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America’s children deserve so much better

Children should be off-limits to the many bad things of life, although they should grow up knowing bad things exist and they must have a sense of caution when they encounter things that don’t seem right. Meanwhile, children should be able to grow without experiencing violence in the home, for whatever reason. In their homes, children should not have to be exposed directly or second-hand to drug use by others, including the smoking of substances that turn what should be a protective environment into an unconscionable, illegal fog. Children should not be exposed to uneasiness or ...

City should accept offer on McCrory’s

Unless the Altoona Redevelopment Authority is in possession of some important last-minute information that it so far has not divulged to the public, the authority needs to rethink its decision to table the one official proposal it has received for renovation and revitalization of the former McCrory’s building on 11th Avenue. That one official proposal, from local developer Christopher Cook, is offering the city an exit from the anxiety, frustration and uncertainty — and the worsening deterioration — that have besieged the formerly proud and vibrant building, once a key to the ...

Clock ticking on planning for state budget

Pennsylvania has surmounted the first of its two springtime hurdles, the primary elections’ nomination process. Strict attention must now shift to the other hurdle — passing a 2022-23 state budget. Ideally, budget preparation and passage should be completed before spring gives way to summer on June 21. However, more likely, a completed spending plan probably won’t be ready until just before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, or perhaps thereafter. Some people say stretching the process until virtually the last minute forces lawmakers to agree to concessions and ...

Central graduate shines

Shining rays of sun on some good news: Martinsburg native and Central High School graduate Danielle Maurer did herself and our area proud by winning two rounds of Jeopardy in programs that aired last week. In her first appearance, Maurer, a 2008 graduate of Central High School, ended a historic streak of 23 straight games by Toronto’s Mattea Roach, who piled up $560,983 in winnings. Maurer, a digital marketing manager and author who now resides in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, defeated Mattea by $1 and finished in first place with a total of $15,600. Maurer, whose parents, ...

Every single election is important

Do not judge the importance of any election on the number of nominations or offices up for grabs. Regarding the few offices for which nominees will be selected during today’s primary balloting, some voters might be tempted to “pass” on going to their polling place, but that would be a big mistake. That is because today’s voting will begin the process of electing a new governor, lieutenant governor and U.S. senator. Across the state, voters also will mark their preferences for congressional seats and state House and state Senate seats, as well as political party-related ...

Residents deserve voice in flood plans

Anyone old enough to recall the devastation wreaked by Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972 can appreciate flood-control efforts that were undertaken in the aftermath of that wide-scale weather calamity. Similarly, people who experienced fear and/or destruction from this month’s heavy, persistent rains are likely to be more open to steps deemed necessary to try to prevent future flooding — steps they might have opposed in the past. Then, some people might be tempted to take matters into their own hands to try to rectify problem conditions that have not been addressed, despite pleas to ...