The Morning Agenda

In Western Pennsylvania, the Allegheny County board of health is looking at how it can reduce the impacts of fracking. It formed a subcommittee on fracking last year, and the committee presented their plans to the full board of health earlier this month. State environmental regulators recently held a hearing for an air permit for Shell’s plant in Beaver County. The State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has announced they'll cover the costs for Pennsylvanians to remove invasive trees and shrubs and replace them with native species for the second year in a row. And a deep dive: A silent fly arrived on our shores about 250 years ago, around the same time Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. How one of the country’s first invasive species spurred suspicions of biological warfare, threatened the new nation’s economy, and inspired citizen science. And continuing our weekly feature “The Bright Spot,” we share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle. This week’s Bright Spot is both artistic and altruistic. https://www.npr.org/2026/03/25/nx-s1-5742397/pablo-picasso-painting-to-be-raffled-off-to-benefit-alzheimers-research Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bi-partisan group of state lawmakers has announced the formation of the new Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus. When school districts across the U-S violate civil rights laws, families can file a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. But given the Trump administration’s dismantling of the U-S Department of Education, many are turning to state agencies to carry out civil rights enforcement. Drexel University plans to launch a 3-year medical school as an alternative option to its 4-year program. Leaders hope the shorter pathway can help students save money and bring more doctors into the workforce faster. State officials are encouraging Pennsylvanians to get screened early for colorectal cancer. The call comes at a time when the number of cases is rising in younger adults... State House Democrats have unveiled their budget proposal and it’s identical to one introduced by Governor Josh Shapiro last month. One of their priorities is raising the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15, which has passed in the House. New cases of avian influenza are confirmed at three Lancaster County farms this month, affecting more than one million birds. The new outbreaks bring this year's total number of Lancaster County bird flu cases to 8.6 million. The city of Reading has a new fire chief – and he’s the city’s first Black fire chief. Robert Leonard II brings more than 20 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services to the position. Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry is growing faster than the national average. Pennsylvania's outdoor economy grew by 1.5 billion dollars in 2024, reaching 20.4 billion dollars in total economic impact. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recently proposed settlement in a central Pennsylvania electric utility rate case aims to protect average residential customers from rising rates connected to new data centers. Consumer advocates hope it'll serve as a model to protect all residential customers in the commonwealth. One year ago, half of U.S. Department of Education staff were laid off, including many in the Office of Civil Rights. That’s left enforcement of the agency’s agreements with school districts in limbo. That includes Western Pennsylvania's Norwin School District. The settlement with Norwin stems from a 2021 incident in which two students came to the school dressed in Confederate flag attire. Pennsylvania hunters harvested more deer in the most recently concluded hunting seasons. Gettysburg Borough Council Monday night appointed Alison Lintal as Gettysburg's new mayor from a slate of 14 candidates who applied for the position. She replaces Chad-Alan Carr who abruptly resigned less than three months into the job before being arrested on charges of alleged child sex crimes dating back to 20-11. Pennsylvania's political candidates are using artificial intelligence tools more than ever. They're using A-I to generate parody images of their opponents, create campaign materials, and answer questionnaires. But tech and election experts are worried about what's to come - including the possibility of deepfakes. And a deep dive: Let’s say you’ve run for office and won a seat on your local borough or township council. How do you get job training to be an elected official?Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, we have a follow-up to last Friday’s podcast when we did a deep dive into the inner workings of the Central PA Spelling Bee: Vedika Burman correctly spelled the word "patriotism" on the 16th and final round, Saturday, to become the 2026 WITF Central PA Spelling Bee Grand Champion. Pennsylvania, along with New Jersey and Delaware, are suing the Trump Administration over a major environmental rollback. Governor Josh Shapiro recently called for stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence in schools. One man is dead and three others are wounded, following a shooting early Sunday morning in Steelton, Dauphin County. York County attorney and state House candidate George Margetas is facing charges related to a traffic crash, according to police Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry is announcing the recovery of nearly $130,000 in unpaid wages for 59 workers at the Dauphin County construction company S&R Enterprises. And a deep dive: March Madness is a time-honored ritual for millions of Americans who love to watch college basketball and bet on the hotly competitive tournament games. It also can be a perilous time for people suffering from gambling addiction.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local governments are seeing more challenges to their decisions not to release public records. And some people are turning to ChatGPT, Claude and other artificial intelligence systems for help in making their case. As artificial intelligence technology becomes more common, Pennsylvania state lawmakers say safeguards are needed to protect YOUNG tech users. The state Senate approved a bill this week to regulate A-I chatbots, especially when minors are using the technology. We have crossed over from winter into spring. No matter what the weather forecast holds the next several weeks, anglers and boaters are reminded of the need to wear life jackets while out on the water. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman crossed party lines to vote with Republicans late last week. State regulators are ordering York County's J&K Salvage to close - and they're seeking possible jail time against owner Joe Darrah.