Congress is cancelling over $1 billion in pre-approved funding for public broadcasting. The funding cuts threaten local news and educational programming across Pennsylvania.  

Workers who rely on tips are being advised to pay attention to their taxes this year. A "no tax on tips" provision is part of the federal tax cut and spending bill recently signed into law. Workers who get voluntary tips - not service fees - may benefit from claiming both cash and credit card gratuities on their taxes. 

Under current law drivers in Pennsylvania are only required to display one license plate, on the rear of their vehicle. But a state lawmaker will soon introduce legislation to change that. 

The owner of Lancaster County hydro-electric plants at Holtwood and Safe Harbor has agreed to sell Google massive amounts of electricity generated by the Susquehanna River dams to power some Google data centers. The 20-year, $3 billion agreement is between Google and Canadian owners Brookfield Asset Management. 

Lancaster and Lebanon Counties are in talks for a long-term solution for hazmat services.                

Much is still unknown about the restoration efforts at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, following an April arson attack that severely damaged part of the Front Street mansion. We explore what we know—and don’t know. 

 

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Early this morning, between 2 and 3 am, the Senate approved cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting including NPR and PBS as well as member stations including WITF. The Senate vote was 51-to-48.

Pennsylvania's senators voted along party lines. With a yes vote, Republican David McCormick voted to rescind funding for public broadcasting as well as foreign aid. Democrat John Fetterman voted against the bill.

Earlier this week, Fetterman told the Philadelphia Inquirer the cuts undermine the very values of family and education Republicans claim to champion. Fetterman cited Fred Rogers, a Pittsburgh icon, who taught generations of American children about kindness and empathy through his PBS program "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood."

Here’s the next step for the legislation: 

The Senate's approval of the cuts tees up a final vote in the House, which approved an earlier version last month. For the proposed rescissions to kick in, the bill would need to be signed into law by midnight Friday. 

Here’s a closer look at the financial implications of the bill. 

The legislation would claw back nearly $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting which represents the full amount it’s due to receive during the next two budget years. The corporation distributes more than 70% of that money to more than 1500 locally-operated public television and radio stations including WITF based in Harrisburg but serving a 19-county area of Central Pennsylvania. 

Ron Hetrick, President and CEO of WITF's parent organization Pennon calls today's decision "disappointing," while encouraging those passionate about public media to contact their elected representatives today. 

Hetrick adds that "In these moments of uncertainty, we remain unwavering in our mission to ensure our organization continues to serve as a trusted source of information and connection for our community." 

Now turning to another breaking story we’re following this morning:

Vice President JD Vance touted the One Big Beautiful Bill Wednesday, making a stop in northeast Pennsylvania, at a Machine Shop in West Pittston. Vance praised President Donald Trump for retooling the economy in favor of American workers.  

Meantime, Around 50 people protested the Trump administration's immigration policies, education and healthcare cuts during Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Luzerne County on Wednesday.  

 

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Governor Josh Shapiro says he wants to be sure Pennsylvania plays a key role in developing artificial intelligence, as well as providing the energy needed to support it. Speaking at an energy and A-I summit in Pittsburgh this week, Shapiro said the state's skilled workforce and natural gas reserves helped attract a $20 billion dollar investment in new data centers recently pledged by Amazon. A number of large-scale data center projects were announced across the state including a $15 billion project planned for the Carlisle area, a $6 billion project in the Lancaster area and a $5 billion project planned for York County. 

A nonprofit group that helps unemployed people stay in their homes is calling for state property reassessment laws to be updated. The lawsuit could affect property owners across the state.

Another attempt is being made to eliminate local property taxes in Pennsylvania: This latest effort, in the form of an amendment to the state Constitution, is co-sponsored by state Senator Doug Mastriano of Franklin County. It would prohibit school districts from collecting property taxes beginning July first, 2029 and require the General Assembly to come up with another funding method for public schools. 

Some state lawmakers are taking another shot at legalizing adult cannabis use in Pennsylvania. Senators Daniel Laughlin and Sharif Street, as well as Representatives Emily Kinkead and Abby Major introduced bipartisan recreational cannabis bills just four days apart. Both bills incentivize minority, women and veteran-owned small businesses to open dispensaries across the state. 

Pennsylvania is one of 49 states sharing in a 20 million dollar settlement with drug maker Gilead Sciences. It stems from a lawsuit which accused Gilead of illegally providing financial and other incentives to medical personnel in exchange for promoting and prescribing its HIV medications.

Danville-based Geisinger is eliminating nearly 100 Geisinger Health Plan positions as part of an "operational restructuring" amid financial challenges that include a $231 million operating loss last year. 

