The Morning Agenda

As we ramp up for the new school year, you may be wondering: How many kids are vaccinated against diseases like measles in any specific Pennsylvania county? A new dashboard created by the state Department of Health makes immunization rates publicly available.Many communities are ramping up their back-to-school vaccination campaigns.Meantime, Pennsylvania pediatricians are pushing back against Donald Trump's recent executive order that calls for separating the combination measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine into individual shots.Pennsylvania's Farmland Preservation Program continues, with the state investing more than $9.1 million dollars to purchase and preserve 34 farms across the Commonwealth.State officials are asking for the public's input on a draft Pennsylvania Wildlife Plan. And now a deep dive.Petitioners want to repeal an anti-discrimination ordinance in one northeastern Pennsylvania County. They recently presented more than 15,000 signatures to Luzerne County Council's clerk.WITF has always relied on your support to fulfill our mission. Our community of sustaining members provides a robust and reliable foundation of support that we count on, month aftermonth, year after year. By increasing your sustaining gift today, you're preserving and strengthening the WITF services you count on - from reliable reporting to the programs you love. Invest in your community. Increase your sustaining gift today at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Small businesses and nonprofits have come to rely on skill games, with each machine bringing in an estimated tens of thousands of dollars a year. But they will become illegal this fall if Pennsylvania doesn't regulate the industry. Advocates are rallying for a solution.A group of U.S. Navy sailors stationed on the USS Gettysburg visited the borough in Adams County this week. They connected with and honored past military members.A MAGA activist violated Pennsylvania campaign finance laws last year, according to a Washington-based watchdog group. Public Citizen wants voter registration activist Scott Presler to disclose how much his organization spent trying to remove three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices last year.Communities in Lancaster and York counties are in cleanup and assessment mode following severe storms and a tornado that swept through the region on Thursday.The U.S. Department of Justice is dropping its appeal of a federal court ruling that quashed a subpoena the DOJ  issued to UPMC just over a year ago.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

Harrisburg's Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is facing financial headwinds. Leadership says the science and arts center has 10 years of financial runway left, worst-case scenario.One person is dead and two Pennsylvania State Police officers are injured following a plane crash Wednesday night in Cumberland County. Corporal Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills are in stable condition and expected to be okay. We have an update on this violent crash.Earlier this week, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to force data center developers to comply with his standards for the industry. Ahead of the signing, Shapiro mentioned his visit to the borough of Archbald in Lackawanna County, which is facing the most data center proposals of any location in the state. Now, one Archbald advocate says Shapiro's order doesn't go far enough.Schools in southcentral Pennsylvania will receive more than $420,000 in state funding to continue providing free period products to students.The Hershey community is invited to Milton Hershey's 169th birthday party.And we have a deep dive, in our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, we share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle. Today's bright spot is this: Little League World Series play is getting underway in Lycoming County. But the wider community turned out in droves on Tuesday to greet players and families during the annual Grand Slam parade in downtown Williamsport. It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

One person is dead and two Pennsylvania State Police officers were injured following a Wednesday evening crash at an airport in Cumberland County. It was a violent collision between a state police helicopter and a small airplane.Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday signed an executive order to impose stricter regulations on data center development. Shapiro is the latest in a string of governors across the county shifting their stances or taking steps to crack down on data center development, as public opinion sours.The State Inspector General and Dauphin County DA are charging dozens of people in a SNAP trafficking operation.Democrats are declaring victory in a state House special election in Butler County, though the margin is razor-thin.With three months to go until midterms, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt joined other officials last week to push back on election misinformation.In one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country, the 7th in northeastern PA, a strange fight is brewing between the Pennsylvania Green Party and a candidate who is petitioning to appear on the ballot under their label.Police say one of the three people found inside a burning Dauphin County home Monday morning killed the other two and used an accelerant to set the home on fire.State Ag Secretary Russell Redding recently honored a dozen Pennsylvania farms that have been in the same family for 100 years. The "century farms" include two in Perry County.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, along with 21 other nonprofit organizations, has won a federal lawsuit against the Trump Administration. PCADV says new guidelines would have made them choose between its funding and its mission.More than a dozen current or former Penn State students are facing drug trafficking charges.PennDOT is finalizing plans for a project designed to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists on one of Harrisburg's oldest bridges. PennDOT is asking the public to provide feedback.The Pennsylvania Turnpike is seeing improving finances, but debt management and unpaid toll collection continue as challenges. That's according to an audit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.The Pennsylvania Game Commission is ending its Deputy Warden Program. A spokesperson with the Pennsylvania Game Commission says the program is ending effective September 1st.Hope House of Cumberland Valley will break ground on the county's first transitional home this Thursday, August 20th. It will be dedicated to survivors of domestic abuse.Five school districts in the state's 100th House District will receive grant funding for school safety and mental health.Some Pennsylvania schools are cutting off charter students' access to yellow school buses after a court ruling.Triple-A is reminding parents and college students to prepare for their return to campus by making sure car maintenance and insurance are up-to-date.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

A sharp increase in fertilizer prices is one of the challenges American farmers, including here in Pennsylvania, have been facing this year. The fertilizer shortage -- and a possible long-term solution -- were the focus of a session last week at Penn State's Ag Progress Days.More than 31 thousand Pennsylvanians lost 538 million dollars last year to elder exploitation and scams. And some officials believe it's time to update the commonwealth's Older Adult Protective Services Act.To keep in compliance with the federal Clean Water Act, states are required to complete what's known as an Integrated Water Quality Report every two years.Spooky season is coming this fall. Haunted attraction operators now need to submit safety plans before hiring performers under 18 years old.And now a deeper dive:Northeastern Pennsylvania's Triple-A baseball team will soon have a new name for the first time in over a dozen years.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

State Sen. James Malone and Lancaster County officials are asking the Pennsylvania Senate to pass legislation that would allow a pause on data center development. A recent survey from the University of Pennsylvania finds opposition to data centers has jumped significantly among both Democrats and Republicans.Why is the Green Party trying to have a candidate for the US House from the Green Party removed from the ballot?Even though Labor Day weekend is three weeks away, a national crackdown on impaired driving is kicking off now - and stretching through Labor Day on September 7th. PennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police are taking part.A new law in Pennsylvania aims to resolve a long-standing legal battle over natural gas rights, but it might have sparked more complications. The NFL Draft generated $177 million in economic impact across the Pittsburgh region, according to reports released last week.Today we take a deep dive into one of today's most pressing chronic health issues, obesity. How doctors talk about weight gain with patients can mean difficult conversations.If you already support WITF with an ongoing monthly contribution, thank you. If every member of WITF's Sustaining Circle increased their gift by as little as $12 a month, we could close the budget gap caused by cuts in federal funding and keep this programming going strong. Increase your monthly gift today athttps://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow.And thanks!

