Op/Ed: Radon – is your home raising your lung cancer risk?
By Harold P. Wimmer, American Lung Association
Harold P. Wimmer
Mention radon to most people, and you’ll get a blank stare. But mention lung cancer, and you’ve got their attention!
Most people don’t know that exposure to radon, an invisible odorless gas, is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Pennsylvania is recognized as having a very high risk of radon, so we at the American...
And…right back into campaign season
No rest for the weary, as Election 2014 kicks into high gear, already
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Now that we’ve gotten that pesky election out of the way, it’s time for the campaign to get started.
Think I’m kidding?
Then why is Gov. Tom Corbett in the county today, kicking off his 2014 campaign? And why has the jostling for state legislative and congressional seats already begun?
Traditionally,...
Is there hope for a pension fix in the legislature?
New proposal could form framework for at least a partial fix
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Is it possible that a small glimmer of hope toward finding a real, workable solution to public pension mess is inching forward in the state legislature?
As you’re probably aware, spiking contributions to state worker and teachers’ pension funds have hamstrung the state and local school districts,...
Lies, damn lies and talk about Common Core
Kennett event drifted into propaganda, rather than a clear-eyed look at the facts
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
KENNETT — I came, I saw, and frankly, I left scratching my head.
Setting aside the oddity of complaining about the teaching of global warming on a day that four-plus inches of rain fell on the southern part of the county, closing roads and bridges, it was a complicated night of...
Common Core hysteria is testing the limits
While a debate is proper, muddying the waters with lies doesn’t help
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Tuesday night, there’s a big meeting planned at the Kennett Fire Company’s Red Clay Room, to talk about the issues with the proposed Common Core curriculum.
And while there are issues with Common Core, ranging from questions about the nature of the curriculum to who should pay for it,...
Taking a bite out of ‘Back to School’
A handful of tips to make it easier to get your child dentally ready for the school year
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
It’s the beginning of August and signs proclaiming back to school have been popping up everywhere. As a mom, I approach the upcoming start of school with a mixture of enthusiasm and trepidation. As a dentist I can offer a few tidbits to make the...
Same-sex marriage is happening. So?
The less time we spend on this, the more we might realize what sort of mess we’re in
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Same sex couples, it would seem, can drive a short distance from Chester County and obtain a marriage license.
At the same time, our state Attorney General is refusing to defend the state’s defense of marriage act — a law that defines marriage as being between a man and...
Don’t write Corbett off just yet
Despite doomsayers — and the work of local GOP legislators — Gov. may just have second act
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Undoubtedly, you’ve seen the headlines (unless of course, you’re a sensible person and have spent the last broiling week or so somewhere with beaches, cool (relatively speaking) breezes and chilled beverages) that Gov. Tom Corbett is likely doomed, will be pushed...
Council of Goverments shows a path ahead
13 towns working together offer chance for smart, more efficient government
UPDATED (Sun 9 a.m.): adds comment on Saturday night legislative action
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
CALN — It was a sight to behold. Elected officials from various parties, municipalities and even the County Commissioners, sitting down for a sometimes freewheeling and open discussion about how best to work together.
It...
In Harrisburg, seven big days ahead
Corbett’s legacy and whether your state legislator will have a lot of explaining to do
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
By all accounts, it’s going to be a busy week in Harrisburg — as the state legislature has just a week to get a lot of work done.
Of course, the question is what will get done? And how much Republican-on-Republican political violence will be involved?
Going into this...
