Opinion

GUEST COLUMN, Todd Bowman, Center for Rural Affairs

Wind turbine blades play a crucial part in clean energy generation, but their disposal poses a growing challenge. Luckily, innovative solutions provide new ways to keep them out of landfills.

As the wind industry grows, there is an increasing need for replacement of older wind turbine blades with larger, more efficient ones. With a lifespan of approximately 25 years, the sheer number of blades and other components that will eventually need to be decommissioned will strain current repurposing and recycling capabilities, leading to increased landfill waste if new solutions are not developed.

GUEST COLUMN, J. Basil Dannebohm

Two kindergarten students remain in extremely critical condition after a school shooting in Northern California on Wednesday. The incident barely made the headlines. In Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, Blue Cross Blue Shield declared it will no longer pay for anesthesia for the full length of some surgeries if the procedure exceeds a certain time. You probably didn’t read about that, either.

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

Our nation recently finished the process of selecting a new president. Similar to elections in the past, candidates spoke about the need for change and hope. The talk of hope usually comes from dissatisfaction with the way things are. Many voters were fervent in their choice, and placed faith in a particular candidate. But anyone who seeks hope in a man or a woman or a system will be disappointed. Even as we enter the Christmas season, there's more conversation about politics and football than about Jesus, who is "the reason for the season".

GUEST COLUMN, Kenneth E. Thorpe, Health Policy professor, Emory University

Insurers and healthcare middlemen are making it harder for everyday Americans, including many living with chronic diseases, to access the prescription drugs they need.

Fortunately, Congress and President Biden can address the problem by passing two bipartisan reforms during the current "lame duck" legislative session. For us Democrats, this is a chance to build on the historic progress we've already made toward healthcare access and affordability for all Americans.