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America more than its politics

On this Independence Day, America’s politicians on both sides of the political aisle ought to be thinking more about this country as a whole — what is best for this wonderful free land — than mostly about their party, their party’s agenda or the friction they might harbor and encourage against those with whom they disagree. But can they muster such a spirit of patriotism — what in a different time might seem inevitable? This year, probably not, amid the rampant divisiveness that haunts the halls of their governmental responsibilities. For America’s citizens, then, this ...

Our view: Special ed needs more attention

Unfunded mandates, products of the federal and state governments, do not sit well with local-level units of government. Neither do those mandates sit well with school districts and institutions of higher learning, especially as they are trying to prepare and balance new budget packages. Depending on the scope of such a mandate, an unfunded or weakly funded edict can wreak havoc on the most well-thought-out of spending plans, not only for a year but possibly extending far beyond. Why is it a good time to be reflecting on budget challenges, especially in regard to ...

Duncansville leadership sets example

At some time or other, all levels or units of government deserve the criticism directed their way — but not all of the time, despite what many constituents might believe. A scenario in play in Duncansville dealing with a community center project is testimony to the good that is possible when leaders work together and are otherwise open-minded and properly committed to accomplish successfully what they have set out to do. Duncansville’s project is just getting started, but it is taking shape in a way that should avoid disagreements and problems, as well as avoid unnecessary ...

World better served with information

Despite all of the electronic media that are available today, thousands of individuals and families continue to rely on the Mirror as their most trusted, most important news source. That is destined to continue, this newspaper having launched its second 150 years of service on June 13, with no intent to cut back on presenting the most important “hard” news of the day, as well as a variety of opinion viewpoints, happenings in the sports world and many other features. It is our mission and that mission will remain intact. Although there are people who might disagree — and ...

Nation’s power grid must be top priority

The federal government is scrambling to boost the capacity of America’s power grid, and that will continue to be one of this nation’s most important pursuits for many years to come, due to demands associated with electric vehicles and artificial-intelligence capabilities. However, what must not become lost within that capacity-building endeavor is the companion necessity of beefing up power-grid protections. Unfortunately, there so far has been little, if any, substantive discussion emanating from Washington about the protection issue, and that is troubling. Such discussion could ...

Looking in the Mirror and seeing pride

Happy birthday — to us! Today marks the 150th milestone in the rich history of the Altoona Mirror, one of the most iconic institutions in Central Pennsylvania and one of the state’s respected news organizations. Newspapers don’t typically cheer for themselves — we want to report the news, not make it — but we’re asking for an exception today. Founded on June 13, 1874, by Harry E. Slep and George J. Akers as the Evening Mirror, like any business that has survived and thrived this long, we have persevered through many changes. You can read all about them in today’s ...