Voter registration trends suggest Republicans could turn Pennsylvania red for the first time in decades. Observers also see a rise in the power of voters who don't support either party.

Northeastern Pa. Congressman Rob Bresnahan has unveiled legislation to support food bands and farmers, as well as lay the groundwork for the next nationwide Farm Bill. This is in response to the USDA's decision to eliminate a $13 million dollar food aid program.

This weekend the Steamtown National Historic Site will celebrate RailFest and the park's 30th anniversary.

Governor Josh Shapiro's office is proposing a 49.9-billion-dollar budget to Pennsylvania lawmakers, as an attempt to end the state's two-month stalemate. 

A central Pennsylvania woman who helped spread lies about the 2020 presidential election is now a member of the Trump Administration. heather Honey has been appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department of Homeland Security, where her role will be to oversee election integrity. 

A whistleblower within the Pennsylvania Department of Aging says the Shapiro administration is retaliating against him, after he raised alarms about elder abuse system failures.

Law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania and 20 other states are calling on the federal government to declare an emergency in response to a drug know of the streets as "designer Xanax."

Labor Day weekend brings colorful arts festivals to the region's major cities. In Harrisburg, the 109th annual Kipona Festival runs Saturday through Monday, featuring "art in the park", along with a giant puppet parade, the Keystone Dock Dogs competition, food trucks and music. In Lancaster, the 47th annual Long's Park art Festival features 200 artists across the city park, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

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 sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. and thanks!

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Students are heading back to class - but school districts haven’t seen a cent from the state in two months. That drove the state's largest teachers' union to the state Capitol.

Pennsylvania’s state budget delay and uncertainty are starting to cause a strain for some of the state’s nonprofits as well.

A rash of hoax calls about active shooters on at least a dozen college campuses around the U.S. has spread fear among students as the school year begins.

A judge in Lebanon County has upheld the conviction and sentence of a woman for her part in the death of a young boy.

A federal appeals court says it's unconstitutional for Pennsylvania to throw out mail-in ballots simply because the voter didn’t write an accurate date on the return envelope.

Lancaster County is at an increased risk for outbreaks of preventable diseases this fall. That's according to a doctor of pediatric infectious diseases with Penn State Health Children's Hospital.

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital is announcing a 5-million-dollar renovation is complete.

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.

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Gov. Josh Shapiro says Republican lawmakers are stalling state budget talks to gain a political advantage ahead of next year’s governor’s race.

Pennsylvania Senator Doug Mastriano, a Franklin County Republican, says he’s still months away from a decision whether he’ll run again for governor. While Mastriano deliberates, the state’s Republican leaders are coalescing around State Treasurer Stacy Garrity as the party’s preferred candidate. 

Affordable housing is an issue for many Pennsylvanians, including older Pennsylvanians. That’s why a new $19 million senior citizen housing complex is now up and running in Lackawanna County.

 Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a shooting that happened Monday night in Lemoyne, Cumberland County.

The campaign of state treasurer Stacy Garrity - who has announced her candidacy for governor - may hinge on her fundraising ability. A report by our partners at Spotlight PA reveals that Garrity's fundraising abilities are largely untested.

It's been more than 2 years since a Norfolk Southern freight train went off the tracks in eastern Ohio just across the Pennsylvania border. In that time major freight carriers have failed to join a federal program aimed at reducing such hazards.

The lives of 39 Schuylkill County firefighters were honored at the recent Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters' Convention.

While the dust is settling from the Little League World Series held in South Williamsport, there's likely a game and storyline from this year's competition that you haven't yet heard about. Last weekend, under blue skies, a baseball team from Luzerne County not only had their baseball dreams come true, but they showed an international audience what can be possible through sports.

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.

 

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Hundreds of people from across the state traveled to Philipsburg Sunday to protest, at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center.

Farmers and environmentalists are criticizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture for cutting a program that funded climate change resistance projects.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has resumed their Elk Cam.

Pennsylvania's top election official is rejecting a call from the Trump administration to hand over sensitive voter information.

York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow says he's ordering detectives to investigate a hate-related incident after it went viral across social media, sparking community outrage.

A federal appeals court judge has upheld the death sentence for a York County man convicted in the murders of three children and two adults more than 30 years ago.

Pennsylvania's Broadband Development Authority is approving nearly $800 million in federal grant money aimed at connecting all Pennsylvanians to high-speed internet.

More than $140,000 is being awarded to 35 arts organizations across a six-county area of central Pennsylvania.

Public media's federal funding has been revoked. Your support is now more vital than ever. Help power the independent journalism and trusted programming you find on WITF by making a gift of support now at  www.witf.org/givenow.

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Schools across Pennsylvania have detected environmental hazards in their buildings — from mold to lead. That’s according to a new report.

Ten Pennsylvania colleges or universities have either merged or closed since 2016, according to Higher Ed Dive, which tracks college closures and mergers nationwide. Many Pennsylvania universities are continuing to cut costs through layoffs or mergers in order to meet financial challenges.

Back to school season means school buses are returning to the roads. We dive into the laws surrounding school bus safety in Pennsylvania.