Violent crime in the commonwealth has fallen to pre-COVID-19 pandemic rates almost across the board. State Attorney General Dave Sunday says there's some good news in those numbers but warned about upticks in drug trafficking.Dauphin County Commissioners have approved another year of free evening parking in Downtown Harrisburg from 5 to 7 pm. But they say they want feedback and data on whether it's helping businesses. Businesses say it is.Norfolk Southern says federal investigators will look into the cause of Tuesday's train derailment at the Horseshoe Curve in Altoona. A former PennDOT employee is charged with embezzling more than $33,000 by overcharging her department-issued credit card.The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is adding a forest in Schuylkill County to the national Old-Growth Forest Network.Kyle Robinson, a Waterways Conservation Officer covering Mifflin and northern Huntingdon counties, is receiving statewide recognition A memorial service this Sunday will honor the life of Dick Knoebel. The former President of Knoebels Amusement Resort passed away on July 16th at the age of 87.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot.  Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.   Today's bright spot is this: Mini-THONs from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states raised more than $6.4 million during the 2025-26 school year to support Four Diamonds.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Election day is less than three months away. Both candidates for Pa. Governor are ramping up their campaigns with strong messaging. A Cumberland County man named Ashish Patel is the top donor to the super PAC of Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is suing TikTok. The AG accuses the platform of being addictive and exposing children to mature content.At this time last year, Pennsylvania lawmakers were still embroiled in budget negotiations, which ended up going 135 days. But the state's 2026-27 spending plan was resolved much sooner. A big factor in how long budget talks last... seems to be whether an election is coming up. ICE is apparently considering buying immigration detention facilities in Pennsylvania.Governor Josh Shapiro recognized the Department of Labor and Industry's PennSERVE team for preserving AmeriCorps funding in the state.PennDOT is finalizing plans for its Route 30 bypass slated to be rerouted through a nature preserve.A major Cumberland County roadway will be closed to traffic this weekend.In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

The Trump Administration is trying to overhaul standards for Head Start, the early childhood education program for low-income families. Central PA experts and parents are concerned the changes will make it less effective.Measles continues to spread in Lancaster County and surrounding communities in Pennsylvania, causing officials to sound the alarm ahead of back-to-school season. They're asking residents to look out for their neighbors.A federal Board ruled US Steel's ineffective safety procedures and siting decisions were factors in last year's fatal August 11th explosion at one of the company's plants near Pittsburgh. The board found the explosion, which killed two workers, could have been prevented with proper safety protocols.Pennsylvania's 500 school districts are sharing 565-million-dollars in supplemental funding, called for in the new state budget.All Pennsylvania State Police stations now have at least five sensory aid bags. They include things like headphones, fidget items, and a nonverbal communication board to help support people with autism and sensory sensitivities.The National Football League's preseason is underway. What to expect from Pennsylvania's teams – including a game on the schedule today.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Pennsylvania's gubernatorial election is heating up, with both campaigns releasing attack ads over the last week. One is a traditional TV commercial and the other is an unconventional miniseries.New funding in the 2026-27 state budget is creating a program to help local police departments solve cold cases, homicides, and other violent crimes.Now that there is a new state budget in place, grants are heading to local communities for redevelopment projects. Spooky season is coming this fall. Haunted attraction operators now need to submit safety plans before hiring performers under 18 years old.The state Transportation Commission has adopted a new 12-year plan to spend over $90 billion to improve Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure.PennDOT is welcoming public comment on plans to rehab Harrisburg's Market Street Bridge.The state Department of Health will again provide free potassium iodide tablets to Pennsylvanians who live, learn more work within 10 miles of the state's active nuclear power plants.Two utilities which serve much of central PA recently released their latest quarterly earnings. It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

After two months with above-average numbers of assaults on staff at the state prison in Camp Hill, the State Corrections Officers Association called for harsher punishments after violence. But the Association misread the data and significantly overstated the problem. Now, there's new data.With a new state budget in place, the Pennsylvania Capitol Police are assembling their next class of recruits. While some members of Congress seek to delay a ban on intoxicating hemp products, Pennsylvania's attorney general says it should take effect as soon as possible.State law requires the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to document underground mining damages to properties and the environment and publish its findings every five years. But an environmental group is claiming the latest publication has major issues.County governments across Pennsylvania are facing rising emergency costs. But the legislature didn't include an increase to the 911 phone fee in the new state budget.A rare combination of celestial events is coming to the skies above Central PA this week. This Wednesday, August 12th, astronomy will be putting on a show throughout a 24-hour period.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Measles cases are surging in Pennsylvania, as part of the biggest Measles outbreak in the US in 35 years, with 176 confirmed cases in the state, 35 in the last week alone. Most of those infected are unvaccinated.As unknown hackers target municipal water systems in several states, Pennsylvania officials confirm there have been no cyberattacks here -- at least not so far.The University of Valley Forge in southeastern PA is closing three weeks before the start of its fall semester. Students are now looking to transfer to other schools, including Messiah University in Mechanicsburg.The State Museum of Pennsylvania is closed until 2029 for an 80 million dollar renovation, the first since the current building opened in 1964. The work aims to improve both the visitor experience - and storage for the museum's collections and archives.In Cumberland County Wednesday night, supervisors in Middlesex Township delayed a decision on a massive data center development. That's because a standing-room-only crowd packed the township's meeting room, with additional residents unable to enter.The Hanover, York County-based snack food company Utz Brands reports a loss of $10.1 million in its second quarter.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today's bright spot is this:Glamping, or "glamorous camping" is now available at three Pennsylvania State Parks.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

