Year after year after year, the same headlines appear in our regional media. To assist in modifying these recurring headlines, I offer the following edits:

“State Police on Monday arrested two people and confiscated two vehicles on Interstate 91 Deerfield/Whately.” The drivers were charged with illegal drug trafficking, possession of unlicensed guns, having no car insurance, having expired car registration, lack of vehicle inspection stickers, and expired driver’s licenses. The $30,000 in cash was legal.

In an unusual occurrence, the two confiscated vehicles were a 2025 Subaru Forester and a 2026 Subaru Outback. More surprisingly, neither vehicle had political bumper stickers or messages telling people how to manage their lives or whom to vote for.

“During the summer, Massachusetts residents face increased risk of mosquito bites and associated illnesses. Specifically, West Nile Virus and EEE. Take the necessary precautions.”

Experts recommend that, to avoid enjoying summer, you never leave the house, and if you must leave, wear thick pants, hats with face nets, and long-sleeve shirts. Being ever vigilant and safe in life is more important than being part of it.

“Tractor-trailer blocks Storrow Drive in Boston; trailer hits low overpass.” For those not familiar with Boston, these incidents began in 1951 with the opening of Storrow Drive and have continued ever since. Truck drivers stated they were confused by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation height limitation signs being written in our unique British Imperial system versus the metric system.

These cyclic headlines triggered my spiritual thought process. The age-old concept of “The Eternal Return.” Our ancestors perceived the four seasons and daily sunrise/sunset in a religious sensibility.

The logical and rational folk refer to Santayana’s famous maxim: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” For which, I prefer the author Kurt Vonnegut’s response: “I’ve got news for Mr. Santayana: We’re doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That’s what it is to be alive.”

Better tell our college journalism students to get ready for the ever-recurring headline.

Mark Zinan

Sunderland