This Week's Issue -
Opinion

The midstate’s cities — even Harrisburg and York — heard some positive news last week in Philadelphia.

Last year, the average tax refund was just more than $3,000. Although it might be tempting to dash out and buy something brand new and shiny, curb that impulse and ponder your options.

A reader asked: Jeff, my parents introduced me to your columns when I was in college. It has been a big help, both personally and with my classes. Thanks! As I get ready to enter the “real world,” what’s your advice as I prepare for my first job?

Today, increased productivity is often cited as a major reason for the slow recovery of the job market. I believe it is true that businesses are more productive, but in many cases the improvements have been achieved simply by dumping more work on fewer people. Where that has been the case, the improvements will not be sustainable.

Last week’s question: Do you think a viable effort will develop to try to bring a casino to York County? Tell us why.

While there’s a generally accepted consensus that the average American plans to retire at age 65, there are divergent paths to build an investment plan to prepare for that milestone.

When is a good number not necessarily good news? When it’s Pennsylvania’s falling unemployment rate.

Last week’s question: Has the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act affected your business? Why or why not?

Pop quiz: Which successful brand has used all of the following slogans within the last 25 years: “America’s real choice.” “Life begins here.” “Always.” “Red, white and you.”

Whether you have a green thumb or not, May is the beginning of the gardening season. Greenhouses and nurseries across the state are bursting with colorful annuals and hardy perennials, fruit and vegetable seedlings, and trees just waiting to be planted. Much of the state will be safe from frost after Mother’s Day, though my wife, Christine, will hold off planting annuals in our flower beds in Crawford County for a few more weeks.