Editorial voices from elsewhere
Editorial voices from newspapers around the United States, as compiled by the Associated Press:
A troubling report from the federal government reveals a dangerously poor track record among many of America’s passenger and freight railroads. It shows the majority of them have failed miserably to meet congressional mandates to increase public safety and decrease death and injury tolls from derailments and other accidents.
The Federal Railroad Administration said many rail companies have made precious little progress in installing safety technology designed to prevent deadly collisions and derailments.
Contrast those realities with the multiple foot-dragging congressional extensions for rail companies to install and operate those systems. Clearly, the speed at which that lifesaving system is implemented must accelerate quickly.
Congress passed a law giving railroads seven years to put the technology in place, and last year extended that deadline for three more years.
To be sure, the rail safety improvements represent yet another in Congress’ string of unfunded mandates on businesses, health providers and state and local governments.
The Marcellus Shale gas boom in northern West Virginia finally might spread some economic benefit in the Kanawha Valley.
California-based U.S. Methanol is interested in building a gas-to-liquid plant either at Institute (or possibly New Martinsville), creating 300 temporary jobs during construction, followed by 60 permanent jobs. Such plants convert natural gas into components for gasoline, antifreeze and other products.
The company’s website said the Institute plant would be called Liberty One. Another proposed plant, called Liberty Two is mentioned on the company’s website, but permit applications at the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for New Martinsville and Institute said “only one site will go ahead.”
This project would be a blessing for the Charleston region.
Meanwhile, three new natural gas power plants costing $2 billion are in the prospect for Northern West Virginia. Energy Solutions is planning the plants in Harrison, Marshall and Brooke counties – the upstate zone where abundant methane in deep Marcellus and Utica shales has been freed by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
These developments illustrate how natural gas is usurping the role once played by coal in West Virginia’s economy.
Getting up for that early-morning run is turning out to be not so healthful for many joggers. Each day, millions of Americans wake up, lace up their running shoes and hit the streets running to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
It is estimated nearly 46 million people jog or run in some capacity. Health officials said jogging improves cardiovascular health, helps build stronger bones and strengthens muscles and helps maintain a healthy weight.
But the sport is proving sometimes to be dangerous – particularly for women – and is a growing concern here in Connecticut and across the nation. While there is no need for runners and joggers to be paranoid, two recent high-profile cases lend to the credence caution is needed and some joggers are targeted.
Vanessa Marcotte was killed jogging in Princeton, Mass., and Karina Vetrano was slain while jogging in Queens, N.Y. Both stories dominated news coverage in the Northeast. But other cases get less attention, such as that of Ally Brueger, who was shot in the back while jogging in Rose Township, Mich.
New Haven Assistant Police Chief Achilles Generoso said joggers are passionate about their sport but urges them never to jog alone in secluded areas; be aware of their surroundings; keep a cellphone handy at all times; and tell someone where they are jogging and what time to expect them to return.
That’s advice that can possibly save a life – and joggers and runners should heed it.