The Morning Agenda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today we have a deep dive:A new museum in downtown Lancaster is dedicated to exploring the legacy of Thaddeus Stevens. He’s a 19th century Congressman who fought to end slavery, and he played a major role in shaping the U-S Constitution.A group of teen reporters from Warwick High School in Lancaster County recently covered the museum’s opening as part of “PBS News Student Reporting Labs” - that’s the youth journalism program from PBS. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

Today we have a deep dive into Pennsylvania’s water quality. The waters of a western Pennsylvania stream are getting tainted by ‘forever chemicals' from Pittsburgh International Airport. Researchers are looking closely at how much these chemicals could be getting into the sediments and wildlife that depend on the stream.Less than three weeks remain until the state budget deadline. Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking for ways to help balance the budget by considering taxes aimed at the tech industry.The Pennsylvania SPCA removed 78 cats and kittens from a Lancaster County home on Tuesday.House lawmakers are calling on their counterparts in the state Senate to pass legislation that would allow Pennsylvania’s high school athletics governing body to split up playoff competition for public and private schools.And now it’s time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I’ll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today’s bright spot is this:The podcast NPR Music this week came out with a playlist of songs that listeners say help them reset their mood. For example, one is “Lovely Day” from Bill Withers. One listener said, “I have a dear friend with MS and when I visited him, he played this song every morning. He used it as a daily tribute for the gift of life and it resonated with my soul. The lyrics are spot on for not just living, but living with purpose and gratitude.”If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

Late spring to early summer is considered one of two peaks of Pennsylvania’s year-round tick season, according to East Stroudsburg University’s Tick Research Lab. What to know during the first peak of this year, as cases of alpha-gal syndrome which causes a red meat and dairy allergy, pop up around the state.Common bacteria like the human papilloma virus, or H-P-V - can cause oral, head and neck cancers. Dental researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a chewing gum that could help eliminate these microbial causes, and ultimately reduce cancer risk.A show put on by the York County Quilters Guild celebrates the artistic side of the traditional craft.A bill requiring gun owners to lock their firearms, or place them in a safe when not being carried, advanced to the state House Monday over Republican objections. Gun locks and safes would be exempt from state sales tax under an amended version of a secure firearms storage bill Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced Monday.Members from Pennsylvania’s 47 rape crisis centers rallied at the state Capitol in Harrisburg Monday. They're calling for double the state dollars they receive, after six years of relatively stagnant funding.U.S. Steel plans to invest up to $2.5 billion into upgrades to its Mon Valley Works in Western P-A. The company forecasts that the upgrades will generate $1.7 billion for the state, according to a Monday report from the steelmaking giant. Did you know that if every one of WITF’s sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow.And thanks!

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is restoring state funding to smaller arts organizations. The council voted to correct an overhaul of the state arts funding process after pushback from community arts organizations.Public school teachers who get injured on the job by a student or parent would be eligible for up to a year of paid leave and benefits under legislation now under consideration in the state House.Nurse Practitioners are renewing their years-long push in Pennsylvania to practice independently of physicians, an authority recognized in more than two dozen other states and certain federal agencies. But attempts to advance legislation changing that rule in the commonwealth have repeatedly failed, despite broad bipartisan support.  The State Department of Aging is awarding grants to over 400 Senior Community Centers in the Commonwealth totaling $3 million dollars. A new study from the University of Pennsylvania finds flood waters from Hurricane Ida were compounded by the city’s impervious surfaces and outdated sewer system. A Cumberland County man died Sunday morning in a shootout with police.State officials are prepping for an influx of thousands of visitors associated with America250 celebrations and several major sporting events.Pennsylvania's medical imaging specialists and radiation therapists aren't required to be licensed - but that could soon change.Attention Sustaining Circle Members! With a monthly increase of $12 or more, you and WITF's dedicated base of sustainers could close the funding gap left by the federal rescission. Increase your gift today at witf.org/increase. And thank you!

Many Pennsylvania counties are not reviewing the death of every child - even though there's a 2008 state law that requires them to do so. Since 2020, about half of all childhood deaths statewide have gone unreviewed. Jaxon White of our partners at Spotlight PA looked into this issue and joins us to share more of his reporting.The Trump administration is spending $700 million to build or refurbish the coal industry’s infrastructure in several states including Pennsylvania.Attorney General Dave Sunday is charging a Cumberland County company and its owner for causing a spill never reported to authorities that led to contamination of a Franklin County community's water supply.Nine environmental projects in Berks County are receiving funding from the Berks County Community Foundation’s Innovation Fund.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.

