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An attack on most vulnerable species

On July 10, the Trump administration finalized a rule that removes the longstanding regulatory definition of “harm” from the Endangered Species Act. This is the most monstrous attack ever on our nation’s most vulnerable species. For decades, that definition recognized that wildlife can be harmed not only through direct physical violence, but also when habitat destruction prevents animals from feeding, breeding, sheltering, or raising their young. Destroying an animal’s habitat is harm. Removing habitat destruction from the definition of harm will make it easier for reckless ...

What follows after Big Boy?

We collectively experienced something very profound — the arrival of Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” in “Railroad City.” I was heartened by the throngs of long-distance travelers who appreciate heritage we often take for granted. Activities reminded me of Conrail’s much beloved, but long dormant, Rail Fest, a staple of my youth before Norfolk Southern’s takeover. This past week, pilgrims, promoters and politicians ventured to Altoona for something akin to a spiritual journey. But what now? As a historian, I not only think about past patterns, but hypotheticals. The hard truth ...

Education can reduce sexual abuse risks

Education can reduce sexual abuse risks While it is commendable that PA Representatives Jim Rigby and Kyle Mullins are advocating for passage of legislation to properly fund centers that “heal” children from abuses, more focus is needed on prevention than making predators pay for the healing. Reacting to a crime doesn’t prevent it. A proactive approach requires open and honest age appropriate and individual readiness education about sex, human sexuality, relationship boundaries, privacy, intimacy reproduction, diseases etc. Bodily systems are not to be weaponized and children ...

Work with the city to help homeless

I was reading the article about the sit-in by Indivisible Blair County and their postponed protest. I applaud them for their concern for the homeless. But I do have to ask what they have done to help end the homeless problem. I bet the city would welcome any help you can offer to help those who are homeless. I’m sure that the fine that could be imposed is the last thing they want to happen. I hope the group reads the same article and that they see how city officials have helped with the homeless they have encountered. And that they also see that the city created the Homeless Task ...

Community lauded for job well done

As many other train lovers did, my husband and I traveled to Altoona Thursday, July 9, to see the Big Boy locomotive; truly an impressive sight, along with many other beautiful, vintage trains. We had a most enjoyable day, but what helped to make it enjoyable was the great job done by the organizers and volunteers at the event. From the parking at the mall to the bus transportation to the train area, everything ran quickly and smoothly. There were ample attendants in the event area and multiple sites with tubs of complimentary water bottles on ice. All the volunteers we spoke with were ...

Thanks given for Vietnam wall work

I would like to thank Ken Fedora of the Central Pa National Guard and Veterans Association for refurbishing the replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at the Van Zandt Medical Center. (Altoona Mirror of June 27). C. Arnold McClure Shirleysburg, Huntington County Vietnam veteran, 1967-68