Four independent voters in Pennsylvania are asking the state Supreme Court to rule that the closed primary system violates the state constitution. They filed a lawsuit arguing that keeping independents out of primaries effectively denies them the right to vote in many districts where primaries determine the outcome. 

The 260th York State Fair kicks off Friday. and runs through the following weekend until Sunday, July 27th. 

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June 30 was the deadline for a new state budget, so at this point, lawmakers are more than two weeks late - with little movement until late Monday night. That’s when The Pennsylvania state House passed a budget bill - one that’s smaller than Governor Josh Shapiro originally requested. But Republicans say more cuts are needed. 

Governor Shapiro is suing the Trump Administration over education funding. This newest lawsuit concerns $230 million in withheld education funds. 

The investigation continues into last Friday's disruption of 911 service in Pennsylvania. 

In Cumberland County Court, a homicide trial is underway this week for 27-year old Timothy Lloyd Sampson. The West Pennsboro Township man is accused of causing the death of his 13-month of son on New Year's Day of 2023. 

The Manheim Township board of commissioners is officially appointing an interim police chief, in the wake of the board's firing of Duane M. Fisher. Township commissioners appointed Lt. Brian Freysz to serve as interim chief. 

 

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Pennsylvania’s top emergency management official is calling on the federal government to rethink proposed changes to disaster aid, saying the measures could hurt emergency response in the state. 

Cleanup work is underway at a contaminated former dishware factory located just west of State College. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts are focused on the Jackson Ceramix Superfund site. 

Former local TV news anchor Janelle Stelson is running again for Congress. The Democratic candidate plans to challenge incumbent Republican Scott Perry in the 10th District, which includes Dauphin County and major swaths of Cumberland and York counties. She lost to Perry in the 2024 election by just over 1 percent of the vote, having out-performed Vice President Kamala Harris in the district. 

A protest this Thursday in Harrisburg honors the fifth anniversary of the death of civil rights leader and congressman John Lewis. The "Good Trouble Lives On" protest is part of a nationwide day of action happening in 1500 cities across the country. 

A popular bipartisan solar program designed to help save Pennsylvania schools save on energy costs may soon go dark. According to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA, state funding for the program is in question as lawmakers try to reach a deal on a late, deficit-plagued state budget. 

The swimming beach at a Berks County lake is closed due to high levels of blue-green algae. 

York is named one of America's most beautiful main street communities by Reader's Digest. The list of 20 most beautiful main streets in America also includes Frederick, Maryland; Bath, Maine; and Woodstock, Vermont. Reader's Digest notes York's revitalization efforts encompassing housing, businesses and local landmarks. 

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Rural health care and job training top a list of Pennsylvanians’ priorities, according to results of a recently-released special survey of public opinion. The process, designed like a town hall for people across the state, softened participants’ strongest political stances. 

State House Democrats blocked a vote on a bill to prohibit transgender girls from competing in school sports, late last week. The move comes after House Republicans used a political maneuver to force debate on the bipartisan Senate bill. We break down how it happened.

Pennsylvania is among the states which have reached a multi-year, $720 million-dollar settlement with eight drug manufacturers. The deal stems from the companies' manufacuture of opioids and the part they played in a nationwide crisis regarding addiction and death. 

Last week marked a grim anniversary in Harrisburg. It's been two years since fire engulfed the Broad Street Market's brick building.

You may have noticed new Pennsylvania license plates are hitting the roads. After 26 years Pennsylvania redesigned its license plate. 

And a deep dive with Jeff Vasser, president and CEO of Discover Lancaster, who explains how Lancaster County is getting a jump on next year's America250 celebrations by kicking off events this summer.

 

 

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Rural hospital leaders and advocates in Pennsylvania are planning for the future, following passage of that huge federal tax cut spending bill in Washington. It cuts more than a trillion dollars from Medicaid over the next decade. The law also creates a $50 billion rural health grant program, but experts have concerns about that, too. 

A marathon negotiating session between the city of Philadelphia and its blue collar workers' union paid off, resulting in a tentative contract agreement. The strike lasted more than a week, resulting in trash piling up on city streets. 

Adams County Commissioners are reviewing new plans for historic preservation in the county and welcoming public comment through the end of the month.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials - known as ICE - is approving a Lancaster County police department application to join a task force program giving officers some immigration oversight. The Quarryville Police Department's application was approved Monday, clearing the way for officers to receive ICE training. 

Cumberland County Commissioners unanimously approved a nearly $3.7 million dollar capital project to upgrade its dispatch system. Mike Snyder, deputy director for 911 communications, says the county hopes to implement a new system in about 18 to 24 months. 