We’re going to begin with a deep dive today: An ICE detainee says he was put in solitary confinement and transferred out of state in retaliation for speaking out about conditions. The alleged retaliation came after a protest at Pennsylvania’s Moshannon Valley Processing Center, ICE’s largest immigrant detention facility in the northeast United States. The U.S. House, including Pennsylvania Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, voted to approves a measure to restrain President Trump's action in Iran. Fitzpatrick is one of four Republicans who voted with all Democrats to adopt the resolution Wednesday. Motorists in Pennsylvania will soon face fines for distracted driving.  The 10th Annual Lancaster Water Week kicks off today (Friday 6/5). The week-long series of events is designed to raise awareness for the health of Lancaster County's 1400 miles of streams and rivers.The Lancaster County borough of Columbia continues to celebrate its 300th anniversary. The latest celebration is a parade set for this Saturday afternoon, June 6th, beginning at 2.And now it’s time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today’s bright spot is this:Paper ephemera is still very collectible, from old postcards to World War I and II posters.We met some digital natives who have a passion for collecting some of these paper items, at the Allentown Paper Show recently. One even talks about how much she enjoys writing letters – and how much the recipients value receiving them. They stand out, amid all the texts, emails and other digital messages.Here’s the link to this uplifting, quirky 3-minute audio story by NPR. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

A federal appeals court on Tuesday heard arguments in the closely watched legal battle over the slavery exhibit at Philadelphia's President's House Site.Two-hundred forty-seven students recently competed in this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee. Central Pennsylvania’s champion, Vedika Burman who was backed by WITF and Pennon Education, finished in the top third and hopes to return next year.Forbes is out with its annual "College Financial Grades." Central Pennsylvania colleges received a full range of grades in the report.The Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering one-day summer camps across the state. Junior Game Warden Camps are for youth between the ages of 12 and 15.And now a deep dive – or maybe we should say hop. A State College-area festival, focused on frogs, returned last weekend under new leadership after a two-year hiatus. Organizers say it’s important to continue hosting events like this, especially as the federal government cuts back on conservation programs.          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!

A measure to keep cellphones out of schools throughout the day has passed the state House. The bill had supporters AND foes in both parties.Stacy Garrity – the Republican candidate for governor – reiterated her call for a pause on data center development in Northeastern Pennsylvania Monday.Almost every part of modern life requires reliable internet, but access remains uneven in many rural areas across Pennsylvania. An expert appeared on a recent edition of The Spark to explain how funding will soon help many communities catch up on broadband access. Click here to hear the full conversation on broadband from WITF’s The Spark Monday marked the 5th annual Pennsylvania Native Species Day, designed to highlight the thousands of plants and insects indigenous to the state, and the threat posed by invasive species like the spotted lanternfly.A former industrial site in Carlisle is receiving state funding for remediation. The former Frog, Switch and Manufacturing Company along High Street once supplied railway components and manganese steel casting for mining.Higher electricity rates took effect across Pennsylvania on Monday. In Harrisburg, state lawmakers took a closer look at the issue, as experts testified before the House Energy committee.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.  

Chocolate World in Hershey is celebrating America’s 250-year anniversary with a fresh look on its free ride. The Hershey Company is looking back and celebrating its history, too. It’s now June - and for many people, the summer months mean trips to the beach. A new "state of the shore" report finds the New Jersey coastline is healthy and in good shape.  Pennsylvania's flags are flying at half-staff, after an order by Governor Josh Shapiro over the weekend, in honor of a Berks County police officer who died in the line of duty. Officer Kristen Yeager of the Central Berks Regional Police department died Friday night while responding to a call.Grief counselors are available to Harrisburg school students, after two students lost their lives late last week. Controversial data center projects have cropped up all around the state, and some state House members say local communities should have more power to determine if the centers come to their town.  The state Agriculture Department is awarding nine grants totaling $1.3 million, to boost sales, promotion, and quality of craft beers in the state.

Governor Josh Shapiro is pitching details of his plan for managing data center growth,  months after broadly sketching out a strategy in his budget address. Shapiro, who is running for reelection, is calling on state lawmakers to work with his administration to make his proposal into law. It includes a series of benchmarks data center owners would need to meet in order to get tax benefits from the commonwealth.  And a deep dive:Staying with the topic of development – but with a twist...Think about the shingles on your home - are they made of asphalt? Aluminum? Wood? Imagine if those shingles were made of food waste - pineapple peels, egg shells, and shrimp shells. A group of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are designing building materials that could be healthier for us and the planet. 

