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Legislature raises stakes on gambling

There never has been much doubt that the introduction — and continuing growth in numbers — of skill games in taverns and small shops across Pennsylvania would impact negatively some segments of the commonwealth’s “gambling infrastructure.” Even now, with one major analysis for the Pennsylvania Lottery having been completed, the full skill-games impact probably is not known. Meanwhile, what the future might hold is uncertain in a troubling way. At the same time, it is reasonable to speculate that the analysis’ chief finding might have ignored one significant, relevant ...

LL team capturing our hearts

Sports have a unique way of rallying communities. We see it regularly at the high school, college and professional level. But it’s especially captivating when it involves the innocence of young athletes such as the Hollidaysburg Little League team. Hollidaysburg has stormed its way into the Little League World Series, which begins in Williamsport on Wednesday night. The local entry, which clinched the Mid-Atlantic Regional championship on Friday in Bristol, Connecticut, plays Thursday night on ESPN2 against Pearland, Texas. The Mid-Atlantic title was actually the fourth ...

Commissioners must address CYF staffing

Blair County Children, Youth & Families has a staffing crisis so severe that it could take many, many months to resolve. Unfortunately, at least two of the top three county government leaders appear to be in no hurry to resolve it. If the county is to continue operating the department, it should have the capacity, personnel and leadership to carry out its responsibilities effectively. If it can’t, then the state — which monitors the department and provides a major portion of its funding — needs to come up with a plan for the department which handles the important role of ...

Focus on inflation must be now

Children will be heading back to school soon, and as we go through this yearly rite of passage, we’re all understandably looking at it through the lens we’ve unfortunately been looking at too many things this year. The lens of inflation. “I feel like everything is going up these days,” Jessica Reyes told the Associated Press. “I think it’s greatly affected us in all areas, in bills and in house necessities and school necessities.” It’s unfortunate that what should be a happy, momentous occasion for America’s families is being marred with anxiety and ...

Downtown parking study important

There are many reasons to feel hopeful regarding the Downtown Altoona parking study that kicked off officially on July 20. However, it is not premature to ponder what the city will do — and, most importantly, how soon — when officials have the study’s findings in hand. Even now, it is reasonable to acknowledge that improvements to the current parking situation in the heart of the city will take time; it will not be an overnight venture. Perhaps before putting the study results to work for the municipality, officials might even see value in establishing an official ...

Rail system needs national safety standard

Mirror readers, especially those with ties to the railroad industry, no doubt recall the Federal Railroad Administration’s decision in 2019 to drop a FRA proposal to require two-person crews on freight trains. Those same readers might recall a Mirror editorial on Jan. 26, 2020, urging the federal agency to rethink its stance. The following quote from that editorial remains as true and relevant today as it was on that day when it first appeared in print: “The possibilities are sobering regarding what could happen if the single person in charge of a train were to suffer a heart ...