A law banning the use of hand-held devices while driving went into effect in June. State troopers are already nabbing hundreds of violators.Two Pennsylvania lawmakers want to update laws for electric bicycles following several crashes in the region this summer. They say there's a safety gap in the current law.Harrisburg International Airport set new records in June. While public transit advocates say the new state budget ignores future funding problems, Governor Josh Shapiro says he's pushing for a long-term solution.Small towns across Pennsylvania are set to receive the latest wave of federal funding for EV chargers.State agriculture officials are announcing $460,000 in grants to five projects aimed at increasing competitiveness and market growth for some of Pennsylvania's specialty crops.Today we bring you the final installment of Designing Dignity -- a series exploring lessons Pennsylvania might learn from Japan about how best to cope with a rapidly aging population. This episode explores how wrapping community around people who are declining cognitively helps to preserve their quality of life, while perhaps enriching our own.Did you know that if every one of WITF's sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow.And thanks!

Lancaster activists are supporting an immigrant and hoping to use his case to bring attention to cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.Changes to Medicaid in a massive federal tax and spending bill approved last year could top $900 billion in losses over a decade. The Pennsylvania Health Access Network recently gathered advocates and elected officials - virtually - to sound the alarm about those changes and what they mean for the state. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has tried to limit costs for students during the past decade. That has included increasing financial aid as well as freezing tuition from 2018 to 2024. And now, the state system will start paying for what some scholarships don't cover.The Michaux State Forest Wildfire Response Team is being honored for their actions to suppress and investigate the large wildfire that occurred in Cumberland County earlier this year. Doors to the State Museum of Pennsylvania are now closed. The museum is undergoing a nearly $80 million renovation - its first since the building opened in 1964.And now today's deep dive:Countries like the U.S. and Japan are facing a workforce crisis when it comes to caregiving.Whether it's caused by population demographics or insufficient recruitment strategies, countries with aging populations are looking for solutions to mitigate staffing shortages.In Part 5 of the series Designing Dignity, with the global gold rush of artificial intelligence, both the U.S. and Japan are considering robots as a potential solution. It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Pennsylvania hasn't independently raised its minimum wage since 2006, three years prior to a federally mandated increase to $7.25 an hour. State lawmakers and workers plan to keep pushing for an increase in the commonwealth.Now that it's August, respiratory virus season is only a couple of months away. Physicians say it's not too early to start taking precautions. One-third of Japan's population is 65 or older. As we age, older adults need more medical care than their younger counterparts. But Japan has implemented a program to keep medical costs down for the elderly and their families. It's a taxpayer-funded insurance program specifically for long-term care. Several U.S. states are exploring their own version of universal long-term care insurance. WESA's Kiley Koscinski reports in part four of the series Designing Dignity.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

The Harrisburg nonprofit All You Can Incorporated is collecting school supplies to donate to families in need.Central Pennsylvania's Community College has a new president. The college saw a 3.1% decrease in enrollment in the last year as a demographic cliff looms. State officials are highlighting Penn State's contributions to military and national security research.Several Schuylkill County communities are in the midst of water main replacement projects by the water company Aqua Pennsylvania.Two Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture leaders are being honored with Governor's Awards for Excellence.Hospital stays are stressful at any age, but they can be dangerous for older adults. Hospitalizations are also expensive. Chronic care in hospital settings is one major driver of healthcare spending. Japan has sought to reduce hospitalizations for the elderly by providing care in the patient's home. But Kiley Koscinski from our friends at WESA reports in part THREE of the series Designing Dignity, a workforce shortage could threaten the success of home-based care.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

 Reading residents will be visiting the Schuylkill River on Saturday to clean and enjoy the outdoors. The Riverzilla event connects people with the waterway.Cumberland County is recording a number of mosquito samples which have tested positive for West Nile Virus this summer. Ongoing surveillance is taking place across the county.At the state Capitol in Harrisburg Wednesday, immigration advocates called on Gov. Josh Shapiro to shut down a youth detention center in Berks County and end collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.The Hershey Company is reporting second quarter profits of $457.7 million, which surpassed Wall Street expectations.And now today's deep dive:As Pennsylvania's baby boomers continue to age, more Gen X and Millennial adults are finding themselves as caregivers for their parents. In the second installment of the Designing Dignity series, Kiley Koscinski from our friends at WESA takes a look at how care managers in Japan are bridging medical and social support.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot.  Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.   Today's bright spot is a very personal one for us here at WITF - and one that we share with you, our listeners.WITF has learned that The Morning Agenda is now an award-winning podcast.And I say this with complete humility as well as pride in our small but mighty WITF news team.The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation has honored WITF with first place podcast honors among all medium sized radio markets across the state.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

Three Mile Island is on schedule to receive nuclear material by the end of the year. We report on the power plant's progress as it nears reopening.A group of municipalities in northern Dauphin County voted to incorporate a joint authority to oversee emergency services. This comes as communities across the state face funding issues.Pennsylvania State Police have identified the body of a man discovered in Menallen Township, Adams County on Sunday. The demolition of the William Penn School building in Harrisburg began earlier this week.Republic Services is being fined more than $9 million for polluting a York County creek. And now a deep dive: Today, we begin a six-part series here on The Morning Agenda. Pennsylvania's population is getting older, with health experts warning that change will mean a rise in cases of dementia.  Can the state look to other regions of the world where older populations are thriving? In today's part one of the series DESIGNING DIGNITY, Kiley Koscinski from our friends at WESA went to Japan to find out. It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

Pennsylvania's 10th district congressional candidates are attracting more donors than any of the state's other key contenders for the U.S. House of Representatives. Law enforcement officers generally need a warrant with a judge's signature to search private property. But in Pennsylvania, wildlife officers have been able to enter open fields and woods without a warrant for nearly 20 years. State and local officials recently gathered at Reservoir Park in Lancaster for the commonwealth's third annual Outdoors for All celebration. More than 30 outdoor recreation and conservation organizations were on hand. Cumberland County's Vector Control Office has been notified by the state Department of Environmental Protection that a ninth mosquito sample this summer has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The latest sample was collected in Lower Allen Township. Pennsylvania has secured 20-point-3-million-dollars from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to expand operations and create 42 new jobs in Berks County. The state is kicking in 500,000 dollars for the project. The Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed nearly two dozen bills into law. The measures include efforts to cut red tape, expand Pennsylvania's workforce and address critical workforce shortages. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