Blue crab populations in the Chesapeake Bay are rebounding from a near-record low.  Environmental protection efforts in Pennsylvania are helping keep the water clean downstream.Western PA Congresspersons Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio say mine operators must do more to help communities dig out of problems left behind when mines close.A federal judge is denying bail for a York County man, citing a history of online threats and alleged illegal gun possession. The criminal case gives insight into how the federal government monitors and prosecutes people connected to certain neo-Nazi groups.The developer of an ICE warehouse in Berks County is paying more than $82,000 dollars to resolve deficiencies.Five fatal crashes happened over the Memorial Day holiday weekend - and two involved intoxicated driving. Pennsylvania State Police report there were a total of 843 crashes over the four-day weekend.And now it’s time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I’ll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today’s bright spot is an update on our WITF Central PA Spelling Bee Champion. Among the 247 spelling bee champions from across the country, competing this week at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, our WITF Central PA Spelling Bee Champion 11-year-old Vedika Burman of Central Dauphin Middle School, has finished in 79th place.(Click here for Vedika’s recent interview on The Morning Agenda.)

The campaign to plant ten million trees across the state of Pennsylvania reached its goal Tuesday, with the ten millionth tree planted near Hershey. But environmental advocates say the benefits of the milestone will continue for years to come.U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has signed a disaster declaration for Pennsylvania farmers. Its goal is to help those who lost crops during freezing weather in April.And now back to the subject of trees for a deeper dive. The Trump administration is planning a drastic reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service, moving its headquarters and research facilities to western states. Here in Pennsylvania, four research stations are on the chopping block. 

Pennsylvania's unemployment rate held steady during the month of April. The jobs numbers show record highs in some industries.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering adding a new ingredient to sunscreen products for the first time since 1999. Dermatologists are hopeful the new ingredient could expand options for sun protection. A new report released by the state Insurance Department could offer lawmakers a path forward to help struggling pharmacies. Twenty-six Pennsylvania high schools are receiving state grants to strengthen the pipeline of special education teachers. Pennsylvania will have a new state librarian later this week, beginning May 30th. And a deeper dive: Grocery stores typically have shopping carts that can fit a toddler, or even shopping carts that look like race cars where small kids can ride along. There are also motorized scooters for people with mobility issues. But there's also another type of shopping cart, one that advocates for people with disabilities say should be more widely available. 

Hurricane season begins next week, on June 1st. National Weather Service forecasters predict the Mid-Atlantic region will see ‘lower than average’ tropical storm activity this year. Despite rainy conditions over the holiday weekend – and much of the past week – much of Pennsylvania continues to be under drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.   Last week, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it would give Pennsylvania nearly $40 million to address PFAS contamination in drinking water, the agency also said it would roll back PFAS regulations.  A recent study by the National Council on Aging and the Urban Institute finds many seniors are overlooking benefits that they might be eligible for.  A Lancaster County charity that distributes tens of thousands of meals to food banks is facing more than $14 million of debt - yet is continuing with plans to expand nationally.Pennsylvania's zoning and permitting processes are named as barriers to homebuilding in the state, according to a recent survey.

On this Memorial Day, we have a special episode for you – a conversation with Dale and Jan Hanby, hosts of WITF’s newest podcast “Cloth of the Nation.”

Tuesday’s primary saw incumbents and moderate candidates prevail despite high levels of political polarization and dissatisfaction with the Democratic and Republican parties.State lawmakers are considering shifting oversight of Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program to a new entity. Some say it could be a key step toward legalizing recreational cannabis.PennDOT has announced bridge repairs on coming to a span in Adams County beginning June 1st. With motorcycle riding season in full swing, PennDOT is reminding cyclists, as well as the entire motoring public, the importance of sharing the road and cutting down on the risk of accidents. A winning Powerball ticket worth 150-thousand dollars was sold in York County for the Wednesday, May 20th drawing. Bravo Supermarket on West Market Street in West York Boro sold the ticket. And then our Friday feature, The Bright Spot with Karen Hendricks

Pennsylvania lags behind most of the country in increasing renewable energy.State Senator Doug Mastriano has been nominated to serve as the next US ambassador to Slovakia.The U.S. Senate has confirmed Brian Miller as the United States Attorney for the Moddle District of Pennsylvania.The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Cumberland County attorney Richard Lee King.The City of Reading has officially broken ground on a major solar energy project on the public works campus.

