EDITORIAL: Cheers and Jeers [The Citizens' Voice, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.]

May 7—CHEERS to a nationwide settlement with drug distributors that will direct $22.8 million to Luzerne County over the next 18 years to deal with the appalling impact of the opioid epidemic. The bulk of the money should be used for treatment, education and diversionary programs.

JEERS to the Pittston Area School District for its failure to protect students from a predatory band director now serving time for sexual abuse. Insurance will cover $6 million in damages paid to former students, but the district showed stunning irresponsibility in this case.

CHEERS to a new state law that will require insurers to fully cover the costs of screenings for people at high risk for developing breast cancer. The law, which will save lives, is a good first step toward making health care more affordable for all Pennsylvanians.

JEERS to cross-filing by school board candidates. The practice, touted as a way to limit partisanship, actually disenfranchises independent voters as school board races are often decided in party primaries in which candidates lock up both nominations. It's time for a change.

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