Pennsylvania's newly enacted state budget includes new funding for under-resourced public schools and requires weekly wellness checks for virtual students. It also mandates at least 30 minutes of daily recess for all elementary school students. The American Academy of Pediatrics released guidance this spring emphasizing the importance of daily, unstructured recess for all kids. A recent poll finds an increasing amount of opposition to data center development in Pennsylvania. the issue might even play into upcoming elections The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in March that it's unconstitutional to sentence someone to life without parole for second-degree murder. The court gave state lawmakers until July 24th to come up with new sentencing guidelines. But they haven't agreed on a path forward. Governor Josh Shapiro said he wants the state to set the law, otherwise counties will have to decide for themselves. Pennsylvania is among the more than two dozen states suing the Trump administration for requiring them to comply with election and immigration conditions as a condition for receiving billions in federal disaster assistance. The lawsuit seeks to eliminate the requirement in order to receive funding awarded through the 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program. Albright College in Reading is exploring whether to use tax-exempt bonds approved by Berks County Commissioners to refinance 42 million dollars in debt, purchase dorms, and maintain facilities. State lawmakers have changed the rules for reporting lead in school drinking water. Schools in Pennsylvania are not required to test for lead as long as the topic is discussed at a public meeting. Previously, any lead detection had to be reported, but now only levels above five parts per billion need to be reported. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

During the recent legislative session, House and Senate members failed to pass a statewide school cellphone ban in the recently enacted budget, but they are getting students off screens another way. Among the items that are included in the budget is a boost in funding for the arts in Pennsylvania. The additional one million dollars is the first increase in arts funding in 16 years.Dickinson College in Carlisle is offering undergraduate students the opportunity to study the nuances of artificial intelligence.  On a recent edition of WITF's The Spark, John McCormick, founder of Dickinson's New Deep Network Understanding Lab, gave an example of the types of detail students will study via the hands-on experience.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is abandoning its plan to use two rural Pennsylvania warehouses to hold thousands of detainees. Applications will soon be accepted for funding to help nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Pennsylvania strengthen security and prevent hate crimes. A total of ten million dollars is available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Pennsylvanians can now nominate their favorite trail for the 2027 trail of the year, but the deadline is quickly approaching. The commonwealth is home to more than 14-thousand miles of trails. To be considered, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by July 31st. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

State lawmakers are expected to miss today's deadline to approve new sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder. While state Attorney General Dave Sunday hammered Democrats this week for delaying a vote, the state House returned to Harrisburg to deliberate. Prosecutors and top Republicans estimate more than a thousand convicted killers could seek release from prison if lawmakers fail to pass a new framework. But, the Attorney General says he took issue with the rhetoric that hundreds of them would get out of jail soon as a result.Pennsylvania ranks last in a new study of 18-year olds' voter registration rates. State officials were in Centre County this week to highlight the inclusion of 10-million dollars in the new state budget for freeze disaster assistance for growers impacted by the late April freeze that severely damaged fruit crops across the state.  A principal in the Warwick School District in Lancaster County could be facing dismissal after she was accused of leaving facility dog Callie in her car last month, resulting in the dog's death. Bonfield Elementary School Principal Amy Balsbaugh has a hearing with the district scheduled for August 5 to decide her employment status.Pennsylvania's recently enacted state budget includes a provision aimed at helping vulnerable households avoid the theft of their food benefits. The budget contains $7 million to transition the electronic debit cards for those enrolled in the SNAP Program, into cards with more secure chip technology. And this week's Bright Spot:The Reading Science Center is receiving a 10-thousand dollar grant to boost a hands-on STEM program for girls. Sisters in STEM is a weekly program for girls in grades 4 through 6. The grant funding is being awarded by the Reading branch of the American Association of University Women Sisters in STEM activities include building electrical circuits, exploring chemical reactions, and engineering challenges.If you already support WITF with an ongoing monthly contribution, thank you. If every member of WITF's Sustaining Circle increased their gift by as little as $12 a month, we could close the budget gap caused by cuts in federal funding and keep this programming going strong. Increase your monthly gift today at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks! 

Demand for electricity in the mid-Atlantic region is growing faster than supply, putting pressure on prices. the results of the most recent procedure used to ensure a reliable grid. A system wide fare increase took effect this week for riders of RabbitTransit.  Executive Director Richard Farr says the changes affect Capitol region, Gettysburg, Shippensburg and Rork fixed route service, along with Rabbit Express, capital region commuter routes, stop hopper and shared ride services.Governor Josh Shapiro this week visited the YWCA for Carlisle and Cumberland County. the Governor highlighted nearly doubled state funding for rape crisis centers included in this year's approved budget.Two men have been charged in connection with a $52 million COVID-19 tax credit fraud conspiracy. Christopher Slater, of California, was indicted by a grand jury in Harrisburg.PennDOT has announced the awarding of 1.1 million dollars to 16 schools and transportation providers in 19 counties. The funds will be used to enhance school bus safety, including the training of 430 new school bus drivers. It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

In the wake of an ongoing measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, the state's Department of Health has created a new online dashboard. Postpartum hemorrhage, or excessive bleeding, is a common childbirth complication, but it can be deadly. Nurses at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new tool to help identify who is most at risk of this medical emergency. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education will soon begin covering part of eligible in-state students' tuition. Beginning in the fall of 2027, the initiative will pay remaining costs for those getting both a federal Pell Grant and a PA State Grant. When the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that a life term without parole for second-degree murder was unconstitutional, it set a July 24th deadline for legislators to revise the law. While lawmakers have voted on sentencing proposals in Harrisburg, no bill has found enough support to pass.6 million dollars from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will go to the 49th Legislative District in Lancaster County. Thaddeus Stevens Foundation is set to receive 4 million dollars.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

