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WITF News Stories
by WITF, Inc.
WITF News Stories are produced by our journalists. Find and listen to their reporting -- on your time.
Episodes
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Remembering our colleague Mitch Mathias
Earlier this year, WITF lost a beloved colleague. Mitch Mathias began his career at WITF in 2006 as a video editor and worked his way up to become the company's Creative Director. Mitch passed away in June. In this feature, several of his colleagues share memories of his work, his love for his…
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Analysis: PA-10 debate between Perry, Stelson
WITF’s news team sat down and talked about what Rep. Scott Perry and Janelle Stelson revealed during their debate on abc27. WITF's news team analyzed where the candidates misrepresented their own actions or those of their opponent, and separated the need-to-know information from the noise.
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How Stelson, Perry performed in debate, vying to represent Pa. 10th Congressional District
Incumbent Republican Congressman Scott Perry exchanged accusations and interruptions with Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson during their debate Wednesday night. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on the race for Pennsylvania’s 10th district.
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Pa. nonprofits, businesses look to replace revenue from skill games
INTRO: Businesses and nonprofits that house skill games are accepting a new reality now that lawmakers failed to reach a deal to regulate the machines ahead of a Tuesday deadline. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, many of the machines are already gone.
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Swatara Twp. residents question data centers planned near homes, church
The public had a chance to ask questions about two data center developments planned for Swatara Twp. at a community information session. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, the developer is calling the projects responsible.
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Analysis: Pa. gubernatorial debate between Shapiro, Garrity
To help break down what every Pennsylvanian needs to know during the debate, WITF spoke with a panel of journalists following state politics, including WITF’s own Haley O’Brien, Spotlight PA’s Kate Huangpu, and the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Gillian McGoldrick.
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Shapiro, Garrity talk data centers, school vouchers, measles in only Pa. gubernatorial debate
Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Treasurer Stacy Garrity went head-to-head on the debate stage Wednesday vying for Pennsylvania’s top job. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, they discussed data centers, measles and whether Shapiro will run for president in 2028.
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Pennsylvania proposal to ban law enforcement at polling places reflects activist concerns
Some voting and immigrant rights activists worried about ICE agents showing up at polling places. Votebeat’s Carter Walker reports on their recommended voting strategy for anyone worried about being targeted by the federal government.
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Bucks County sheriff joins movement pledging not to interfere with elections
Advocates are asking sheriffs to pledge that they won't interfere in elections. Votebeat’s Carter Walker reports on one Pennsylvania sheriff who’s signing on.
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Pa. Republicans tout Trump accounts at state Capitol
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent visited Harrisburg [MONDAY] to promote new federal savings accounts for children. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, the Trump administration says the accounts will help families build wealth.
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York County nonprofits tell lawmakers what they need
Community organizations in York County told state lawmakers how they are helping people in hard times during a public policy hearing. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, they're calling for policy changes so they could do more to help.
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York Republicans force movement on bill banning gifts to public officials
Want to buy a lawmaker a nice vacation, or a trip to the Super Bowl, or just a few dozen nice dinners around town? You can, under Pennsylvania’s gift laws, among the most lax in the nation. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on the latest push to end what advocates and some lawmakers call corruption.
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Pa. Lawmakers return to Harrisburg facing packed agenda
Lawmakers returned to the state capitol today with just 11 days in the legislative session and several pieces of legislation awaiting action. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, the Pennsylvania House and Senate is facing a long to-do list in a short amount of time.
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York pastor supported by Gov. Shapiro, Sens. Fetterman and McCormick, deported to Haiti
A York pastor is now in Haiti, separated from his U.S. citizen wife and children. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports the Department of Homeland Security deported Molis Augustave despite his robust legal, public and political support.
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Pa. lawmakers to return to the capitol Monday
Pennsylvania’s legislators are returning to Harrisburg next week with several major issues still on the table. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, advocates and lawmakers are hoping to see movement on a couple key pieces of legislation, including on skill games.
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Pennsylvania officials, veterans groups focus on preventing veteran suicide
State officials highlighted the programs available for veterans in a roundtable focused on veterans' suicide. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, officials say they're working to foster connection.
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Central Pa. volunteer fire departments are shifting toward paid positions amid staffing struggles
Fire departments around the country struggle to maintain a volunteer force that meets community needs. WITF’s Katie Knol reports some Central Pennsylvania departments are shifting to a combination of paid and volunteer workers.
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‘Pulled off the plane’ – Deportation stayed for York pastor, Haitian immigrant
A York pastor and father of two US citizen children was loaded on to a deportation flight to Haiti, but was removed at the last minute, according to immigration advocates. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on the momentary win, and the challenges ahead in the case of Molis Augustave.
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Trump administration explains how it identified potential noncitizen voters, says it will provide list to Pennsylvania
The Trump administration is claiming that thousands of potential non-citizens are registered to vote in Pennsylvania. Votebeat’s Carter Walker reports on new revelations about how federal officials came up with that number.
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Advocates scramble to keep York pastor, Haitian immigrant in the country
Advocates and allies of a York pastor and Haitian immigrant are trying last-minute legal and political strategies to keep him in the country. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports Molis Augustave could be deported as soon as Thursday morning.
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Data center proposed for Swatara Twp. behind WITF
157 acres of land in Swatara Twp. behind WITF might soon be the home of a $10.5 billion data center campus. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, the developer is promising to pay for everything.
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Haitian pastor who lost federal protection under Trump detained in York, sent to Louisiana
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is praising local law enforcement agencies for helping the federal government detain and deport more immigrants. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on a pastor and father of two children recently stopped by a police department in York County.
