Opinion

Joyce appreciated for health care stance

Letters to the Editor February 19, 2026

As a Keystone Stater through and through, I appreciate leaders who believe in accountability, competition, and limited government intrusion, especially in health care. That is why I appreciate U.S. Rep. John Joyce’s principled leadership on health care issues and his strong advocacy for constituents during recent congressional hearings with insurance executives. Too often, patients are left paying higher costs while large corporations face little scrutiny. Dr. Joyce understands that when insurance companies, pharmacy benefit managers and other health care entities become too ...

Verobish will bring energy, values to post

Letters to the Editor February 19, 2026

As a Blair County Commissioner and a member of the Blair County Republican Committee, I am proud to support Andrea Verobish for state representative. Andrea brings energy, integrity and a strong commitment to traditional conservative values that matter to families in Blair County. She understands the importance of limited government, respects life, strong families and supporting small businesses. She is a strong advocate for unleashing Pennsylvania’s energy resources. At a time when families are struggling with high costs and unreliable energy policies, Andrea knows that ...

Special election a date to remember

Letters to the Editor February 18, 2026

On March 17, voters in Pennsylvania’s 79th House District have a rare and historic opportunity to elect a representative to serve the remainder of Rep. Lou Schmitt’s term. Republicans are encouraged to unite behind Andrea Verobish and ensure that friends, family and neighbors cast their ballots — either in person on March 17 or early by mail. This type of special election has never occurred in our district, making it especially important to participate and help send Republican Andrea Verobish to Harrisburg. Please note that for this special election, some polling locations may be ...

Verobish committed to faith, family, freedom

Letters to the Editor February 18, 2026

I’m writing to encourage all registered voters to get out to vote in our special election on March 17 for state representative. The role of state representative is vital in Pennsylvania, providing our local voice in Harrisburg and directly shaping legislation that impacts our daily lives. This election is crucial for our community, affecting local policy, budgets, infrastructure, and taxes throughout Blair County and especially here in the 79th District. It is absolutely critical that Republicans turn out for this special election to support Andrea Verobish, who is committed to the ...

Past time to stop discontent, fraud

Letters to the Editor February 18, 2026

Once again the state of Minnesota is spawning discontent and insurrection by creating a calamity over the apprehension of illegal immigrants to distract from a massive fraud scheme to the tune of $9 billion and counting. There’s no excuse for this. These illegal immigrants came here circumventing due process of law and there is no reason they are owed due process of law when they are caught up with and deported. At the federal level, blue states like Minnesota have gained power and congressional seats by welcoming illegal immigrants, who get counted in the census results. They ...

Open talks with railroads important

Editorials February 18, 2026

As a railroad center, Altoona has lived with the prospect of train derailments for much of its history. Having lived with virtually all of the pluses and minuses of that industry for so long, including the knowledge of what their ancestors experienced during their lifetimes, people here go about their routines day in and day out without giving much thought to the dangers “built into” a rail operation in the community. Expressed more simply, people here do not shudder when a “monster” train consisting perhaps of nearly a hundred units is bearing down on their town. People ...