Bonus Episode: Primary Election Night Results

In the wake of the arrest of a Lebanon County man in connection with threats made against state lawmakers, some legislators say PA state needs to a better job on informing them of such dangers. State Senator Doug Mastriano has been nominated by Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to Slovakia. It’s known as the State of Preschool Yearbook. It’s an annual report dating back to 2002, designed to track enrollment in and funding for and quality standards related to state-funded preschool programs. Lead author of the report Allison Friedman-Kross recently joined WITF’s The Spark along with Director Steve Barnett to talk about this year’s report.The U.S. Senate has confirmed Brian Miller as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This is the third time he's been confirmed. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is marking a ten-year partnership with local farms and area food banks, in an effort to deal with food insecurity in the state. And this quick programming note: My colleague Jordan Wilkie will be releasing a bonus episode of The Morning Agenda with election news this morning as well. So, keep an eye out for that in your podcast feed.

Penn State faculty members have voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining a union.  It’s primary election day in Pennsylvania. The most closely watched race in our area is for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 10th District. Voters will choose between former TV news anchor Janelle Stelson and Dauphin County Commissioner Justin DouglasIn the race for Governor, incumbent Democrat Josh Shapiro is running unopposed, as is Republican Stace Garrity, who currently serves as state Treasurer.The artificial intelligence boom is leading to fights in some states over growing utility profitsPENNDOT has work planned along route 34 in Perry County this week.The city of York is launching a new Pothole Patrol. The first phase goes into effect  this week, focusing on the West End of the city. 

You might think of the last week of May as the week of Memorial Day. But for nearly 250 spelling bee champions from across the country, it’s “bee week” as they head to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. That includes our very own WITF Central PA Spelling Bee Champion Vedika Burman of Harrisburg. Meet our 11-year-old champion and hear how she’s preparing for the big competition, in today’s deep dive.

Pennsylvania State Police say twenty Democratic state lawmakers were targeted by online threats, which led to the arrest of a suspect last week. State police arrested a 42-year-old Lebanon County man last week, after they say he made a series of threats on social media last month. Voting by Penn State faculty on whether to unionize ended last week. Ballot counting began Wednesday and is slated to be completed by today (Fri).The York County SPCA is asking for the public's help, after rescuing more than 50 dogs from a hoarding situation. Officials say it's one of the largest hoarding cases in its history.Dozens of clean water advocates will gather in Lancaster County next week for the Choose Clean Water Conference. It's a three-day meeting of regional leaders from the nonprofit, government and business industries.And now it’s time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot: Every Friday, I’ll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today’s bright spot... is a no-brainer – literally.The winner of the 2026 Tiny Desk Contest was revealed earlier this week by NPR Music's Bobby Carter.The group Cure for Paranoia – with a song called “No Brainer” – is the winner, marking the 12th time that an unsigned musical artist has won the nationwide challenge.

The Shapiro Administration is now two months into its “Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures” maternal health strategic action plan. The goal is to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, supported by community input, collaboration from multiple state departments and a 5-year federal grant.A Lebanon County man is charged with making terroristic threats online, against 20 Pennsylvania lawmakers. Pennsylvania State Police arrested and charged 42-year-old Adam Berryhill after they say he posted quote "politically violent" posts including a "hit list" on his X account in late April.President Donald Trump is nominating State Senator and former GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Slovakia.Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the drowning of a 5-month-old girl at a Lancaster County hotel.In Schuylkill County, Pottsville city council voted earlier this week to join the ICE 287(g) program.Chambersburg Borough Council voted earlier this week to end the Franklin County community's 62-year-old fluoridation program in the public water supply. Votes by council were evenly split for and against fluoridation, so the mayor cast the tie-breaking vote to end the program.Mifflin County is being awarded $1.5 million in PennDOT funding, to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety.As “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” heads into the sunset, keyboardist and Philly resident Corey Bernhard says he's “looking forward to getting back in the mix” and collaborating with Philly's local music scene.

