Breaking News

COVID-19

Chamber discusses effect of pandemic on students

Students in Blair County have been stretched to never-before-seen limits by the challenges of COVID-19, and have experienced hybrid learning, virtual leaving and in-person learning during the pandemic, a local educator said. “The pandemic has had an impact on our lives and jobs — both kids and adults. Many of us have been affected by the pandemic,” Hollidaysburg Area School District Superintendent Robert Gildea told members of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Club on Thursday at The Casino at Lakemont Park. “It was a definite adverse experience for a lot of ...

Students give vaccine a shot

Pharmacist Jessa Saive of Thompson’s Pharmacy gives a COVID-19 vaccine to senior Jenahvi Nedimyer, 18, during a clinic at Altoona Area High School on Wednesday afternoon. The shot was available to students over the age of 16. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Fewer renters applying for pandemic relief funds

Fewer renters than expected are applying for pandemic assistance in Pennsylvania, alarming state officials who urged tenants who are behind on rent to submit their applications now in light of a judge’s recent decision striking down a national eviction moratorium. The ruling has been put on hold while the Biden administration appeals. But the uncertainty around the moratorium prompted the Department of Human Services, which runs the state’s rental assistance program, to plead with renters to take advantage of the program. “I’m extremely concerned that people are not moving ...

Students may have option for extra year in school

HARRISBURG (AP) — Legislation that would give parents in Pennsylvania the option to have their children repeat a grade in school because of disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic passed the state Senate on Wednesday. The bill, which passed unanimously, goes to the state House of Representatives for consideration there. Under the bill, parents could have their child repeat, event if the student met the grade-level requirements to move up a grade. Currently, schools and teachers make the decision on whether to hold a student back. The exception applies only to the 2021-22 school ...

Staying safe — An old fear returns: mass shootings

PORTLAND, Ore. — Brianne Smith was overjoyed to get an email telling her to schedule a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Hours later, her relief was replaced by dread: a phone alert — another mass public shooting. Before the pandemic, she would scan for the nearest exit in public ...

Easing vaccine patents faces hurdles

GENEVA — Several world leaders Thursday praised the U.S. call to remove patent protections on COVID-19 vaccines to help poor countries obtain shots. But the proposal faces a multitude of hurdles, including resistance from the pharmaceutical industry. Nor is it clear what effect such a step might have on the campaign to vanquish the outbreak. Activists and humanitarian institutions cheered after the U.S. reversed course Wednesday and called for a waiver of intellectual property protections on the vaccine. The decision ultimately is up to the 164-member World Trade Organization, and ...