A state lawmaker from northeastern PA announced her breast cancer diagnosis in June. Rep. Bridget Kosieroski spoke recently to share her hopeful health outlook, the importance of regular screenings and how she'll turn her experience into legislative action in Harrisburg.Governor Josh Shapiro and other Pennsylvania democrats launched the "Rise Up Pennsylvania" initiative over the weekend.  it is expected to be the largest coordinated campaign effort for a midterm election in Pennsylvania's history.Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently wrapped up Urban Agriculture Week with a  stop at Bay Street Garden in Lancaster. A grant of over 45,000 dollars is helping support innovative approaches to producing fresh food on the redeveloped urban site. State Senator James Malone, among those on hand to mark to celebrate Urban Ag Week, says gardening provides benefits beyond growing healthy food.Pennsylvania's unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point in June, bringing it to 4.1 percent.Federal grants for counterterrorism and election security in Pennsylvania could be on hold until new election demands are met Penn State is raising tuition rates for all students at University Park and some students at commonwealth campuses in the 2027-28 school year. It's part of the university's 11.1 billion dollar budget. Students who attend classes at the main University Park campus will see increases of 2.5 percent for in-state undergraduate students, 2 percent for in-state graduate students, and 4 percent for all out-of-state students.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Today we have a deep dive for you: Pennsylvania's rivers and streams are home to thousands of dams, more than any other state.  Pennsylvania also leads the nation in dam removals.  A branch of the Juniata River is changing, after two dams were removed last summer. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like the Morning Agenda. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

The movement continues among state lawmakers to ban cell phones in schools. one central Pa. district says they have seen benefits from restrictive phone policies.Pennsylvania officials say the Trump administration could be holding up millions of dollars of Homeland Security grants until states comply with election demands. Lawmakers are calling for tighter commercial driver's license laws in Pennsylvania. Their calls come in the wake of the July 1st crash that killed a state police trooper in Schuylkill County.A data center being built by Amazon in the greater Philadelphia area is sparking public outcry.The Public Utility Commission will hold public hearings on allegations related to operational and service-related issues within the Veolia water system. The Trump administration replaced an exhibit on slavery at the site of President George Washington's home in Philadelphia with a version that historians say whitewashes the nation's history. The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is partnering with Amtrak to provide passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia.The Harrisburg Fringe Festival began Thursday and stretches through the weekend. The fourth annual festival features more than 200 independent artists at nine venues across the city.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today's bright spot is this:Two orphaned bear cubs are making central PA their new home.ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey took the pair of 5-month-old American black bear cubs in, after they were rescued by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

U.S. Senator Dave McCormick is announcing $10 billion of investments into defense industries across Pennsylvania. The projects, mostly focused around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, also include new factories in York and Lancaster. President Donald Trump is pushing to increase federal spending across manufacturing, artificial intelligence and robotics, all in support of a stronger military. Trump spoke at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Wednesday to highlight investments in Pennsylvania's industries.  Leaders in the defense industry say there is a critical need for investment to strengthen national security. The $50.8 billion state budget now in effect includes more funds for public education and early-learning programs.While state lawmakers seemed to be moving fast this month to regulate data center construction, few rules made it into the budget deal which is now law.Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary has a new exhibition about the religious liberties of incarcerated people.When Pennsylvania lawmakers recessed last Sunday, they did so without addressing unconstitutional murder sentences. This leaves one thousand people serving life sentences, in limbo. A Pennsylvania state report calls for new regulations on online casinos to tackle gambling addiction, which experts describe as a public health challenge. And MY Work in Perry County connects students with disabilities to meaningful, paid work opportunities in their communities. Some students are working for Marysville Borough this summer.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Governor Josh Shapiro and President Donald Trump are both scheduled to speak at the Army War College in Carlisle today. They're attending the Pennsylvania defense and infrastructure summit put together by Senator Dave McCormick. Trump is expected to highlight his investments in military spending. McCormick is using his summit to announce billions in investments in Pennsylvania industries. On the American debate over how much to spend on defense, U.S. Representative Scott Perry says he supports a one-time investment to jumpstart military production, but he warns about a ballooning federal budget.Governor Josh Shapiro is praising advocates from Pittsburgh who he said helped secure the first state budget increase for Pennsylvania's rape crisis centers in five years. Thirty-one percent of Pennsylvanian woman are unaware of the preventive services available at no cost under the Affordable Care Act. The Governor's Advisory Commission on Women is launching a statewide informational tour to tell them about accessible services.Pennsylvania lawmakers want to make it easier for homeowners to build backyard cottages, garage apartments, and other accessory dwelling units, or ADUs.Rabbittransit is getting ready to implement a new fare collection system later this month.  Changes are coming to the Capital Region, Gettysburg, Shippensburg and York routes.U.S. Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania is bringing power brokers to the Keystone State by hosting a two-day summit on national defense industries. It's taking place at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle.Governor Josh Shapiro has secured a $20.3 million investment from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to expand operations and create 42 new jobs in Berks County.The number of measles cases in Pennsylvania has grown to 105 this year. The latest outbreak, over the past few months, is within a 7-county area surrounding Lancaster County where there have been 55 confirmed cases.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs wildlife staff is holding butterfly tours. The training grounds at Fort Indiantown Gap house the only population of the eastern regal fritillary butterfly in the world.A group of Pennsylvania residents is working to revive the colonial practice of growing flax one square yard at a time.Dual sport motorcycle riders now have 20 miles of new trails to ride on state forest land. A report from our partners at Spotlight PA says Republican state senator Greg Rothman made money from the sale of a $30 million property to a developer building a data center in Cumberland County.Congressman Glenn Thompson is joining the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support Pennsylvania apple growers who suffered catastrophic losses from a late-April freeze that destroyed crops. They're attempting to streamline and add flexibility in the crop insurance process.Pennsylvania State Police investigated 635 crashes that resulted in 128 injuries and six fatalities over the July 4 weekend.AndAttorney General Dave Sunday, along with 48 other attorneys, is calling on the FCC to help cut off scammers' access to real phone numbers.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

