In the book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” we find Arthur is arguing with a government official as he’s trying to stop the bulldozing of his house. He’s told that a bypass has to be built. Arthur wants to know why to which the official replies, “It’s a bypass, you’ve got to build bypasses.”
Well, the folks in Marion Township are now being told (they didn’t exactly shout it from the rooftops) that we’ve got to build truck stops and other commercial structures, because well, we just have to. Never mind the language in the current zoning emphasizing the preservation and protection of the area’s rural atmosphere and lifestyle, limiting commercial development to those compatible with the rural environment. To preserve and protect the natural diversity, landscapes and natural habitat, etc.
We all live where we live because we like being in a rural environment. We like seeing stars in the sky and watching wildlife and such. Now they want to blight the rural environment with a truck stop and other businesses that will bring light pollution and noise and concerns about water and air quality, not to mention the potential for increased criminal activity.
We’ve already endured the construction of the new I-80 exit and are currently dealing with Jacksonville road being one way (for the next two years ). There has also been increased noise from the highway since the new exit was built. But we had the idea that once these projects were completed we could go back to our quiet life out here in the countryside. Nope! Now they want to bring what we moved out here to get away from and put it in our backyard whether we like it or not.
A recent article in Town and Gown spoke about the Road to Progress and only highlighted the potential positive economic impacts for the area. There is a quote about Centre County being an attractive place to live and work, but how many more people and how much more development (progress) before that’s no longer true?
Greg Parsons,
Marion Township
Spring Opening for Casino?
Some opponents of the Happy Valley Casino may have been born at night, but it wasn’t last night. Most folks driving past Nittany Mall will notice the bright blue construction fence around the casino property, which is now planned to open in April 2026.
Looking back to over two years ago in January 2023, the PA Gaming Control Board (PGCB) unanimously approved the issuance of the Category 4 slot machine license. Have the casino developers already requested the issuance of its slot machine license? Surprisingly, they have not. As explained below, that request is planned for six months from now in January 2026, three years since the PGCB authorized them to do so. Oh my!
How are we just now learning this? Because very recently the PGCB chose to post on their website a partially un-redacted public version of a previously redacted version an official PGCB filing Docket Number 13371-2025. Here is the precise verbatim explanation that the PGCB has just disclosed:
“By way of further answer, OpCo remains in approved for licensure status. OpCo has not yet been issued its Category 4 slot machine license, as it has not yet paid the $1M bond for issuance of the license pursuant to 4 Pa.C.S. § 1316 or the $1.25M deposit pursuant to 4 Pa.C.S. § 1401 to commence operations. OpCo anticipates requesting the issuance of its slot machine license in or around January 2026.”
Perhaps the grand opening may be delayed beyond April 2026 due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Indeed. That’ll work!
Dan Materna,
Howard
Republicans Subsidize Private Jets, Not Health Care
Americans will pay a lot more for health insurance next year according to analysis from KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group. Those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act will see premiums rise an average of 75%. This includes millions of Americans who don’t have employer-sponsored insurance and don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
Insurance companies attribute the price hikes to the end of government subsidies, which helped drive the uninsured rate to a historical low. Higher costs will lead many healthy people to take their chances and go without insurance. That’s bad news for the rest of us. Those left in the insurance pool will be sicker and more expensive, leading to further premium hikes for everyone.
There’s a simple solution: Congress could extend those subsidies—except that Republicans claim those subsidies are an unfair burden on taxpayers.
So, Republicans don’t mind taxpayer-supported subsidies for private jet owners, but think it’s okay for millions of Americans to lose their health insurance? The budget legislation they just passed allows jet owners to immediately deduct the full purchase price of aircraft, which will result in $378 billion in LOST government revenue over 10 years. The cut to healthcare subsidies will result in more costly medical problems, earlier deaths, and higher premiums for everyone.
Speaking of jets, Republicans just voted to let Trump keep the “gifted” Qatari jet after leaving office—and a taxpayer-funded $1 billion retrofit!
What kind of country are we?
Ed Satalia,
State College
Pennsylvania Needs Comprehensive Strategy for Energy Dominance
Pennsylvanians could be forgiven for feeling a bit whipsawed when it comes to recent energy-related news here in the Keystone State.
On one hand, the recently signed federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” pulls back from recent progress that has been made in clean energy production, limiting our energy options instead of supporting an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. That means fewer jobs, less economic growth and an electric grid that will become increasingly strained under continued and unprecedented demand for more power.
On the other hand, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick and President Donald Trump were in Pittsburgh recently to announce a whopping $90 billion in energy and technology investments in Pennsylvania. Among them is a plan from Westinghouse Electric Company to build 10 new, large nuclear power plant reactors across the U.S. – expected to generate $6 billion in investment and 15,000 new jobs in Pennsylvania alone.
There is widespread support for more investment in safe, reliable nuclear power. Pennsylvania has a strong nuclear legacy and generates the second most nuclear energy in the country. To lead the new nuclear resurgence, we’ll have to exceed our current pace. As other states are making investments in advanced nuclear energy technology, Pennsylvania should be next.
That’s why we’re calling on federal and state leaders to renew their commitment to an energy future that keeps Pennsylvania at the forefront of energy dominance. That means setting aside party labels and advancing commonsense energy policy that is solution-driven and puts Pennsylvanians first. Nuclear power can play an important role in our clean energy future, but we must also include other energy sources and technologies, such as clean hydrogen and carbon capture.
Only through a comprehensive approach to our energy policy can we ensure our power supply is reliable, clean and affordable – not just today, but for future generations.
Kate Harper and Conor Lamb
Co-Chairs
Energy Future PA
