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Cancer treatment: Encouraging signs keep emerging

It is no secret that great strides continue to be made in cancer treatment, but probably the most notable publicized development of 2023 thus far has been the evolution of the treatment mindset that, at least for some cancers, “aggressive” might not necessarily be better. For many cancer patients, that might have been welcome news when that information was first delivered, although some patients might have preferred to remain skeptical regarding such a course of care. Nevertheless, consider: — Study findings published on March 11 in the New England Journal of Medicine ...

Housing for homeless challenging

A Mirror article in last weekend’s edition, “Homeless advocates urge more affordable housing,” provided a snapshot of a complex problem that challenges not only Altoona but communities across the country. However, the words “affordable housing” do not fully address the issue currently at hand in this and many other cities, larger and smaller. Probably the bigger, more relevant issue is how to effect a turnaround in the lives of the homeless so finding affordable housing will be less difficult. Owners of rental properties can be excused for some of their reluctance regarding ...

Recognizing the importance of Juneteenth

It is customary to publish an editorial about a holiday on the holiday itself. However, Monday’s observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day is a worthy exception, partly because of the newness of the observance and, partly, because millions of Americans still lack an understanding of the holiday’s significance. Hopefully, this weekend, many of those millions will come to appreciate what the holiday is all about and that, for many Americans, it is about more than having a day off from work or, otherwise, a break from other responsibilities or routines. For the benefit of ...

Airport plans must remain on fast track

An article in last weekend’s Mirror reported on the Altoona-Blair County Airport Authority’s June 9 discussion of possible strategies for improving and upgrading the Martinsburg area air facility. Looking ahead, the authority will have to determine what strategy will best meet the airport’s current and future needs, as well as having the greatest likelihood of receiving federal funding. While a sizable amount of federal money still is believed available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, there is — and will continue to be —considerable competition for those funds, not ...

National Safety Administration needs evaluation

The nation’s top auto-safety regulator merits a good grade for its efforts on behalf of automatic emergency braking on new vehicles. However, it is too bad the same agency is so woefully slow many times in completing investigations into suspected vehicle defects that could put drivers at risk. The agency in question — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — needs a full, comprehensive performance evaluation to address the question of why it can be so good on some fronts but so seemingly lacking or inept on others. Does the agency need leadership changes, a shuffling ...

CYF staffing needs to be reconsidered

Blair County government constantly strives to do the best job possible; county officials deserve good marks for their commitment to performing their duties correctly, always in the spirit of their constituents’ best interests. However, that does not negate those officials from being questioned, second-guessed or even criticized over their decisions, or regarding proposals they put forth for consideration. Most county residents can remember clearly the reaction that the county commissioners received when the countywide property reassessment was proposed, during the time it was ...