Opinion

Verobish ready to serve 79th District

Letters to the Editor February 12, 2026

As the voters of the 79th District prepare for the upcoming special election, I hope people take a moment to consider what this moment actually calls for. Special elections aren’t about political ambition — they’re about filling a vacancy with someone who can step in immediately and do the job well. Andrea Verobish brings exactly that kind of readiness. She’s already spent years working inside the state Capitol, helping draft legislation, navigating through constituent issues, and supporting representatives who fought for our region. That experience matters, especially when ...

Trump has made good inroads in a year

Letters to the Editor February 12, 2026

Trump has been in office for a whole year already and all you hear is how he’s destroying the country. Where have these people been for the last 30 years? Biden’s war on fossil fuel caused prices to skyrocket, and one thing I’ve learned in my many years is when prices go up, they never really go down again. Many things have actually gone down though at the supermarket, gas is definitely better. Stock markets are going crazy. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Too bad Trump can’t do anything right. ICE has been around since 2002 and everyone loved them till Trump became ...

Verobish will work to cut regulations

Letters to the Editor February 12, 2026

I urge you to vote for Andrea Verobish on March 17. While the 79th state House district has never had a special election, this will present you, the voter, with an opportunity to take part in a historic moment for Pennsylvania. Verobish will carry out the remainder of former state Rep. Lou Schmitt’s term with conservative convictions and will deliver for us. I could not recommend a better person for this role at this time. Verobish is pro-life, will work to cut regulations, will lower taxes, and will aid in the energy renaissance brewing in Pennsylvania. Again, please make a note ...

Earplugs cartoon hits the mark

Letters to the Editor February 11, 2026

I was engaged by Tom Stiglich’s cartoon in Friday’s (1/30) Mirror. The illustration depicted a bottle of soft earplugs, over which the title read “How to Effectively Engage with Far-Left Extremists.” I cut it out of my paper. I took a bit of white-out to it: now it reads “How to Effectively Engage with Extremists.” Works great. Hung it over my bed. Jim Winsor Altoona

Endangered Species Act must prevail

Letters to the Editor February 11, 2026

Have you ever spent a summer evening in Pennsylvania’s forests watching bats flit overhead, or waded in a stream as a bald eagle soared above? These experiences define the spirit of our Commonwealth. However, this legacy of conservation is at risk as the Endangered Species Act comes under attack. For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has been our most effective tool, with a 99% success rate for wildlife conservation. In Pennsylvania, we see its success every time we spot a bald eagle or a peregrine falcon — both once on the brink of vanishing. Today, congressional rollbacks ...

Housing safety must take priority

Editorials February 11, 2026

Some Altoona residents might think that the city is being harsh in ordering that two recovery homes be closed because the operator opened the facilities prior to them having passed life-safety inspections that are the responsibility of the Fire and Codes departments. The fact that the homes are a worthy and needed mission here does not override the necessity that the homes be in full compliance with city regulations aimed at protecting the lives and well-being of those whom the homes serve. The fact that the homes are a worthy and needed mission must not ignore the safety and ...