names-donors-picked-for-corbetts-privatization-panel/) - Some pretty big political names with pretty deep pockets were appointed to Gov. Tom Corbett’s privatization commission on Thursday. Other than the who’s-who of GOP power players on the list, including Republican State Committeeman Bob Asher and Allegheny County GOP Chairman Jim Roddey, the list contains the names of several GOP donors. - [Kevin Zeese interviewed byKeith Olbermann re forthcoming Washington demonstrations](https://newslanc.com/kevin-zeese-on-countdown-with-keith-olbermann-discusses-forthcoming-washin-gtondemonstration/) - Long in planning, October2011.org will mark the 11th anniversary of the start of the Afghanistan War, October 6th with the first of daily demonstrations in Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC. October2011.org has multiple agendas but, in common with Occupy Wall Street and other demonstrations around the country, it believes of that the government is favoring ## Pages - [About Us](https://newslanc.com/about/) - NewsLanc.com is an e-zine focused on the important issues facing Lancaster city and county. Our mission is to provide an alternative source of coverage and comment from the Lancaster and statewide media. We provide news without spin, editorials without vested interests and personal attacks, and solicit vigorous discussions from the public. If you have any - [Article Archives](https://newslanc.com/article-archives-prior-to-jan-2008/) - Articles Prior to 2008 Feb. 2006-Dec. 2006 Archive Dec. 2006- May 2007 Archive May 2007- Nov. 2007 Archive - [Privacy Policy](https://newslanc.com/privacy-policy/) - Who we areOur website address is: http://newslanc.com.What personal data we collect and why we collect itCommentsWhen visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection.An anonymized string created from your email address (also called - [Cookie Policy](https://newslanc.com/cookie-policy/) - About this cookie policyThis Cookie Policy explains what cookies are and how we use them, the types of cookies we use i.e, the information we collect using cookies and how that information is used, and how to control the cookie preferences. For further information on how we use, store, and keep your personal data secure, - [Letter to the Editor:  “Where does the buck stop?”](https://newslanc.com/letter-to-the-editor-where-does-the-buck-stop/) - President Truman had a sign on his desk that read “the buck stops here”. President Trump refuses to adopt this philosophy and blames everybody else for his mistakes. Before his inauguration, Obama staff met with Trump staff. The Obama staff stated that there are three significant problems: hurricanes, pandemic and cyberspace. The Trump - [A warning re Park City from Atlantic County, NJ and elsewhere](https://newslanc.com/a-warning-re-park-city-from-atlantic-county-nj-and-elsewhere/) - NewsLanc has long expressed concerning about the zoning changes in the Greater Lancaster area that have led to major shopping centers that compete with the Park City Mall. A decline of Park City would not only be a loss of Lancaster City’s greatest tax ratable, but also would create a major problem for the - [Lancaster Acquisition of Harrisburg Incinerator Index](https://newslanc.com/lancaster-acquisition-of-harrisburg-incinerator-index/) - Index of articles about the Lancaster Acquisition of the Harrisburg Incinerator: Unwanted incinerator suitor says Lancaster authority went afoul of state law Does the proposed LCSWMA purchase of plagued Harrisburg incinerator make sense? Harrisburg incinerator may need millions in repair before sale LCSWMA’s CEO acknowledges lack of incinerator feasibility study Does Harrisburg’s incinerator have a - [Radio Commentary Archives](https://newslanc.com/radio-commentary-archives/) - February 15, 2010 #1 February 15, 2010 #2 February 15, 2010 #3 December 10, 2009 #1 December 10, 2009 #2 December 10, 2009 #3 October 16, 2009 #1 October 16, 2009 #2 October 16, 2009 #3 August 14, 2009 #1 August 14, 2009 #2 August 14, 2009 #3 June 12, 2009 #1 June 12, 2009 - [Tsukerman on Russia](https://newslanc.com/tsukerman-on-russia/) - Index of articles written by Slava Tsukerman Shocking inauguration of Vladimir Putin Protest meetings in Moscow brutally suppressed Putin's Cult Unexpected European Sensation The New Russian Government to rewrite history (again) The March of Millions Why was the scandal created by the Russian Government? 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