We have a new state budget, after lawmakers worked over the weekend in Harrisburg. On Sunday, 12 days into July, the state House and Senate approved a $50.8 billion state budget. Governor Josh Shapiro signed a package of bills enacting the budget Sunday afternoon, and praised legislative leaders for their ability to compromise. Legislative Democrats say the budget deal maintains important public education spending. Republican leaders hailed the deal that modestly increases spending.Why Schuylkill and Berks counties likely can't recoup lost warehouse tax revenue.With Immigration and Customs Enforcement pivoting from plans to convert some of its new warehouses to detention facilities, one lingering issue is that local governments have lost millions of dollars in annual revenue because the properties are tax-exempt. Some officials had been pushing for payments in lieu of taxes from the federal government. It now looks like that won't happen.The debate over data centers is becoming a central issue in Pennsylvania's gubernatorial campaign. Republican Stacy Garrity was in Western Pennsylvania last week to discuss the issue -- AND to criticize Governor Josh Shapiro.A Democratic congressional candidate wants major reforms in the way Congress operates.Nominations are open for Pennsylvania's 2027 "trail of the year." Pennsylvanians can submit their favorite trail for consideration through the end of July.Northumberland County now owns land including a mammoth vein of anthracite coal known as the Whaleback. It's considered a geological gem, named for its length and size.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

 Students from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster won a national manufacturing competition, bringing home the grand prize of $100,000.Big Boy generated some big numbers for the Scranton area during its two-week stay at the Steamtown National Historic Site. As part of America's 250th birthday, there's a renewed interest in the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia has more versions of the Declaration of Independence on display than any other city.Six projects across Cumberland County are receiving more than $750,000 in grant funding. Many of the recipients are using the money to improve or host sporting events.Former Pennsylvania State Senator Shirley Kitchen, who died last weekend, is being remembered as a tireless advocate for her district in North Philadelphia.Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday to remember Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael Pahira Jr, who was struck and killed by a tractor trailer along I-81 in Schuylkill County on July 1st. In Lancaster County, a 19-year-old man was killed when he lost control of his electric unicycle and was struck and killed by a tractor trailer on Route 322 Wednesday morning.The National Weather Service confirms a tornado touched down in Perry County, this past Sunday evening, July 5th.The York County Commissioners have issued a disaster declaration following severe storms over the July 4th weekend.The Penn State Extension now has a toll-free hotline that provides the latest ag news. Callers can hear updates on the latest crop production, weather outlook, and disease and pest management issues facing crop producers in the state. Lawmakers in the state House have overwhelmingly approved a bill to provide opportunities for hunter-trapper education in Pennsylvania schools. The bill calls for the Pennsylvania Game Commission to develop the program for students in grades 6 through 12. Saturday is the start of the 40th annual ChambersFest in Chambersburg, Franklin County. The event started as a way to commemorate the town's historic rebuilding in 1864.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today's bright spot is this: It's that time of the year, when hikers attempting thru-hikes on the Appalachian Trail, are passing through Pennsylvania. Luzerne County native Hunter Lacomis is one of them. He was inspired by his uncles to take the trek through 14 states along the East Coast. It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of “drug delivery resulting in death” charges. But treating fatal overdoses like homicides is complicated. Today we have a deep dive into that process with Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA.Here's Part 1 and Part 2 of Ed Mahon's series for Spotlight PA. It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Big Boy, the largest steam-powered train in the world, is traveling east across the country to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Thousands stood along the tracks in Lebanon Tuesday to see the historic locomotive. Revelations that the tractor-trailer driver accused of striking and killing a state trooper on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County was in the country illegally have put renewed focus on the requirements to obtain Commercial Driver's Licenses. A federal judge says Philadelphia cannot ban ICE agents from using face coverings. State senators advanced bills last week that could pause data center development.The cleanup continues in the wake of last weekend's severe thunderstorms which brought down trees and power lines, and knocked out electricity for a large part of the midstate. The storm may have also be responsible for two fatalities.The Perry County Coroner has released the identities of the one adult and three children who perished in a weekend house fire. A former strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University is charged in the death of a football player who collapsed during training. This is the first full week of the new fiscal year in Pennsylvania.  And we still do not have a state budget. So far, there's no indication of when or if the House and Senate will return to session, though negotiations on a new spending plan continue between legislative leaders and the Governor's office.Meantime, legislation that aims to save taxpayers money by limiting excessive profits for utility monopolies is making its way through Harrisburg. The Penn State Extension is hosting an open house workshop Wednesday, at the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Manheim.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

More than 20-thousand customers in Central Pennsylvania are still without power this morning following powerful thunderstorms over the holiday weekend. Most are in Lancaster, Cumberland and Dauphin counties.Today we also have a deep dive:You may have noticed that your electricity bill is rising – maybe even more so, given the costs of staying cool during our recent heat wave. Pennsylvania utility regulators alerted consumers in June that the price of electric generation is increasing, just as it's getting hotter outside, and people are using more electricity for air conditioning. Solar advocates say there's one affordable option that could help: solar panels that you can plug into an outlet. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. 

A cell phone ban in schools could be the most popular policy Pennsylvania legislators pass in years.Several state agencies are coming together to work on reducing the number of collisions between wildlife and vehicles in Pennsylvania. Twenty percent of Pennsylvanians live in a rural county, but only 10 percent of doctors practice in these locations. One team of stakeholders thinks they have a solution to address the shortage and might extend the reach of existing physicians. Their vision is for Primary Care Medics to – someday – make house calls.And a deeper dive:Camp Cranium is a summer camp for children with traumatic brain injuries.  The week-long camp provides community, support and fun for the campers, encouraging independence and building their confidence every June. If you already support WITF with an ongoing monthly contribution, thank you. If every member of WITF's Sustaining Circle increased their gift by as little as $12 a month, we could close the budget gap caused by cuts in federal funding and keep this programming going strong. Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow.And thanks!

