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Student loan relief: Proceed with caution

Many people successful in their life’s pursuits are where they are today because of educational opportunities afforded by federal student loans or grants. Those former students should be forever grateful for having had the opportunity to grow up in a free nation with abundant financial resources — abundant financial resources that enabled them to get a college degree without first having to provide much, if any, upfront tuition money. Now, rather than dwelling on the hope that their loans someday might be forgiven, for whatever reason, former loan recipients now earning a ...

When paving I-99, avoid shortcuts

The state Department of Transportation’s plan to use a one-inch-thick hot mix overlay, rather than the current standard resurfacing, for an approximately seven-mile stretch of Interstate 99 between Newry Borough and Altoona’s 17th Street is built on good intentions. The proposal would save millions of dollars over its projected life of eight to 10 years. Yet, perhaps, that savings prospect might not be benefit enough. Good judgment suggests questioning whether the innovative resurfacing option being proposed really would be the proverbial slam-dunk that current cost figures by ...

Easter basket can fulfill us in many ways

On this Easter weekend, no one is alone in concerns and uncertainties they might be feeling. Many others are enduring similar anxieties, while others are feeling various degrees of emptiness because of circumstances in their lives — wondering how that emptiness might be resolved. This holiday, grounded in the victory of Jesus Christ over death and opening the gates to salvation for mankind, should be one of joy, hope, reconciliation and resolution from the pains of daily life. Instead, events on the world, national and local “stages,” coupled with negative or otherwise dangerous ...

Good time to heed Jesus’ words

Scriptures say that the two revolutionaries who were crucified with Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary on the day known now as Good Friday joined the chief priests, elders, scribes and others in the crowds in taunting, mocking and otherwise verbally abusing Jesus. When one of the two implored Jesus to “save thyself and us,” however, the other rebuked him, saying both of them deserved their punishments but Jesus had done nothing to deserve his. According to Scriptures, Jesus responded to the one who had defended him, saying, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Jesus’ words ...

Our view: PA Turnpike needs more transparency

It has been about eight months since an internal Pennsylvania Turnpike report disclosed that more than $104 million in tolls went uncollected in 2020 — information that turnpike officials initially concealed from the public. That reluctance by the turnpike’s hierarchy was due to embarrassment that the switch to all-electronic tolling had not gone as planned and that losses seemed destined to continue piling up. Transparency regarding the huge loss would only make the embarrassment more problematic, the hierarchy surmised, and those officials subsequently were proven ...

Our view: City smart to address snow plan shouldn’t have to wait

Many Altoona residents might be thinking “A little late, aren’t you?” regarding city council’s Monday discussion of implementing new snow emergency parking restrictions in certain neighborhoods. Of course, the discussion was late for the winter of 2021-22, which already has given way to spring, although winter weather-type conditions in recent days suggest otherwise. However, what was discussed on Monday was not late for winters to come, some of which no doubt will be much worse than the one just past, even if only in terms of frigid temperatures. Many older residents of ...