Slain trooper was protecting community

March 14, 2026

The death of a Pennsylvania state trooper during a traffic stop on March 8 underscores how the lives of law enforcement officers are at risk even while performing some of their most basic duties. Cpl. Tim O’Connor was killed while approaching a car he had stopped after authorities were alerted about what was described as an “erratic driver.” O’Connor was shot to death while he was walking toward the car; it is believed that the driver fired from inside the vehicle. After firing the shot, the shooter, identified as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, exited the car, walked a short distance ...

Homeless issues need gentle hand

March 10, 2026

Altoona city officials are correct in moving carefully on the issue of homelessness, including actively seeking others’ perspectives on how the issue is being approached elsewhere — before firming up decisions here. The issue is one, that if not dealt with in the right way, could set the proverbial stage for the problem getting worse here, or expanding the problem beyond the city’s borders. While exporting the problem — or a portion of it — to other municipalities might seem like a good idea to some city residents, in reality it is not, and the main reason is obvious. ...

Are Americans losing their faith in US?

March 6, 2026

Bailing out doesn’t help America. Neither does “running away” from issues or burying one’s head in the proverbial sand. The well-being of America is too important to resort to such “solutions” but apparently much of that is happening, and Americans should be deeply concerned. “In its 250th year, is America, land of immigration, becoming a country of emigration?” the Wall Street Journal asked in a Feb. 27 front-page article. “America’s own citizens are leaving in record numbers, replanting themselves and their families in lands they find more affordable and ...

DHS remains unfunded despite threats

March 5, 2026

As America’s conflict with Iran continues, the Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement about the heightened risk of lone wolf attacks. Yet the agency tasked with keeping Americans safe — one of the few responsibilities just about everyone agrees is appropriate for government — remains unfunded as Congress bickers over immigration politics. Congressional negotiators reached a deal to fund the federal government but outrage over President Donald Trump’s deportation tactics pushed Democrats to defund DHS. The agency has been in a shutdown since Feb. 14. Both ...

Flight counts excellent despite snow

March 3, 2026

The Altoona-Blair County Airport and the facility’s airport authority need offer no excuses or apologies for the facility’s “down” numbers for the month of January. In fact, the numbers recorded were excellent, considering the deplorable weather conditions during virtually the entire month — in a winter-weather time during which well-below-normal, icy-cold temperatures didn’t just visit, but were so persistent that they caused some pessimistic people to fear that they might become permanent. “Cabin Fever” was rampant in some households. The bad weather was ...

Ag challenges are problems for all of us

February 28, 2026

There seldom is much in-depth publicity about the state of farming across Pennsylvania, including the six-county Southern Alleghenies region, but perhaps now is the right time to delve into that important topic, considering what is happening across this country on the agricultural front. It is a “something” that merits much more than cursory notice and concern. At some point not many decades from now, there might be a need for generous special incentives beyond the current farm subsidies, just to keep large segments of farming alive, staffed and vibrant. The nine words of a Feb. ...