Opinion

Where are the lower food, drug prices?

Letters to the Editor January 7, 2026

So Donald Trump’s pitch for affordability (I’m sure the word sent his billionaire buddies rushing for a dictionary) lasted all of about a week before he labeled it a “Democrat hoax.” A hoax? Really? Americans not heavily invested in crypto would wholeheartedly disagree. As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump didn’t think it was a hoax when he needed votes and made wild promises that absolutely nobody with a functioning BS detector would believe. Like these: “Starting the day I take the oath of office, I will rapidly drive prices down and we will make America affordable ...

City right to restore blighted lots

Editorials January 7, 2026

To anyone who might be thinking that Altoona’s new blighted-property rehabilitation program is but a threat upon which the city would not follow up with substantive action, the best advice now must be “think again.” The city Redevelopment Authority’s already initiated steps against a dilapidated house in the 1800 block of Fifth Avenue is indicative of a solid commitment by the city and its agencies to make good on the program’s availability, legal options and overall promise. No matter how and when that effort ultimately concludes regarding the Fifth Avenue property, the ...

Trump policies help lower-income families

Opinion January 6, 2026

During President Donald Trump’s first term (Trump 1.0), his economic policies set the stage for higher wages and more job opportunities for working people, especially low- and middle-income families. Here is a quick review. First, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 cut the Federal Income Taxes of low- and middle-income families by about $2,000. (Data source: public statement from former Congressman Bill Shuster). Second, the legislation reduced the Corporate Income Tax rate from 34% to 21%. The lost tax revenue was small but had a large silver lining – it provided a strong ...

Christians don’t hate others

Letters to the Editor January 6, 2026

There have been letters in the Mirror praising Charlie Kirk with one comparing Kirk to Jesus Christ, saying Kirk spread the words of Jesus Christ across America. I could not find in my Bible where Jesus Christ spread words of hatred, like Kirk did. Did Kirk not spread words of hatred against Jews, Blacks, Hispanics, Muslims, gays, etc? The only group he missed was Native Americans. Kirk was a throwback to very dark days in America, where those who Kirk said, if you don’t look, act, talk or think like me, you don’t belong. A letter writer said Sept. 10, 2025, will live in infamy. ...

Endangered species must be protected

Letters to the Editor January 6, 2026

As a conservationist, outdoor writer and Pennsylvanian who spends hours in the field, I am alarmed by the current administration’s attempt to weaken the Endangered Species Act. This landmark law has prevented the extinction of 99% of the species placed under its protection. In November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed four rules that would reinstate weakened 2019-20 regulations. The proposals would: — Remove the “blanket rule” that automatically safeguards threatened species, instead requiring protections to be added ...

Community should stand up for hospital

Letters to the Editor January 5, 2026

I recently retired from UPMC Altoona as a facility maintenance manager. We recently installed “state of the art” surveillance systems at the Station Medical Facility and, outside of the fact that I believe there needs to be an “armed police presence” during normal working hours, it is an excellence system providing a proactive approach to patient and staff safety. I’ve witnessed our administrators at UPMC Altoona trying to do everything within their authority to provide world class care and safety for patients and staff. It’s my opinion that they are operating with two ...