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early research shows that artificial intelligence could be used to improve learning, creativity and social interaction among kids and teens. But the technology could still be harmful to childhood development – that’s according to a new review study by experts at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. And we take a deep dive into the Central PA Spelling Bee, being held this Saturday, March 21. Joining WITF’s Karen Hendricks in conversation is Jen Eley with WITF’s Pennon Education which organizes the spelling bee. We learn more about the competition, what’s at stake, and the value of spelling in our society today. A town hall is being held this weekend by a group opposed to the Trump administration's plan to convert a Berks County warehouse into an immigration detention center. The group ICE Out Upper Bern is holding the event at the Shartlesville Fire Company, Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3. A Lancaster County woman is accused of stealing more than $700,000 from her employer - Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course - located in Dauphin County. Penn State is out to claim an elusive fifth straight NCAA Division I men’s wrestling title this weekend. And now it’s time for a new 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: There's a new professional baseball league for women — more than seven decades after women had a league of their own. Spring training for the WPBL began this week. And you can listen to the full 4-minute story from NPR as heard on WITF’s Morning Edition earlier this week – https://www.npr.org/2026/03/18/nx-s1-5746038/new-professional-baseball-league-for-women-debuts-this-weekSupport WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Better access to mental health care for firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and state police officers was provided by state law last year. Now the current budget proposal seeks to expand workers compensation and death coverage to first responders called to duty during state disaster emergencies. Dauphin County State Representative Justin Williams says crisis counseling and mental health treatment is essential for emergency personnel. Pennsylvania's Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Pope Leo the Fourteenth will accept Philadelphia's National Constitution Center’s Liberty Medal this summer. Two special elections were held in Pennsylvania Tuesday. In State House District 193, Republican Catherine Wallen was elected the new state Representative for parts of Adams and Cumberland counties. In the other special election, in state House District 79, Republican Andrea Verobish was elected the new state representative for Altoona and its suburbs. Ethics experts are raising concerns after state Treasurer Stacy Garrity campaigned at a gala hosted by a firm from which she purchased millions in bonds in her official state role. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new center in Philadelphia will support people with Lynch Syndrome, an inherited genetic condition that puts them at high risk for colon, uterine and other cancers. Penn Medicine's King Center for Lynch Syndrome is one of few centers in the world dedicated to Lynch syndrome. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said last week he will continue a lawsuit against a music-industry giant. The move breaks with the Trump administration -- at a time when Democrats say Sunday hasn't challenged the White House enough. There's a new wrinkle in Pennsylvania’s plan to use more than $700 million to expand high-speed internet access across the commonwealth. Fifty-six thousand Pennsylvania households live in manufactured homes. And many are experiencing significant increases in their monthly rent payments for the lots on which those homes stand. That's why Governor Josh Shapiro visited a Berks County manufactured housing community last week to call for reform, to protect Pennsylvanians from rent spikes. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sustainable farming group in Pennsylvania is announcing the reinstatement of a $59 million contract that the federal government tried to claw back last year. Pennsylvania autism researchers and parents are founding members of the new Independent Autism Coordinating Committee. It’s meant to serve as an alternative voice to a federal committee overseen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. -- a proponent of debunked theories about vaccines causing autism. A recent poll finds that 42% of Pennsylvanians do not want a data center built in or near their community. Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered state flags to remain flying at half-staff in honor of a soldier killed late last week in a training incident. Last Thursday, a U.S. Army soldier died during training at Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County. And a deep dive: One of Pennsylvania's neighboring states, Delaware, rolled out its retail marijuana market last August. The total volume falls far short of initial estimates.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're bracing for wild swings in the weather today with the possibility of tornadoes between 3 and 9 p.m. today. And we take a deep dive into Pennsylvania’s wildlife crossings and corridors: State lawmakers were briefed on the subject during a recent state budget hearing in Harrisburg. Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said DCNR will soon be bringing together several state agencies including PennDOT with the goal of making state roadways safer for both wildlife and drivers alike. Joining WITF’s Karen Hendricks in conversation today is Stephanie Wein of the nonprofit advocacy group PennEnvironment which has long studied wildlife crossings and corridors, along with habitat fragmentation. And one more related story to put on your radar: We are in a special window of time when thousands of snow geese touch down every year at a Lebanon County reservoir.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania parents and families who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses and addiction say there’s a need for grief support services specifically tailored to this kind of loss. They’re calling on county and state agencies to use settlement money won in national lawsuits against opioid manufacturing companies to fund grief programs. Penn State’s president was the target of pointed questions during a state House appropriations hearing Wednesday. It comes as the university moves forward with plans to close seven campuses including York and Mont Alto. A U.S. Secret Service police officer is charged with sending sexually explicit text messages, photos and videos to a Lancaster County girl, according to police. Cleanup continues following a massive fire at a York County salvage company, two weeks ago.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Cumberland County food manufacturing facility is expanding. Schreiber Foods, located in Shippensburg, announced Tuesday it's embarking on a nearly $133 million expansion at its yogurt and cream cheese plant. Nearly half of the state’s rural counties do not have hospitals with labor and delivery units, according to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. This reflects a nationwide trend of hospitals closing specialized service lines such as obstetrics. Every year, PA One Book encourages reading by selecting a children's book to help create a shared reading experience statewide. We share this year’s selection. Police in Carlisle continue to investigate the distribution of white supremacist propaganda last weekend. The FBI found explosive residue in a Bucks County storage unit after two men were charged with bringing homemade bombs to a protest outside the home of New York City’s mayor. Pennsylvania is one of only eight states with a closed primary system. That means only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans can cast ballots in their respective parties' spring elections. Advocates hope to open those primaries up to Pennsylvania's unaffiliated voters - a group that numbers more than one million.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania officials say some companies are being hurt by a Trump Administration policy that requires them to reapply for a program that has long helped minority-owned businesses. PennDOT secretary Mike Carroll told state legislators Monday that the move caused chaos. An oil and gas company let more than a million gallons of drilling fluid escape underground into an abandoned mine during pipeline construction in western Pennsylvania. Two Pennsylvania men who brought explosives to a far-right protest outside New York City's mayoral mansion say they were inspired by the Islamic State extremist group, according to a court complaint. Governor Josh Shapiro is announcing Pennsylvania was third in the nation for job growth in 2025, according to new analysis by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And now a deep dive: Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections recently closed two prisons in Centre and Clearfield counties: the State Correctional Institution at Rockview, and the Quehanna Boot Camp. The state says the facilities needed significant maintenance, and that the closures will save more than $100 million in future years. Earlier this month, DOC officials invited our sister station WPSU to tour Rockview prison, now that all inmates and most staff are gone.