Early estimates show Pennsylvania's specialty crop industry could be facing losses between $150 million and $200 million dollars this season. That's due to early warm weather that produced blossoms on fruit trees - followed by freezing temperatures in April. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding says the size and scope of damage is unprecedented.Governor Josh Shapiro is requesting expedited disaster assistance from the U-S Department of Agriculture. For the better part of a century, the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel has carried drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike through the eastern continental divide.  It’s at the highest point on the toll road, which runs 360 miles across the state.  Plans have been unveiled to replace the tunnel with an open road cut through the top of the ridge.A Lancaster County couple is facing numerous charges, including endangering the welfare of a child, and animal welfare-related charges, following a seizure of more than 90 animals from their home. A Berks County man is facing felony charges after police say he attacked another parent during a youth soccer game. Police say the incident left the victim injured and unconscious.State officials have implemented new safety requirements at haunted attractions, following a 2025 investigation by our partners at Spotlight PA that revealed dangers situations involving both teen and adult volunteers at Lancaster County's Field of Screams.State officials recently approved more than $7.6 million in tax credits to support more than 100 businesses across Pennsylvania, as part of the Keystone Innovation Zone Tax Credit Program.

Pennsylvania has just a few months left to spend its first round of federal funding dedicated to rural health.  The money is intended to offset Medicaid losses during the next decade, with this initial award prioritizing existing program stabilization.  Emergency responders are exploring what future funding rounds could mean for their services.Submissions are now being accepted for The Older Artists of PA Showcase planned for later this summer at the State Capitol. And a deeper dive:In suburban Philadelphia, a farm and a nonprofit are teaming up and forging a unique partnership to fight both food waste and hunger.

Governor Josh Shapiro says the system formed in the last century to regulate utilities is broken. Shapiro wrote a letter to two dozen water, gas and electric utilities in the state outlining benchmarks required for his Administration to support any future rate hikes.Pennsylvania has been awarded a federal grant to install a geothermal project at an existing natural gas site in western Pennsylvania. The pilot project is the first of its kind in the Eastern U.S.Pennsylvania has filed suit against a company that specializes in artificial intelligence, claiming its chatbots illegally hold themselves out as doctors and deceive the system’s users into thinking they're getting medical advice from a licensed professional. The Shapiro administration called it a first of its kind enforcement action by a governor, and it comes amid growing pressure by states on tech companies to rein in its chatbots' potentially dangerous messages, especially to children.A Baltimore developer has submitted plans for a data center complex in Perry County - encompassing nearly 1.5 million square feet.Cases of bird flu have been discovered at Maryland's Conowingo Dam, along the Susquehanna River, just over the Lancaster County line.

A memorial service Monday honored fallen Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor Jr. at PSP Headquarters in Harrisburg. The 40-year-old O'Connor was fatally shot on March 8th in Chester County during a traffic stop.Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has joined a coalition of nearly two-dozen states urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse new restrictions on medication abortion. Pennsylvania has more than 450 community health centers that serve more than a million patients each year, many of whom are low-income earners. They operate without consistent state funding, despite supporters saying they’re a good investment and help to fill gaps in the health care system.Childhood obesity is a major public health crisis. Doctors say GLP-1 drugs could help treat kids who are already experiencing adult conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. But some families face barriers to obtaining medications according to new research from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Pennsylvania State Police say a Chambersburg man told them he spent three days surveilling a former neighbor before fatally shooting him on May 1st.Berks County officials are announcing plans to purchase the former Wells Fargo Penn Street building and turn it into a new county government center.The Pennsylvania State Police is expanding their Rapid DNA program to municipal law enforcement agencies.

Researchers have been polling Pennsylvanians for 14 years on their feelings about public health issues facing the commonwealth. This year’s survey from Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion and the Muhlenberg College Public Health program documented a record number of respondents dissatisfied with the overall quality of healthcare in the state. In just a few weeks, Philadelphia will host World Cup soccer games and soon after, the city is throwing a big celebration for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The National Liberty Museum, in Philadelphia, now has an exhibit that shows how sports and democracy go hand in hand. A 14-year-old youth faces arson charges following a rowhome fire in Hanover earlier this week. A rainbow-striped pride flag flying at the Lancaster city rowhome was set on fire Tuesday night and partially burned. Adams County-based Knouse Foods announces it is shutting down its Chambersburg, Franklin County plant by the end of the year. And now it’s time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, we share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today’s bright spot is for all the train lovers and history buffs: The world's largest operating steam locomotive will be making several stops in Pennsylvania as part of the nation's 250th birthday celebration. One of those stops is considered a shrine of U-S railroad history, right here in Pennsylvania.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.