News from the past resurfaced the other day when it was reported that federal appeals judges in Philadelphia were considering a lawsuit over the controversial 2005 legislative pay-raise vote.

The case, brought by Common Cause of Pennsylvania, a state lawmaker and others, charges that the passage of the now-repealed pay raise for state lawmakers was an abuse of power and violated the state constitution.

If the judges agree that the case has merit, it would go to a federal court.

Such a move would be welcome, because the evidence appears to paint a clear picture of violation of state law.

At 2 a.m. on July 7, 2005, lawmakers approved a massive pay raise for themselves and others that was the result of hastily inserting the text of a 22-page bill into what had been a 2-page bill on a different topic. The new bill was approved by lawmakers within hours of the switch — and without any public discussion or open debate in the General Assembly.

The suit also alleges a conspiracy between the executive, legislative and judicial branches to concoct, pass and sign into law the pay raise package.

An earlier court challenge was struck down by the state Supreme Court, which ruled the lawmakers' pay raises were illegal — but that raises for judges could not be reversed. But because of judges' pay raise and the state Supreme Court's earlier failures to check abuses by the Legislature, it is necessary for the case to be heard in federal court.

Pennsylvanians should hope that the lawsuit moves forward, and that legislative leaders in the General Assembly will be held accountable for their abuse of power.

Nearly three decades have passed since a Pennsylvania team last won a World Series, and Keystone State baseball fans are justified in feeling excited about the Philadelphia Phillies' success this year, having defeated Tampa Bay in the championship series.Likewise, Penn State's victory over Ohio State last weekend in college football has kept excitement alive about the prospects of the Nittany Lions reaching the national championship game or at least another major bowl game.But there was a down side to both of the victories, and that was the destructive reaction of some fans.Following Penn State's win on Oct. 25, fans poured onto the streets of State College — the game was played at Ohio State — and it only took 15 minutes before the street celebration got out of control. Street signs were torn up, beer cans were thrown at police and a police car's windshield was broken.Meanwhile, after the Phillies closed out the Series in five games Wednesday evening, some fans' behavior again was at its worst. According to an Associated Press article, windows were smashed at a bank and luggage store. Traffic signals were knocked down, and at least two cars were overturned.Likewise, windows of a TV van were smashed, some bus shelters were damaged, and dozens of large streetside planters were flipped over.Why victory has become synonymous with lawlessness — many other cities and campuses have experienced similar post-victory misconduct — is puzzling.Philadelphia and Penn State need to reflect on that — Philadelphia, as it shifts its attention to football, basketball and hockey; and Penn State, as the Nittany Lions embark on their final three games of the regular season, starting next weekend.

Few people, if any, who have witnessed the Reality Tour Drug Prevention Program of Butler would disagree with the program's selection for an international award.The program provides a poignant, interactive approach to drug-prevention education for parents and children to experience together.The Reality Tour was honored on Oct. 24 by the International Society for Crime Prevention Practitioners with its 2008 Community Crime Prevention Program Award.Sgt. Ron Hasnauer of the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Department, a Reality Tour volunteer and an International Society member, nominated the program for the award."The level of dedication of the volunteers that present the eye-opening program is unparalleled," Hasnauer said.The Reality Tour is presented monthly in Butler using a volunteer staff. More than 3,200 parents and children have attended the program since 2003.A dozen counties in Pennsylvania have hosted the educational experience. Efforts are under way to try to expand the program beyond Pennsylvania.Overseeing the Reality Tour is the nonprofit agency Community Action Network for Drug-Free Lifestyle Empowerment (CANDLE)."The goal is to provide the foundation for parental monitoring and discussion, which research has shown to be the most powerful, yet underutilized, prevention tool," said Norma Norris, executive director and program developer.Hopefully for many more years the program will be able to do what it does so well.