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lancaster and York County law enforcement agencies who partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement say they are not interested in a targeted operation in Central PA. Newly released records showing ICE sought a local surge. Budget hearings continue in Harrisburg. The Governor’s budget proposal includes spending $6.6 million more of the state’s EMS operating fund to help support emergency medical services across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is expecting to host more than 200 million visitors this year as the Commonwealth celebrates America 250 and hosts a number of major sporting events. With that in mind, state officials have kicked off Pick Up PA. The Philadelphia Flower Show wrapped up on Sunday. During the final days, gardeners learned about ways to be more sustainable. A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was shot and killed Sunday night in Chester County after responding to the report of an erratic driver. Governor Shapiro wants to incentivize data center developers to follower stricter environmental and transparency standards, by offering them an expedited permitting process. In Harrisburg, tensions continue between Mayor Wanda Williams and city council. The mayor released a statement Sunday, in response to council's motion Friday to hold her in contempt of court. And the nonprofit Main Street Gettysburg is holding a groundbreaking ceremony for its Gettysburg Welcome Center this afternoon (Tuesday at 1).Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania’s education secretary says her office is preparing to help schools adopt a complete cell phone ban for students. State lawmakers are also beginning to negotiate new education spending for Pennsylvania’s historically underfunded public schools. And now a deep dive: When a Pittsburgh teen had her cancer treatment denied by insurance, her mother’s pleas for help online led her to an unexpected ally.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Handling of the economy has long been considered a strong suit for the Republican Party. A new poll suggests the economy might now be one of the party’s weaknesses heading into this year’s midterms. In Northeastern Pa., the case of a Luzerne County teen whose body was found behind a Wilkes-Barre garage last month is raising questions about steps taken to inform the public she was missing. Penn State Police are piloting the use of license-plate readers that collect data for law enforcement. Senator John Fetterman is the only Democrat who voted against a Senate resolution Wednesday to rein in President Donald Trump's actions in the war with Israel, against Iran. Representative Scott Perry is among five Republicans who joined Democrats in a House Oversight Committee vote Wednesday to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi. A massive $15 billion data center project planned for Cumberland County received a green light from Middlesex Township supervisors Wednesday night. York County's Board of Elections is suing the Dover Area School District over its refusal to allow its buildings to be used as polling places. State lawmakers are beginning to negotiate new education spending for historically underfunded public schools in Pennsylvania. And a cultural deep dive: The Philadelphia Museum of Art celebrated its 150th birthday last week.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The city of Philadelphia is officially a finalist in the race for hosting the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Pennsylvania prison officials said the savings from closing two facilities will NOT offset higher costs for the state's nearly 40,000 incarcerated people. And Governor Josh Shapiro announces the state is taking new steps to fight predatory AI practices. Education advocates say a 30-million-dollar student teacher stipend program is easing the state's teacher shortage. However, the wildly popular stipend program is outpacing supply. The Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel is in foreclosure, after defaulting on its mortgage payments. Hanover's bald eagle nest has its first egg of the season.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania Democrats say voters should know what President Donald Trump asked state Treasurer Stacy Garrity before he endorsed her candidacy for governor. According to Garrity, it took just one question. As appropriations hearings continue at the State Capitol, Shapiro Administration officials are calling attention to the need for updates to Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but the country is about to lose that designation as cases and outbreaks rapidly grow. Nationally, there have been more than 11-hundred cases of measles infections - with 12 cases here in Pennsylvania. As rural Pennsylvania communities face declining health care access, Juniata College in Huntingdon County is working to form a “Rural Health Collaborative.” Penn State plans to sell the State College Regional Airport to the Centre County Airport Authority, pending federal approval. State officials with the Department of Human Services are working with family courts and youth agencies to find housing options for youth displaced, after a Dauphin County youth facility had its license revoked. Ten-thousand gallons of oil spilled as a result of a massive February 25th scrapyard fire in Spring Garden Township, York County. In Reading, city officials are considering changes to its historic preservation laws.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Historic Harrisburg Association has released its 2026 Preservation Priority List. And the Broad Street Market tops the list for a second consecutive year. Historic Harrisburg Association Highlights 2026 Preservation Priority List | The Spark One way Philadelphia is preparing for the nation’s 250th birthday is by training more people to portray famous figures on the streets of the Old City neighborhood. While Pennsylvania and the nation prep for America's 250th birthday, Berks County is preparing for its own milestone celebration, Berks 275. The nonprofit Susquehanna National Heritage Area is being awarded a $15,000 grant from America250PA's Lecture250 program. And we take a deep dive into how the indigenous Lenape people almost became the 14th state of the union. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It took answering just one question for Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity to secure President Donald Trump’s coveted endorsement in this year’s governor's race. That’s according to an audio recording obtained by WITF of Garrity recounting the story at a Republican fundraiser. Our recent snowstorm is having a ripple effect on the area blood supply, among regional American Red Cross banks and centers. The organization declared a severe national emergency last month. Demand at health centers is currently outpacing supply. Health advocates and doctors are raising awareness about a program for seniors that helps people on Medicare pay for their prescription costs in monthly installments, instead of all at once. Research shows the program has seen scant enrollment since debuting last year. The Pennsylvania State Police is now accepting applications for its 20-26 Law and Leadership Academy. The program is free and open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State officials are looking to curb Pennsylvania's ongoing outbreak of bird flu — the worst it’s seen in decades. The State Game Commission has joined efforts to help the Commonwealth address the most recent avian flu outbreak. During his annual State of the Union address Tuesday night President Donald Trump said he worked out a deal with energy-hungry data centers to build their own power plants. The facilities are expanding to accommodate the growth in artificial intelligence. Rising electricity costs are due in part to the increase in data centers. About 100 people protested last weekend outside the municipal building in the small Berks County township where ICE want to convert a warehouse into an immigration detention center. More than 100 of Pennsylvania’s rural volunteer fire companies are receiving more than $900,000 dollars in state grants to strengthen the state’s wildfire protection. More than two dozen PennDOT snowplows are heading to New England to help the region dig out of last weekend's blizzard. This weekend in York County, dozens of brave souls will take the Polar Plunge for a good cause. The Capital Area Polar Plunge is being held at Gifford Pinchot State Park in Lewisberry to benefit the Special Olympics in Pennsylvania. And a deep dive for anyone suffering from Olympic withdraw: There's a Pennsylvania connection to the U.S. Men's Hockey Team that you might not know about. Wilkes-Barre Native Teddy Richards was the equipment manager for the gold medal-winning team. And Richards started his career as a stick boy for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. WITF, along with hundreds of Public Media organizations across the country, is facing a significant annual budget gap with the loss of federal funding. That means that WITF is now dependent on individual member support more than ever. But only 10% of our audience donates to WITF. If you're part of the 90% who hasn't, we're asking you to do that now. Visit www.witf.org/givenow. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study quantifies how many people die in the Pittsburgh region as a result of air pollution. The study finds air pollution was responsible for between 11 and 12 and a half percent of all deaths in southwestern Pennsylvania in 2019. Meantime, Philadelphia has rolled out a new website dedicated to air quality. Scores of monitors across the city are keeping tabs on pollution in many neighborhoods. The State Treasurer’s Office hit a record-breaking return of unclaimed property in 2025. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration is announcing it will rollback a Biden-era rule on power plant emissions of mercury, a neurotoxin that impairs cognitive development in young children. The rule mainly affects pollution from plants that burn coal. Unionized Penn Graduate students have reached a tentative agreement with the university, narrowly averting a strike. The agreement comes after more than a year of negotiations. Pennsylvania Hospital is considered the nation’s oldest hospital, opening in Philadelphia in 1751. Now, the hospital’s original site at the Pine Building will become a museum and mark the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. An Amtrak employee was killed Monday morning after being struck by a train in Lancaster County. Pennsylvania's rape crisis centers say Governor Josh Shapiro's budget - which maintains their funding at flat levels - will worsen staffing and service challenges. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is reporting a significant increase in revenue from all forms of gaming during January 2026. Central Pa.-area casinos helped contribute to the gains. Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson recently announced plans to build a new cell therapy manufacturing plant in the greater Philadelphia region. The state will contribute more than $41 million towards the project in tax credits and grants. More than a dozen Harrisburg residents are displaced after fire swept through six rowhomes early Sunday morning. A York County woman is dead after driving the wrong way on Route 283 in Lancaster County Saturday night. State and local officials say they're worried about the impact an ICE detention center could have upon Schuylkill and Berks counties' rural infrastructure, such as its water and sewer systems, as well as EMS departments. And a deep dive: Electric bills in Pennsylvania and elsewhere have been rising faster than the rate of inflation. In his recent budget address, Governor Josh Shapiro blamed the sudden increase on an organization called P-J-M. What is it, and how does it affect your bills? 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 sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lancaster County’s sheriff is facing public pressure to end his office’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a city widely known as America’s refugee capital, residents want ICE out. State agriculture officials are trying to stem a spike in avian flu cases among Pennsylvania poultry flocks. State agriculture secretary Rusell Redding said the devastation is unprecedented. Crowds were buzzing at the President's House on Philadelphia's Independence Mall late last week, as National Park Service employees reinstalled an exhibit on slavery. The Pine Creek Rail Trail is named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year. The 62-mile trail through Lycoming and Tioga counties stretches from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro. Sunday marked one year since a shooting at York's UPMC Memorial Hospital that killed West York Police Officer Andrew Duarte. Following news of the Trump administration's planned ICE processing facility in Berks County, a meeting is in the works connecting local elected officials with Department of Homeland Security officials. Much of Pennsylvania is experiencing extremely dry or drought conditions, despite recent rain and snow. 83% of the state is classified as abnormally dry or within moderate to severe drought conditions. 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.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania is working with the USDA to try and control the spread of Avian Flu across the Commonwealth's poultry industry. Many state employees’ conversations with artificial intelligence will likely remain shielded from public view — following a ruling this month from Pennsylvania’s open records agency. A new hospital is preparing to open in Northern York County. Meantime, a hospital in northern Pennsylvania, Bradford Regional Medical Center, will close its inpatient, emergency and long-term care services by mid-2026. The closures mark a continuing downward trend for Pennsylvania’s rural hospitals. A Juniata County hunter is being charged in connection with the shooting death of another hunter within his deer hunting party on December 2nd. As data centers are proposed and built across the state - and drawing backlash - new figures are emerging about their potential long-term costs. The Shapiro administration’s latest budget estimates show Pennsylvania could lose out on about $2 billion in revenue by mid-2031 due to a tax break that some lawmakers want to repeal. 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 sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions about data centers are growing as dozens of the facilities are proposed across Pennsylvania. These huge facilities could impact local water supplies in the region where they're built. If you’re watching the winter Olympics and getting an urge to dust off your skates or hiking boots for your own snowy adventure, you may want to take some precautions. Learn how to safely enjoy the great outdoors in the coldest months of the year. We're learning more about Monday's shooting death of a 15-year-old Franklin County boy. Police say the shooting happened over an attempted robbery of marijuana. An inmate at the Camp Hill prison died after being found unresponsive inside his cell Monday. There's a new development in the controversy focused on Governor Shapiro's use of taxpayer dollars to fund security upgrades at his personal residence in suburban Philadelphia. The Trump administration will appeal a federal judge’s order to restore a Philadelphia exhibit on slavery. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 1 in 5 Pennsylvanians dropped their Affordable Care Act health insurance due to the expiration of federal subsidies that covered monthly premium costs. Enrollees who purchase their insurance of the state's ACA Marketplace Pennie, have had to make difficult decisions. A federal judge is ordering an exhibit on slavery to be restored on Philadelphia's Independence Mall. The exhibit about nine people enslaved by George Washington is to be restored at his former home after President Donald Trump's administration took it down last month. Two teens are being charged in connection with the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Franklin County early Monday morning. Three Central PA counties are among the 10 Pennsylvania counties with the highest percentages for underage drinking offenses file from 2020-2024. AND A DEEP DIVE: Pittsburgh International Airport is discharging high levels of so-called 'forever chemicals' into nearby streams, according to recently released data. The chemicals are concentrated around a firefighting training facility. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled his Housing Action Plan, a proposal aimed at lowering costs and building more homes across Pennsylvania. ICE and Border Patrol agents raided a Montgomery County home last week, detaining Jose Manuel Cordova Lopez. His family is now calling for an independent investigation into what they say was a disproportionate and traumatic show of force. A group of Blair County volunteers is asking for help to restore a nearby abandoned town. An area historian is leading the charge and wants to turn the now-wooded area into a historical attraction. The outlook for Pennsylvania's rural hospitals is grim, in the face of decreasing federal dollars and budgetary challenges. An outbreak of avian influenza - or bird flu - is affecting 2.4 million birds in seven commercial poultry flocks in Lancaster County. Nearly 2,000 acres of Pennsylvania farmland is being preserved, in the state's latest round of ag preservation efforts. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Josh Shapiro explains why he's not attending an upcoming White House gathering of governors. Governor Shapiro is also pushing back after President Trump said he wants the federal government to take control of elections nationwide. Shapiro says Pennsylvania is ready to handle the midterms the way it always has -- at the local level. Republicans in the U.S. House are pushing major election reforms as we approach the midterms. Pennsylvania Republicans passed a restrictive voting bill in the U.S. House, with Reps. Lloyd Smucker and Scott Perry supporting the bill, which now heads to the Senate. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie talks with Votebeat editor Nathaniel Rakich, who is following this story. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Josh Shapiro and other Democratic governors say they're boycotting an annual bipartisan White House event next week. Hundreds of protesters called for the restoration of a slavery exhibit at the President’s House in Philadelphia as the city battles the Trump administration in federal court. Elected officials gathered to condemn immigration enforcement agents’ operations in the Greater Philadelphia region Wednesday – a day after federal ICE agents detained a man and reportedly broke down the door of a Montgomery County home. The State Department of Health is encouraging students in grades one through six to submit a poster or short video for their Student Lyme Disease Prevention Art Competition. We are headed into Valentine’s Day weekend – and maybe you’re looking for something fun to do. The Pennsylvania Tourism Office has launched an automated telephone hotline to recommend things to do in the Keystone State during the winter. The voices on the hotline even speak in Pennsylvania’s regional accents. And we take a deep dive with WITF Music: Meet Harrisburg singer/songwriter Olivia Elizabeth Basar. Harrisburg singer songwriter Olivia Elizabeth Basar | WITF Music 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mammograms are typically used to scan for breast cancer, but researchers are now looking at using the imaging tests to identify early signs of cardiovascular disease in women. Gov. Josh Shapiro traveled to northeastern PA to thank first responders for their work last week during a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City. The governor also highlighted investments, including a more than $30 million grant fund to support the state’s fire departments. Former Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has a new position, one month after stepping down as the city’s chief executive. The State Game Commission is adding some game for hunters as we enter the final weeks of pheasant season. Governor Shapiro and his neighbors are filing lawsuits against each other, over a property dispute at the governor's private residence in Montgomery County. The Hempfield School District is cutting ties with the Independence Law Center, a religious rights law firm. Six former players on the women’s basketball team at the University of Pittsburgh are suing their coach and the school over what they call toxic coaching methods. 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 thank you!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Temperatures are moderating for a few days. But many of Pennsylvania’s rivers remain ice-covered. And the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is reminding people to stay off icy rivers, streams and creeks. That’s because water still flows under the ice and can sweep victims away. Many PennDot Driver License Centers across the Commonwealth are now renovated and upgraded. This year, Pennsylvanians whose disabilities started before the age of 46 can apply for a program known as PA ABLE, which stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. U.S. Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania is announcing the allocation of over $270 million in federal funding for various infrastructure, education, healthcare, and community restoration projects. The Lancaster Airport Authority is receiving the largest amount, $5 million to expand its main terminal. The School District of Lancaster apparently overspent $10 million during the 2024-to-25 school year. Administrators say they suspect an accounting error resulting from faulty software, that didn't correctly calculate salaries and benefits. Former Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has a new job, one month after stepping down. Gainey is the newest commissioner on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which oversees casino and online gambling in the state. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity says she would cooperate with President Donald Trump’s administration in running Pennsylvania’s elections. Garrity’s comments come after Trump called for Republicans to “nationalize” elections. The state Republican Party is throwing its weight behind western Pennsylvania attorney Jason Richey in his bid for lieutenant governor. The party formally endorsed Richey to run alongside gubernatorial hopeful Stacy Garrity this year. Penn State has released a budget snapshot of how much it will allocate to its colleges and campuses in the 2027-28 fiscal year. The university doesn’t list funding for the seven campuses it is in the process of shutting down Centre County prosecutors say they’ll withdraw the felony count of aggravated assault against Penn State star hockey player Gavin McKenna. U-S Senator John Fetterman is calling on the federal government to halt the development of two new ICE detention centers in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is reminding the public that it's never safe to walk on ice coating the surface of rivers such as the Susquehanna River. While lakes and ponds can become frozen with a thick layer of ice and produce recreational opportunities such as ice fishing and skating, officials say moving bodies of water such as rivers and streams are never safe to walk on. A Lancaster County native, who was the first government worker to be diagnosed with Havana Syndrome, has died. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During last week's budget address, Governor Josh Shapiro pushed for more housing construction, in part to make homes more affordable. In his budget address, Governor Shapiro also said the state’s electric utilities are making too much profit at the expense of ratepayers. The governor laid out a plan to tackle rising electricity rates. Officials in Chester County pledge to do better as they continue to navigate fallout from an poll book error last Election Day. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry reports a surge in labor law complaints in 2025. Pennsylvania agriculture secretary Russell Redding recently announced the state is awarding $2.2 million in grant funding to support 17 research projects. 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 sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Josh Shapiro touted the benefits of AI data centers during Tuesday's budget address, responding to widespread opposition with a series of regulatory proposals. Also in his budget address this week, Governor Shapiro urged lawmakers to pass a school cellphone ban. State senators appeared to heed the call, passing their version of the bill late Tuesday. Immigrant rights advocates say ICE has been targeting Philadelphia’s Criminal Justice Center, arresting immigrants in areas around the building. At a rally earlier this week, they called on Sheriff Rochelle Bilal to do more to protect immigrant residents at the courthouse. In the past, if a Pennsylvanian died without a will or heirs, the Commonwealth would get their estate. Under a change in law that took effect in January, those assets will now go to community foundations. Emergency crews battled a blaze and evacuated patients from a hospital Wednesday night in Northeastern Pennsylvania. All patients, staff and visitors were safely evacuated from Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City, according to a hospital spokesperson. A Lancaster County prison inmate died Sunday, two days after he had been found unresponsive in his cell, according to prison officials. 61-year old Erik Guenther of Lebanon was found by prison staff unresponsive in his cell early Friday morning. Lancaster City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Easton McDonald as the city's new police chief Tuesday night. Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna is being charged with felony assault following an incident on Jan. 31. Retired Justice Sandra Schultz Newman has died. Newman was the first woman elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. And a deep dive... and tribute to a local music legend: Al Shade of Gratz, Dauphin County, recently passed away at the age of 98. In honor of Al’s legacy, we’ll listen back to a 2017 WITF Music session with WITF's Joe Ulrich, in which Al performed a few songs and talked about his life and work. Central PA country music legend Al Shade dies at 98 | WITF Music 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday unveiled a 53-billion-dollar state budget for the fiscal year that begins July first, the final budget proposal of Shapiro's term. Under the governor's plan, the spending gap would be made up by tapping into the state's rainy-day fund. Increasing public school funding is the big ticket item in the governor’s budget. But it’s not the only school policy he has in mind. Republicans in the state Senate say that Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal would threaten Pennsylvania’s financial future if enacted. Republican Congressman Lloyd Smucker of Lancaster and York counties is suing Lancaster’s main newspaper. A Dauphin County judge dismissed Harrisburg mayor Wanda Williams' lawsuit over this year's budget, ruling that City Council was acting within its power when it defunded four positions within the mayor's administration. Pennsylvania State Police announce they're upgrading their vehicles with some of the latest technology. Those improvements include distinctive V-shaped light bars that provide full 360-degree illumination during traffic stops - and turn into arrow boards for traffic control - or floodlights for dark, hazardous conditions. Pennsylvania is expanding and improving its all-terrain vehicle trails and facilities across the state. The state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announces it's awarding $1.4 million in grants for ATV projects in five counties in western PA and the Pennsylvania Wilds region. One of our region's high school athletic conferences has a new name. The York Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association - the YAIAA - voted to change its name to the South Central Athletic Conference, or SCAC. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Slavery exhibits removed from the President’s House site on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall are still intact and in storage at the Constitution Center. A federal judge confirmed that fact during a site visit Monday. Almost three quarters of Americans rarely get together with others, even people they care about. That's according to the inaugural Social Connection in America report, issued by the Barnes Family Foundation, based in Bethlehem. https://omny.fm/shows/the-spark/scanning-prices-measuring-belonging-a-look-at-pa-consumers-and-communities As climate change forces wildlife to relocate, The Nature Conservancy is working to help species adapt. The organization just acquired 280 acres in Cambria County to serve as a critical rest stop for increasingly rare, migrating grassland birds. The Trump Administration has purchased a 520,000-square-foot Berks County warehouse for more than $87 million. The deed shows it was sold to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, as the administration continues to convert facilities across the country into immigration detention centers. More than 300,000 Haitians nationwide were expected to lose federal immigration protections yesterday (Feb. 3) - but a federal judge issued a 6-month extension. Those protections allow them to work in the U.S. and shield them from deportation. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed five cases of measles in Lancaster County. Officials say all five cases involve people who were not vaccinated. And a deep dive: Independent and third-party voters are the fastest-growing voting bloc in Pennsylvania. Yet these voters are currently barred from participating in the commonwealth’s primaries. 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 circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harrisburg is joining cities across the nation that are responding to recent events of violence and conflict. A Peace Pilgrimage is planned through the city this Wednesday, February 4th. We have a deep dive conversation with one of the organizers, Pastor Matthew Best of Harrisburg's Christ Lutheran Church. He explains how the public can participate, how he defines “peace,” and why event organizers deliberately did not include the state Capitol as a location. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to address housing costs, energy demand, and unfinished business from prior years, when he delivers his budget address Tuesday. Lancaster County's Conestoga River is named Pennsylvania's River of the Year. And tens of thousands of people gathered for Punxsutawney Phil's annual appearance Tuesday morning, dubbed Groundhog Day. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity says an Allegheny County party leader is her choice for a running mate. The city of Philadelphia is headed to court, demanding the National Park Service return its exhibit depicting the lives of enslaved persons under President George Washington. The exhibit was recently removed by federal employees, acting on a White House executive order calling for the removal of displays in U-S national parks that "disparage" the nation. Authorities in Lebanon County have released the identity of the man fatally shot by State Police early Wednesday while troopers were attempting to serve a warrant. A new Pennsylvania law designed to keep unregulated vapes out of the hands of kids may not actually work as planned. PennDOT is announcing more than 300 new parking spaces are now available for truckers across Pennsylvania. And a deep dive: Pittsburgh’s oldest print newspaper is set to shut down in just a few months. According to the Nieman Lab, that would make Pittsburgh the largest city in the country without a real daily newspaper. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are once again urging state lawmakers to increase funding for technology and staff needed to answer 911 calls. They’d do that by raising the surcharge on residents’ phone lines. Mental health and drug treatment advocates in Pennsylvania are reeling after the federal government recently cut their funding and then quickly reversed the cuts. Nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians got health insurance last year through Pennie, the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace, marking a record enrollment. But thousands have dropped coverage for 2026 after the loss of federal premium subsidies. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is pausing its proposal to move up the start of firearms deer season...for now. The decision comes after heavy backlash from the hunting community. A man is dead after being shot by a PA state trooper in Lebanon County. A State Police spokesman says troopers were serving a warrant as part of a child pornography investigation, when the unidentified suspect confronted troopers “in a manner which resulted in members discharging their firearms.” A Pennsylvania state lawmaker who also leads a trade group is announcing he's resigning effective this Saturday, January 31st. State Rep. Seth Grove is a Republican who represents York County. Governor Josh Shapiro is preparing to release a long-awaited plan to tackle Pennsylvania's housing crisis, according to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA. That crisis includes soaring rents, rising homelessness, a housing shortage, and home ownership that is out-of-reach for many families. Traffic and noise may increase around Cumberland County's Naval base. Officials are in the midst of a two-week-long force protection exercise that began on Monday. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of protesters marched in Philadelphia earlier this week and held a demonstration outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in the city's Chinatown neighborhood. Governor Josh Shapiro campaigned on getting justice for sexual abuse survivors during his first gubernatorial run. Now, some say he hasn’t done enough to fulfill those promises as governor. Governor Josh Shapiro is calling for an end to the federal government's immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. Speaking Tuesday night on CNN, Shapiro said federal officials have “eviscerated the trust that should exist between law enforcement and the community.” U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is among those calling for the firing of Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. And now a deep dive: President Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security is claiming a newfound authority to enter some immigrants' homes without a warrant signed by a judge. Pennsylvania legal experts are calling the move unconstitutional. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the aftermath of this week’s winter storm, Gov. Josh Shapiro took time to say thank you to highway workers who were on the job since the first flakes began falling. State Attorney General Dave Sunday and the Bureau of Consumer Protection are warning scammers might take advantage of the recent winter storm and current cold weather. The snowstorm dumped anywhere from 9 to 15 inches of snow across Pennsylvania. This may come as a surprise today, but winter is still the fastest-warming season in the Philadelphia region. That doesn’t mean we can’t get serious cold snaps. An inmate at the state prison at Camp Hill has died. The state Department of Corrections has identified him as 46-year-old James Campbell, who was found unresponsive in his cell on Sunday. Outraged critics are accusing Donald Trump of “whitewashing history” after the National Park Service last week removed an exhibit on slavery at Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike McCarthy have reached a verbal agreement for McCarthy to become the club's next head coach. McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, it set to succeed Mike Tomlin, whose surprise departure created just the third job opening in Pittsburgh since 1969. 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 sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The monster winter storm has finally moved away, but not before dumping anywhere from 10 to 15 inches of snow from one end of Pennsylvania to the other, resulting in closed schools and businesses, cancelled flights from the state’s major airports, and reduced speeds on the major interstates. Price was trafficked to truckers by her father along Interstates 80 and 81 until she was about 12 years old. Now a sociologist and published author, she educates law enforcement and sex-trafficking victims' advocates on how to identify signs of sex trafficking and protect survivors. During the recently concluded Pennsylvania Farm Show, 11 centennial and bicentennial farms were honored by state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and PA Lt. Governor Austin Davis. The City of York is announcing it will "not" enter into an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The city made the announcement after West York Borough, however, "did" elect to sign an agreement with ICE. Agreements between cities and ICE give state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform functions of immigration officers. PennDOT is embarking on a major project to refurbish a bridge which carries US Routes 11/15 over the Juniata River between Dauphin and Perry counties. A Cumberland County-based bank will soon have a new owner. Burke and Herbert Financial Services, based in Alexandria Virgina, has announced plans to acquire Link Bank. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette employees found out from the paper’s owners earlier this month that the publication plans to shut down at the start of May. Now, a dispute has broken out among members of the paper’s union and other staff members about what to do next. If all the ice and snow has you down – we may have the antidote: The 197th Philadelphia Flower show opens in about a month and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has a preview of what to expect. Despite cold, icy and snowy weather, this is the time of year that gardeners and farmers lay the groundwork – so to speak – for the next season’s crops. In Philadelphia, one nonprofit is creatively acquiring and repurposing vacant lots to do just that. As scientists learn more about the harms of PFAS chemicals and microplastics, researchers are trying to find new ways to remove them from drinking water. And a deep dive into the potential impact of data centers on the Susquehanna River: Andrew Dehoff, executive director of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission joins us for a conversation about how data centers typically use water, the alternatives, and whether the Susquehanna would be able to support water usage at data centers currently proposed for Central Pennsylvania. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Junior is touting the Trump administration’s new national nutrition guidelines in what he’s calling the “Take Back Your Health Tour.” His first stop — a rally in Pennsylvania’s state Capitol. Some Democrats say Kennedy himself is a danger to health. State Senator and registered nurse Maria Collett says Kennedy, blaming most health issues on diet alone, is oversimplifying a complicated issue. Pittsburghers are interested in learning how to respond to Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence, as the agency ramps up detentions and deportations in major cities. A meeting by an immigrants’ rights groups earlier this week drew hundreds. An eastern Pennsylvania woman who lost both her husband and son to suicide is now working to increase awareness about the issue, especially now that the holidays are in the rearview mirror. More than seven in ten public school students in Pennsylvania are enrolled in at least one arts class, according to the Arts Education Data Project. It’s good news, but there are caveats. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Art Association of Harrisburg. Executive Director Carrie Wissler-Thomas recalls the organization's founding by Gertrude Olmsted McCormick in 1926. Art Association of Harrisburg Marks 100 Years with April Gala at the King Mansion | The Spark 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania lawmakers and consumer advocates are blaming new data centers for rising home energy prices. A new statewide program is designed to preserve and expand Pennsylvania's supply of affordable rental housing for residents at risk of homelessness. The State Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Month in January. The federal government is buying a former Schuylkill County distribution center with plans to turn the site into a processing facility for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering adding more than 1,100 acres of additional state game land across the state. Hersheypark is announcing upgrades and expansions to its attractions for 2026. Plans include a new hotel, a new restaurant, and new features at its water park known as The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick broke with his party last week when he led a discharge petition to extend healthcare subsidies for three years. A new online tool is set up, to connect Pennsylvania's SNAP recipients with volunteer opportunities. It's designed to help recipients meet the new federal work and reporting requirements to keep their benefits. Harrisburg is named number two in the nation for first-time homebuyer affordability, in a new study by Realtors.com. Last year, Harrisburg was in the top spot. A public forum on Cumberland County's data center development - originally slated for Tuesday (January 20th) is postponed because organizers are searching for a larger venue. The Cumberland County Planning Commission says overwhelming public interest was pushing the event to capacity at a Dickinson College auditorium. The expansion of broadband across Pennsylvania is on hold, as federal officials miss a self-imposed deadline to review the state's spending plan. That means hundreds of millions of dollars to help fund the expansion are also on hold. The enhanced tax subsidies that helped millions of Americans pay for their health insurance expired at the end of last year. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are dropping their health coverage and others are seeing their rates skyrocket. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania Republicans want to change how the state runs Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Their effort comes as federal changes are already tightening the use of both programs statewide. Democrats in the state House and Senate have successfully won more public school funding in the past few state budgets — against pushback from some Republicans. Democrats will fight that same battle this year. During a recent visit to Northeastern PA, Governor Josh Shapiro addressed concerns about the growing number of data center proposals in Pennsylvania. Before the Pennsylvania Farm Show officially wrapped up late last week, state officials designated 11 farms as bicentennial and centennial farms. Nearly two dozen Philadelphia neighborhoods are installing new sculptures, as part of America250 PA's "Bells Across PA" project. Governor Shapiro's pick for a Board of Pardons vacancy is being opposed by clemency advocates. Harrisburg City officials say a planned demolition will take place this week at the Broad Street Market's brick building damaged by fire in July of 2023. 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 witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. Thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania's hemp business leaders are embracing statewide calls to regulate their products in the face of an upcoming federal ban. State lawmakers expect to consider restrictions sometime this year. And Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana industry is pushing state lawmakers to rein in hemp products that can make users high. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering shifting the beginning of firearms deer season to start the week before Thanksgiving. Many hunters are against the change. Gov. Josh Shapiro says tariffs imposed by President Trump are hurting farmers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. During a visit to the PA Farm Show late last week, Shapiro said if it weren't for the tariffs, Trump wouldn't be providing billions in bailouts to make up for the losses farmers are experiencing. Today is Martin Luther King Junior Day - a federal holiday honoring the Civil Rights activist. A slate of community events will be unfolding across central PA in his memory, today. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural experts say they’re dealing with a mental health crisis and need more support from the state. A joint hearing of the state House and Senate Agriculture committees at the Pennsylvania Farm Show included testimony from Penn State researchers. During this week's Pennsylvania Farm Show, officials announced the awarding of more than $400,000 in state grants to benefit organizations in 33 counties that support youth seeking careers in agriculture. Philadelphia's elected officials are speaking out against the potential of mass ICE raids in the city. A recent poll finds 42% of Pennsylvania do not want data centers built in or near their community. Yet many state and local lawmakers are accepting the proliferation of data center plans across Pennsylvania, according to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA. Pennsylvania is officially launching its America250 celebration county-by-county. The nearly two-week-long statewide tour through all 67 counties begins this Friday (Jan. 16) in the Philadelphia region, with ceremonies at each county's courthouse. The tour travels to Lancaster County on Saturday with ceremonies at 4 pm and onto Schuylkill County on Sunday with ceremonies at 9:30 am. Artists in all 67 Pennsylvania counties are researching, painting and decorating large fiberglass bell sculptures in conjunction with America250 PA festivities. We talk with a local artist, Phil George of Carlisle, to learn more about the significance of the symbols he painted on Cumberland County’s bell, now on display on the square in Carlisle. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.