Heated debate in Harrisburg Wednesday shows the two parties are far apart on a state tax credit that benefits private schools. And that's just one reason the state budget is overdue.A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was killed Tuesday after being hit by a tractor trailer as he inspected a stopped tractor trailer along I-81 in Schuylkill County.In Dauphin County... Lower Paxton Township Police are beginning an enforcement effort they're calling Operation Colonial Crush. Environmental advocates continue to fight against a proposed hydroelectric project in Cuffs Run, York County. As we head into the July 4th weekend, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is raising awareness of boater safety and the dangers associated with Boating Under the Influence, or BUI. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, a Central Pennsylvania amusement park is marking its 100th anniversary.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.    Today's bright spot is this: Amid all the stories about America's 250th, here's one that could help you party like it's 1776. The New York Public Library asked a local brewery to make a beer concocted from a 250-year old recipe in their collection - George Washington's original recipe.If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

Just in time for the nation's 250th birthday, visitors to The State Museum of Pennsylvania can now see more than 140 artifacts highlighting Pennsylvania's role in the American Revolution.The state Senate left Harrisburg with an unfinished budget, which should have been in place by midnight Tuesday. Democrats were quick to say they want to stay in town to hammer out a deal. Environmental groups say recent investments announced by Nippon Steel for its U.S. Steel plants in the Pittsburgh area won't do much to improve the region's air quality because the company's plants will still rely on coal. We are currently under an extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service. It stretches through Friday evening. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking people to report sightings of all wild turkeys they see this summer, now through August 31st. The commission says the reports allow the agency to estimate how good the wild turkey "hatch" was. If you already support WITF with an ongoing monthly contribution, thank you. If every member of WITF's Sustaining Circle increased their gift by as little as $12 a month, we could close the budget gap caused by cuts in federal funding and keep this programming going strong. Increase your monthly gift today at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!

Pennsylvania, like much of the nation, has seen a surge in immigration arrests since the start of the second Trump term.We have now passed the deadline for a state budget. While House Democrats approved Governor Josh Shapiro's proposal in April, Senate Republicans are holding firm against increased state spending.Pennsylvania's May unemployment numbers are out. The monthly figures include a record high.Nearly 8,400 Pennsylvanians have served in the U.S. Peace Corps since President John F. Kennedy started the program in 1961. But midstate Republican Congressman Scott Perry is trying to eliminate funding for the agency's $410 million annual budget.The Justice Department is suing Pennsylvania and three other states, saying they refused to provide the past five years of applicant data for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman say they will make sure Pennsylvania has a strong presence at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. Pennsylvania was one of the handful of states with an empty booth on the National Mall, when the fair opened last week.A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist is headed to central PA to serve as a keynote speaker this September. Eugene Robinson will headline a fundraising event for the future Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, being planned in Columbia, Lancaster County.A beloved and longtime Harrisburg community leader has died. Betty Hungerford was 94.In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

As we transition from June to July this week, we are also transitioning into a heat wave. Near-record-breaking temperatures are expected much of the week, headed toward July 4th. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for the entire listening area, from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening.This summer is likely to be the worst tick season in a decade in Pennsylvania, and a lot of bites aren't taking place on trails or in the woods--they're happening in backyards.An ongoing measles outbreak here in central Pennsylvania has state health officials urging people to get vaccinated against the highly contagious disease. They're also warning vulnerable populations to be cautious.The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is leading a coalition of 22 states to oppose a proposed joint employment rule by the U-S Department of Labor.Today - June 30th - is the deadline for Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass a new state budget. And this year, lawmakers are likely to balance the budget by dipping into the state's rainy-day fund. Pennsylvania Representative Scott Perry is co-sponsoring legislation that would stop voters from directly electing their U.S. senators.Local and state officials say they're waiting for answers on what will happen next now that the Trump administration plans to get rid of a Berks County warehouse that was going to be used as an ICE detention center.As we approach America's 250th birthday, a Schuylkill County borough is celebrating its 150th.Did you know that if every one of WITF's sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow.And thanks!

The Pennsylvania legislature has until tomorrow, June 30th, to pass a state budget or it will once again miss the constitutionally mandated deadline. Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis says negotiations are going well.Meantime, state lawmakers passed three measures last week designed to pump the brakes on data center development. Several central Pennsylvania counties are dealing with measles outbreaks. Experts say vaccination is the best protection against the highly contagious virus.Faculty at some public universities are finding themselves under increasing scrutiny. Penn State's president said during a recent faculty senate meeting, the university has no such plans.In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Plans for Susquehanna Riverlands State Park in York County continue to evolve, more than three years after the land bordering the Susquehanna River was acquired. The park's riverside cliffs will feature prominently in those plans.President Donald Trump is coming to Carlisle this summer, as part of a technology and defense summit.Hundreds of skill game supporters gathered in Harrisburg Wednesday to urge a “fair tax” on the devices.An inmate at the Dauphin County Prison died of an apparent suicide Tuesday.Meantime, Dauphin County has agreed to a $3.3 million settlement with the parents of a 21-year-old man who died in the Dauphin County Prison in 2019.A York City police officer was justified when he shot and killed a dog, also wounding its owner last week. And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today's bright spot is this:In addition to being your companion here on the Morning Agenda, starting this week you can also catch me on a brand new podcast from WITF called Susquehanna Scout. And today we're bringing you the trailer as a preview.If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

During this Pride Month, a new exhibit aims to showcase LGBTQ+ artists throughout Harrisburg. This year, Pride Month is being celebrated as public support for the movement decreases nationally. Most car companies are forbidden from selling directly to consumers in Pennsylvania. Tesla Motors is the only electric vehicle manufacturer that meets the requirements of a 2014 exception to the rule. Some state lawmakers now want to level the playing field. Pennsylvania Democrats want to make the state's $680 million private school choice program more accountable. The House voted this week to overhaul the state's education tax credit programs. Representative Nikki Rivera of Lancaster says the changes would allow lawmakers to better measure their impact. An hour-long rally at the state Capital Tuesday took aim at Governor Josh Shapiro for his welcoming embrace of the data center industry. The event is the most recent grassroots backlash to data center development in Pennsylvania.A slew of parades is set for the entire Central PA region as we approach America's 250th birthday on July 4th. One of the first parades is set for Pottsville this weekend. A senior executive is filing a whistleblower lawsuit against WITF's parent company, Pennon, in Lancaster County Court. The suit by Cassie Farrelly, Pennon's senior vice president and chief impact officer, alleges misuse of funds related to its 2023 acquisition of LNP Lancaster Online.In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. 

