News

Downtown Altoona parking improvements discussed

Local News September 28, 2026

At a City Council workshop Monday, Altoona Parking Authority manager David Curtis told council members about policies he’s enacted since taking over three months ago, while officials floated their own ideas about how to improve parking in the downtown. Curtis has stressed building good relationships with customers, businesses and students; has interacted with drivers who’ve parked in the wrong places with “friendly” letters designed not to alienate; worked on making regulations clearer and easier to find; emphasized keeping facilities clean and well-lighted; and worked on ...

Liberty Tree planted in Tyrone

Local News September 28, 2026

TYRONE — Tyrone Borough officials reaffirmed their love of freedom by planting a Liberty Tree Monday for the 250th anniversary of Pennsylvania ratifying its first constitution. The tulip tree planted near the Tyrone Railroad Park came from Mifflin County. It is expected to grow up to 150 ...

Powerful nor’easter floods Northeast

Local News September 27, 2026

BOSTON — Residents of coastal communities in the Northeast slogged through floodwaters for a second day as a powerful nor’easter pummeled the shoreline Sunday, knocking out power to tens of thousands of homes. Tidal surges swamped low-lying neighborhoods in New Jersey while wind gusts ...

Low-income assistance costs raise questions

Local News September 27, 2026

HARRISBURG — As rising energy prices drive up the cost of the customer assistance programs that Pennsylvania electric and natural gas utilities are required to offer, the question of who should pay for them is still hotly disputed. In Pennsylvania, those costs are shouldered solely by residential customers. Businesses and factories don’t have to contribute, unlike in other states. The programs offer much-needed relief for the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, lowering monthly bills and offering a path to debt forgiveness. But as energy costs increase, the price tag for the programs ...

Former Central High School teacher, historian publishes book on WWII veteran

Local News September 27, 2026

Philip Waite has been a World War II history buff for most of his life. Everywhere he’s gone, he’s been influenced by WWII veterans who have further blossomed his interests. In seventh grade, Waite recalled having WWII veteran Melvin Bennet as a substitute teacher who asked his class ...

Stormwater projects discouraged

Local News September 27, 2026

An executive order by President Trump discouraging Chesapeake Bay stormwater control projects is getting pushback from Gov. Josh Shapiro. Trump issued the order last week directing that federal agencies give priority to water quality projects in the Bay watershed rather than ones that increase costs to individuals with local stormwater management fees. Critics call them rain taxes. “The Trump Administration is committed to supporting a healthy Chesapeake Bay without burdensome and costly ‘rain taxes,’” the order said. Gov. Josh Shapiro said local officials retain their ...