And now we have two deeper dives:

First, Pennsylvania’s two largest school districts are weighing the same question: Can closing schools address declining enrollment and balance the budget? Both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh face aging school buildings and a myriad of school structures and sizes. But while the districts have a similar task at hand, their approach differs in one major way.

And Some Pennsylvania university scientists have seen their federal funding restored after joining a lawsuit against the Trump administration. Although some of the money is flowing again, the temporary funding loss may have already done lasting damage to scientific work.

Federal funding for public media has been rescinded. Your monthly gift to WITF can help fill the gap as we navigate this new reality. Become a monthly sustaining member today at www.witf.org/givenow.

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Pennsylvania's Attorney General is planning a new statewide program to promote treatment for persons with mental illness who commit minor crimes.

Defense spending, investment in artificial intelligence and fossil fuels will support Pennsylvania’s economic future, according to three Republican lawmakers who visited the Midstate this week.

President Donald Trump says he wants to get rid of voting by mail and voting machines. Some of Pennsylvania’s congressional Republicans say they like the idea, but election rules are set by states, not the president.

The Dauphin County General Authority voted Wednesday to accept a proposal for a Dauphin County golf course to be sold and turned into a data center.

A bill introduced by Allegheny County state Rep. Emily Kinkead would use $10 million from the state's General Fund to establish the proposed Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program.

Earlier this summer, WITF welcomed dozens of children and teens for summer camps organized by our colleagues at Pennon Education. That included a camp for middle schoolers called Rising Youth Voices. 

To learn more about pennon education check out The Sparks podcast episode live now:

 

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.

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is pushing back on President Donald Trump’s most recent pledge to limit mail-in voting.

Governor Shapiro says Pennsylvania’s system for approving unemployment benefits has improved dramatically.

Also, Governor Shapiro says House and Senate leaders need to “find common ground” on the state budget, which is now more than 7 weeks late.

Pennsylvania health insurers are proposing higher premiums for coverage in 2026. It means people who buy plans through Pennie - the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace - could end up paying more each month to stay insured.

The chair of Dauphin County's Prison Board is stepping down.

A Lancaster County man is pleading guilty to more than 200 thefts and burglaries in Dauphin and Lancaster Counties.

Lancaster Central Market is ranked number one on a list of America's most historic markets.

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.

 

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Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity has announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor in next year's election.

In-home care agencies say the leading state budget proposal doesn’t go far enough to fix Pennsylvania’s growing staffing crisis. Agencies argue Pennsylvania’s low rates are forcing caregivers out of the workforce, leaving more than 100,000 shifts unfilled each month.

West Nile Virus cases are climbing in Pennsylvania. Even though only two human cases have been reported in Pennsylvania this year, officials are encouraging people to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, which could lead to infection.

A long-term closure and detour is set to begin this weekend along northbound Interstate 83 in Harrisburg.

Pennsylvania state police and law enforcement in Texas are asking for the public's help as they seek to solve a murder case dating back to 1984.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is issuing another advisory regarding raw milk being sold in the state. Consumers are advised to discard Sunshine Dairy brand raw milk, purchased between August 5 and August 15, 2025, in Berks, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties.

It's back to school season and that means school buses are back on area roadways. According to state data, York County has one of the highest rates of bus citations.

 

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.

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Next year’s midterm races in Pennsylvania will play a key role in the fight over the U.S. House majority next year. Republicans and Democrats are laying the groundwork to reach rural voters.

Governor Josh Shapiro is directing state resources to crisis care for lesbian, gay and transgender people as the federal government discontinues part of its national suicide prevention hotline.

U.S. Steel officials are sharing their findings from an initial investigation into last Monday's explosion at a plant near Pittsburgh that killed 2 and injured 10.

President Trump last week seized control of Police in Washington DC. As a result, a state lawmaker plans to introduce a bill blocking federal takeover of local police departments in Pennsylvania.

Republican state treasurer Stacy Garrity is launching her run for Pennsylvania governor. The 61-year-old Garrity is the state GOP's top choice - and a staunch supporter of President Trump.

Pennsylvanians seeking to clean their records of criminal convictions can now do so online. With the recent launch of an online application for pardons, Pennsylvania became one of the first states in the country to digitize the process.

 

Public media's federal funding has been revoked. Your support is now more vital than ever. Help power the independent journalism and trusted programming you find on WITF by making a gift of support now at  www.witf.org/givenow.

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Since 2021, hospitals have been required to publish prices for different services so that patients have a better idea of what care might cost. A new Pennsylvania report shows many local hospitals aren't fully complying with these rules.

The price of roasted coffee increased nearly 13% over the past year. Some local coffee retailers are beginning to feel the impact. 

The campgrounds at Raystown Lake are reopening on a phased schedule. Over the weekend, Susquehannock and Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campgrounds reopened, while the Seven Points Campground will reopen on Friday, September 5th.

Environmentalists across the state are working to raise awareness about the role native plants play in protecting Pennsylvania's ecosystems.

And a deep dive:

The explosion at the US Steel Clairton plant near Pittsburgh last Monday killed two workers, but it touched the lives of thousands who live nearby.

 

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 witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow - and thank you.

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