More than $50,000 worth of equipment is missing from a Lancaster County fire company. Christiana Fire Company president Michael Ross says intruders broke through the front door and stole vital rescue tools. 

And a Friday feel-good feature: If you try to search for the local band in this next story, make sure you spell it correctly. The band's name is Midnight Disco, but it’s spelled without any of the I’s: MDNGHT DSCO. WITF Music’s Joe Ulrich sat down to talk to them and record a few tunes. You can see Midnight Disco’s performance and interview in our studio at https://www.witf.org/arts-and-culture/witf-music/

 

 

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Grocery stores often throw away products that are not expired, but that are past their suggested “Best by” date. That may change in Pennsylvania thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro last week.  

It's been more than a century since archeologists discovered the tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh known as King Tut. Several members of the discovery team suffered untimely deaths shortly after, and the myth of the “mummy’s curse” was born. Scientists believe that team may have actually been exposed to a toxic fungus. Now, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania say that same fungus could help fight cancer. 

A recent three day clinic allowed firefighters in the city of Wilkes-Barre to get screened for cancer. First responders have an increased risk of cancer from so-called forever chemicals known as P-FAS, which can come from firefighting gear and smoke inhalation. 

Republican Congressman Dan Meuser - who explored a run for Pennsylvania governor - reportedly won't challenge Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro next year, even after getting an endorsement from President Donald Trump. 

More than 450 wildland firefighters are now prepared to repond to wildfires across Pennsylvania and nationwide after training at Shippensburg University. Firefighters from 11 states attended the week-long training, offered through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Bureau of Forestry. 

York City's comprehensive plan appears to be stalled... three months after it was last scheduled for a vote by city council members. A draft of the 200-page plan was previously available on the city's website, but it was removed sometime between April and July. 

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An Allegheny County state House member has led the charge to repeal a 150-year-old ban on Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to sign it into law this week. 

A state appeals court ruled that a Western Pennsylvania municipality violated its own zoning law when it allowed a natural gas well to be built in a residential area. 

The future of the federal food benefits program known as SNAP - the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - is unclear. Nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians depend on SNAP benefits, and it costs about $500 million to administer SNAP annually in Pennsylvania. But there are sweeping changes to the program's state and federal funding formula going into effect, as a result of President Trump's newly-signed spending law. Governor Shapiro has said Trump's plan might mean the end for SNAP benefits. 

A Lancaster County lawmaker has introduced a bill to clarify the role of constables in the Commonwealth. Rep. Tom Jones, an East Donegal Township Republican, introduced a bill to modernize the regulations governing constables and clarify their roles in the court system and law enforcement. 

Tower Health is eliminating 50 positions across four hospitals, including Reading Hospital, and outpatient services. The nonprofit company says it's part of a streamlining process at the healthcare system. 

The Schuylkill County borough of Saint Clair is celebrating its 175th anniversary this week. 

And a deeper dive: Pennsylvania needs more power to meet growing demands for electricity. As a result, Governor Shapiro has proposed a statewide board to expedite the siting of large-scale electricity projects such as those needed to power data centers.

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The federal spending bill calls for a reduction in Medicaid spending by an estimated $930 billion over the next decade. The shared federal-state health program currently provides insurance coverage to more than 70 million Americans with low incomes. Effects of the cuts will not only be felt by low-income Pennsylvanians, but through the state's hospitals and even nursing homes.

The Trump administration is holding up nearly $7 billion dollars in federal funding that Congress had already approved for educational programs. Pennsylvania and other states were slated to get the money on July 1st. 

The State Department of Labor and Industry continues to offer support to workers impacted by the idling of the Cleveland-Cliffs Steelton plant. Assistance has included transition information and a job fair.

Two Pittsburgh universities are among those working to understand the impact artificial intelligence is having on jobs. The study aims to get ahead of technology shocks that may change how people work. 

Developers in Pennsylvania who want to skip the line for certain environmental permits can apply through a new program from the state Department of Environmental Protection called Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development, or SPEED. 

A Dauphin County judge collapsed while riding his bike and was taken to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead last Friday. Judge Michael J. Smith was a Magisterial District Judge of 20 years. 

In Centre County, efforts to strip control of a troubled rural water company from its longtime family owner have hit another roadblock, again delaying a permanent fix to years of unreliable service. Rock Spring Water Company and owner J. Roy Campbell recently rejected a $65,000 offer from nearby State College Borough Water Authority to buy the private system, according to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA. 

Nine people were rescued from the Swatara Creek by the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department on the 4th of July. It happened near the Hershey Dam, a low-head dam operated by Pennsylvania American Water. Those rescued included three children.  

 

 

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