Opinion

Congress can cover Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Letters to the Editor February 20, 2026

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Earlier detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s would allow people to access treatments when they would be most effective and implement modifiable risk reduction strategies. As a former caregiver, I understand firsthand the importance of early detection and diagnosis. The bipartisan ASAP Act creates a pathway for Medicare coverage of FDA-approved dementia blood biomarker screening tests. The ASAP Act would also allow coverage for future test methods approved and cleared by the FDA, helping to ensure beneficiaries do ...

Blair County needs Verobish

Letters to the Editor February 20, 2026

As a state representative, I urge 79th District voters to support Andrea Verobish in the March 17 special election. It is critical that we elect principled conservatives who will stand against Governor Shapiro’s reckless spending and the progressive agenda advancing full-term abortion and marijuana legalization. Andrea Verobish will be a consistent conservative voice fighting for fiscal responsibility and traditional values. Don’t sit this one out. Join me in supporting Andrea Verobish on March 17. Scott Barger Hollidaysburg

Remember to vote in special election

Letters to the Editor February 20, 2026

Tuesday, March 17, marks St. Patrick’s Day, which celebrates the snakes driven from Ireland. This March 17 will be when voters select a replacement for now-Judge Lou Schmitt. Using the snakes as an analogy, voters of the 79th District (Altoona, and Logan and Allegheny townships) must do the same and vote Republican. This special election requires voters to vote again to ensure funding continues for community safety, education and transportation. All registered voters overwhelmingly elected Republican Schmitt to serve as the 79th District representative, so logically, voters should ...

Why female disparity in satisfaction?

Letters to the Editor February 19, 2026

A recent poll conducted by Cygnal offers a clear rejection to the noting that lawbreaking or violence is an acceptable response to federal immigration enforcement. According to this poll, approximately 24% of Americans believe criminal action — including violence -— can be justified to stop ICE. While this figure is troubling, the broader picture is reassuring: Nearly 70% Americans reject illegal or violent responses outright. Opposition spans the political spectrum. Republicans oppose such actions at roughly 80%, while Independents follow closely behind at approximately 72%. ...

Verobish committed to sound policies

Letters to the Editor February 19, 2026

As voters in Pennsylvania’s 79th House District prepare for the March 17 special election, I support Andrea Verobish for her commitment to responsible government and sound fiscal policy. With families facing inflation, higher taxes and rising costs, our district needs a representative who values disciplined, accountable spending. Andrea opposes wasteful programs and supports balancing priorities without expanding government bureaucracy. She takes a common sense approach to budgeting, focusing on core responsibilities like public safety, infrastructure and education while avoiding ...

Sensible minds need to prevail over budget

Letters to the Editor February 19, 2026

I felt compelled to write about Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.2 billion budget outline. I am dismayed when politicians continually increase spending instead of staying within fiscal limits of good governance. I am not saying Democrats are the only ones guilty of spending tax dollars, but they certainly have a penchant for spending over and above incoming revenues. When I was a local politician, we looked at our revenues and then decided what items our budget could accept and then planned accordingly. This governor and his cohorts believe that legalizing marijuana and taxing skill games ...