Local Opinion

There was something to jump up and down about this week: The revamped Commons playground opened Tuesday, and scores of youngsters and their parents wasted no time breaking in the landmark attraction.

It has a taken a week or two, but Americans have finally found a grievance we can all share together. Only the smallest, most disturbed among us is having trouble rooting for the people of Ukraine in what appears to be a hopeless defense of their home. Ask anyone around why Russia invaded their peaceful and sovereign neighbor. It is unlikely you will get a justifiable answer. Not around here. Not around any democratic nation on the planet.

The Indiana Senate recently demonstrated what seemed to be a prime example of legislative thuggery in action.

From: Carolyn Gillihan

Just before Valentine’s Day, two local high school seniors took a step closer to pursuing their love of music in college, each winning a $3,500 Heritage Fund scholarship. Anyone facing current tuition rates for postsecondary education will understand the help provided by these awards.

Southern Indiana — particularly the areas surrounding Camp Atterbury, the Muscatatuck Training Center, Crane naval support base and other defense installations — got a federal designation recently that will preserve natural areas for generations to come.

The opioid epidemic rages on and Indiana is one of the most highly affected states. Ruined lives and families and overdose deaths continue unabated. Regardless of what progress we may have made in this battle, we have a very long way to go.

Cummins’ office employees, many of them, will begin returning to in-person work early next month, officials said Monday. That is doubtless sweet music to the ears of many downtown Columbus merchants.

In April the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should decide whether it will cover the new and costly Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm for those on Medicare. In January it issued a proposed coverage determination that would allow Medicare coverage for Alzheimer’s patients only if they are enrolled in a qualifying clinical trial. In other words, the agency seeks more scientific evidence that the drug really works before paying for it.

The brutality of the Russian attack on Ukraine is appalling. While the war is a world away from Columbus in terms of miles, there are many in our community with loved ones caught up in a needless and senseless conflict. I’ve been moved by the brave resistance of the Ukrainian people. Their courage and sacrifice serve as a reminder to us of what it means to be a patriot and what true sacrifice is.