President Donald Trump visited a Mack Trucks facility in the Lehigh Valley Tuesday. The visit was designed to shift attention to the U.S. economy in our battleground state.Pennsylvania lawmakers and officials have debated for years about how to regulate so-called "skill games" in businesses across the state. But state Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa says he believes lawmakers can reach agreement by a court-ordered October deadline.An advocacy group that targeted some Republican incumbents this spring says it will help elect GOP hopeful Stacy Garrity as governor. But the group remains controversial. Some Pennsylvania police departments continue coverage for families of fallen officers killed on duty. But not all do … and even where that benefit is provided, it's subject to change - depending on union contract negotiations. A proposal in the state House would make survivor benefits permanent in all municipalities.For the first time since 2018, Pennsylvanians may see a gubernatorial debate. Spokespeople for incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican challenger Stacy Garrity tell our partners at Spotlight PA that the candidates are both willing to participate in at least one debate leading up to November's general election.Former York City Councilwoman Toni Smith has died at the age of 92. Smith served on York City Council for 16 years and earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for her constituents.In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow.

The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly looking to sell the two vacant warehouses it purchased in Schuylkill and Berks counties, with the intention of converting them into ICE detention centers.The Shapiro Administration is touting their Agricultural Innovation Grant Program as a first-of-its-kind program in the nation. State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding late last week toured Penn State's Fruit Research and Extension Center located in Biglerville, Adams County - one of the grant recipients.The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is accepting public comment on a proposed water pollution permit for a coal mine planned for western Pennsylvania. Six people, including three juveniles, are charged with kidnapping... in connection with the disappearance of a Lebanon County man.Six years after it was created, Pennsylvania's Election Law Advisory Board is facing an uncertain future.Big Boy 4014, the world's largest operating steam train, is traveling through Central Pennsylvania on a 7,000-mile tour that started in California. People will be able to see Big Boy at Lebanon Station the afternoon of July 7th between 12:35 and 1:20.Two competitors at the Hersheypark hot-dog-eating contest on Friday qualified for Nathan's Famous international competition.Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new monthly sustaining member today at www.witf.org/givenow.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has announced over $2.2 million in Keystone Historic Preservation grants.  Community gardeners and farmers in Philadelphia are now able to borrow pieces of equipment and power tools from the city in an innovative new program kicking off this summer. A Western Pennsylvania woman whose husband has been detained by immigration officials shared her story last week with Butler County Commissioners. She's speaking out to bring attention to the issue of immigration enforcement.  The Pennsylvania Film Office is awarding 117 million dollars through the state's Film Production Tax Credit Program to a record 59 film projects across the state, including an independent production filmed in Gettysburg and Adams County.And we are proud to announce a piece of our own news this morning: WITF's parent organization Pennon is appointing a new president and CEO. Maximilian Duke brings more than 25 years of public media leadership to the role. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

State lawmakers are considering a proposal that would update the commonwealth's public school code on nurse-to-student ratios and the funding formula for medical needs. The legislation would increase reimbursement rates and the required number of nurses per student.Here in Pennsylvania, it used to be, if you had a seizure, you had to wait 6 months to drive again. It's now three months and many patients and advocates alike are celebrating the reduction, which lawmakers approved this year and went into effect in March.State funding for arts groups has been flat for a decade at $9.6 million dollars in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the money has increasingly gone toward entrepreneurship and economic investment. Now, key programs are poised to sunset when the fiscal year ends on June 30th.Over the past year, the Penn State Board of Trustees and its committees held nearly 20 private conferences in which top university officials briefed members on key projects, plans, and initiatives... as a review of university records by our partners at Spotlight PA discovered. The practice potentially runs afoul of Pennsylvania's open meetings law, according to legal and First Amendment experts.On this holiday weekend, Juneteenth celebrations are planned across the region - including Harrisburg. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th every year to commemorate the end of slavery in the U-S.And the city of Reading is gearing up for its World Cup watch parties. Mayor Eddie Moran says the Berks County community is being transformed into a destination for soccer fans from around the region. Reading is one of three official “Fan Zone” sites across Pennsylvania, in addition to Pittsburgh and Scranton.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Sports often offers bright spots in our lives – and right now, in the midst of the World Cup, there are many stories serving as bright spots. Today's bright spot is a story about loyal, rowdy soccer fans from Scotland who discovered a unique form of transportation here in the U.S.If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

Summer vacation is starting for school students, but it isn't all pool days and sunshine. Children and families tend to struggle with food insecurity more during the summer months.A bill to enhance nuclear power plant inspections has passed the State House.  The measure appears to have bipartisan support.We've already experienced temperatures above 90 degrees this June – and the official start of summer is just days away. As we prepare for the continuing heat, many of us are also looking for ways to reduce our energy bills. Dan McCunney, senior communications manager at NRG Energy, says wisely setting your thermostat and changing or cleaning your system's air filter can make a significant difference. Summer Energy-Saving Tips from NRG | The SparkPennsylvania's highest court has ruled that skill games are considered slot machines under state law. This means they must comply with crime and gambling statutes. A Dauphin County golf course is being sold to a data center developer. Final settlement took place Monday for the sale of Dauphin Highlands Golf Course – from the Dauphin County General Authority to Texas-based Provident Realty.More than a dozen minor victims and their parents are suing Lancaster County Day School, AI companies, and two students who created 350 deepfake nude images of their classmates.The State Department of Labor and Industry is reminding employers, parents and young workers about their rights and responsibilities as the summer jobs season gets into full swing. The National Weather Service confirms a tornado touched down in southern Lancaster County on Sunday night.Thursday (today) a central PA tradition returns for its 95th annual celebration. It's Jubilee Day in Mechanicsburg, billed as the largest, longest-running one-day street fair on the East Coast.Did you know that if every one of WITF's sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow.And thanks!

Today we have a deep dive:“Mister Rogers' Neighborhood” helped raise generations of American children. Now, a new YouTube channel dedicated to the classic PBS show hopes to grow Mister Rogers' legacy even more. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

A recent report from a healthcare consumer advocacy group finds most Pennsylvanians struggle to get clear and accurate information about the price of medical care.Legislation approved by the House Education Committee would require cyber charter school students to stay on camera during all live virtual instruction.In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.