Big Boy rounds the Horseshoe Curve
Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 approaches the crowd gathered at the Horseshoe Curve on Saturday morning as the engine prepared to make its way back west. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
State passes $50.8 billion budget
HARRISBURG — Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed a $50.8 billion budget that makes major new investments in education but fails to address skill games regulation or other pressing policy questions. The deal was cut behind closed doors, and its details were in flux until late Saturday, when ...
State keeps tabs on data centers
Pennsylvania is keeping closer tabs on data centers under the new state budget. But an 11th hour move to end a state sales tax exemption for data centers was left out of the final budget enacted Sunday. Lawmakers left Harrisburg for summer recess without tackling another relevant issue — allowing local officials up to 18 months to delay action on new data center applications while they consider local impacts. The 18-month moratorium bill, Senate Bill 1345, sponsored by state Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh, advanced Sunday in the Senate, but didn’t reach a floor vote. Coleman said ...
Some Sheetz locations offer gas for $2.50
As thousands of visitors come to Altoona to catch a glimpse of the Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive, Sheetz is helping make the trip a little more affordable. Available now through the end of Saturday, five Sheetz locations in Altoona are offering Unleaded 88 (E15) for just $2.50 per gallon, giving travelers and local residents an opportunity to save at the pump while enjoying one of the region’s most anticipated events. — 5706 Sixth Ave., Altoona — 3315 Beale Ave., Altoona — 405 E. 25th Ave., Altoona — 1661 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona — 400 E. Plank Road, ...
State lawmakers weigh sales tax holiday
A proposed state sales tax holiday if enacted would be the first in a quarter-century for Pennsylvania. Both the House and Senate have passed legislation providing for a two-week holiday on paying the state’s 6% sales tax on purchases of school supplies from the first Saturday through the third Saturday in August. The provision is in House Bill 1667, the pending tax code bill. Both chambers have to agree on the same bill version for it to become law. They have passed separate versions of HB1667 so far. The tax code is part of the state budget package for Fiscal Year 2026-27 now ...
Big Boy, huge impact: Downtown Altoona business owners see increased foot traffic during historic visit
It may be too early to determine the true economic impact of having Union Pacific’s Big Boy locomotive in town, but there’s no doubt that hosting it for four days was huge for Altoona, officials said. According to Mayor Matt Pacifico, hotels for the week have been sold out for some ...