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Flu season is approaching. Here’s what you need to know
Flu season typically peaks in the fall and winter, with activity often highest between December and February. WITF’s Katie Knol reports on what you need to know as flu season approaches.
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Preventable disease measles cases triple in Pa. since July
The Pennsylvania Department of Health provided an update on the ongoing measles outbreak Friday afternoon with 676 cases reported statewide. WITF's Haley O'Brien reports the disease is now in 37 counties.
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‘Everyone has a story.’ Remembering service, sacrifice 25th anniversary of 9-11
The memories of 9/11 are vivid for those who were there. But as the youngest generation exists without their own recollection of the attacks, ceremonies that honor the lives lost — and altered — now also serve to educate the next generation. WITF's Haley O'Brien shares stories from Pennsylvanians.
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‘Not sufficient to comply’: Pa. State Police share rules on skill games ahead of deadline
Pennsylvania State Police are telling businesses to get rid of skill game machines — or else. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports establishments need to act soon, or they may be subject to criminal prosecution.
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Lebanon to restrict e-bikes at parks, downtown
Lebanon City Council will soon vote on two ordinance to restrict e-bikes and similar vehicles. As WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, some worry they will lose their method of transportation.
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Pa.’s top election official challenges Trump administration claims, efforts to alter elections
Pennsylvania’s top election official says the federal government is trying to illegally change election rules. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports what voters need to know in the run-up to the midterms.
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Pa. professor on unions, wages and Trump
Unions forced the creation of the 8-hour workday, the 40-hour week, and the weekend, and brought health insurance and pensions into the workplace. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on where the labor movement stands today.
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Middlesex Township approves first phase of controversial PAX-1 data center project
Middlesex Township supervisors approved the first phase for the PAX-1 data center development in Cumberland County. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, the vote came after roughly three hours of public comment.
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Central Pa. animal shelters struggle with capacity as populations rise
Many animal shelters in Central Pennsylvania are at capacity. WITF’s Katie Knol reports they say overpopulation — particularly among cats — is making it harder to take in animals that need help.
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After deadly Nepal floods, Central Pa. Bhutanese and Nepali communities rally to help
The wide-scale flooding in Nepal and China left at least one thousand people dead and thousands more still missing. WITF’s Katie Knol reports the disaster is hitting close to home for Central Pennsylvania’s Bhutanese-Nepali community, which is mourning and raising money to help with recovery...
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Kipona is back: Here’s what to know about Harrisburg’s Labor Day festival
Harrisburg’s annual multicultural celebration along the Susquehanna River begins Saturday. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, officials are asking the public to cooperate in keeping the event safe.
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Disinterment of Native American student remains begins at Carlisle Barracks
The remains of 12 dead Native American and Alaska Native students buried at Carlisle Barracks are being disinterred and returned to their families. WITF’s Katie Knol reports they died at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, a boarding school meant to erase their identities.
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York dedicates street to MLK Jr.
On the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech, the York community celebrated a street dedication to honor and continue his legacy. As WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, the name change is honorary.
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Central Pa. food banks struggle to keep up with demand following SNAP changes
Central Pennsylvania’s food banks are seeing increased demand. WITF’s Katie Knol reports eligibility changes to SNAP are kicking people off the program and causing confusion.
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Harrisburg residents call for Front Street safety changes after pedestrian death
Loved ones and neighbors grieving the loss of a community member are asking Harrisburg officials for change after a woman was hit and killed while crossing a crosswalk in the city. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, many residents expressed frustration with the design of Front Street.
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2 Lancaster County residents die amid growing Pa. measles outbreak
Officials announced two people have died from measles in Lancaster County. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, Pennsylvania has not seen deaths from the highly contagious virus in 35 years.
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U.S. sailors honor veterans on namesake visit to Gettysburg
A group of U.S. Navy sailors stationed on the USS Gettysburg visited the borough in Adams County this week. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, they connected with and honored past military members.
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Skill games a lifeline for Pa. businesses, advocates say
Small businesses and nonprofits have come to rely on skill games, with each machine bringing in an estimated tens of thousands of dollars a year. But they will become illegal this fall if Pennsylvania doesn’t regulate the industry. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, advocates are rallying for a solution.
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1 killed, 2 state troopers injured in crash involving helicopter, small plane in Cumberland County
One person is dead and two Pennsylvania State Police officers are injured following a crash at an airport Wednesday in Cumberland County. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports on the violent collision between a state police helicopter and a small airplane.
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Shapiro imposes new restrictions on data center development in Pa.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Tuesday to impose stricter regulations on data center development, as WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports.
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Whitaker Center issues a ‘call to action’ amid funding challenges
Harrisburg’s Whitaker Center is facing financial headwinds. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports leadership says the science and arts center has 10 years of financial runway left, worst-case scenario.
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Pa. Coalition Against Domestic Violence beats Trump admin in federal court
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence was involved in a winning federal lawsuit against the Trump Administration. WITF’s Katie Knol reports the nonprofit says new guidelines would have made them choose between its funding and its mission.
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PennDOT seeks input for years-long Market St. Bridge rehab project
PennDOT is finalizing plans for a project that will improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists on one of Harrisburg’s oldest bridges. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, PennDOT is asking the public to provide feedback.
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Hershey area nonprofit offers dance lessons for new moms
A new Hershey area nonprofit is creating opportunities for new mothers to learn a skill, do something for themselves and connect with other moms. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, the initiative promotes the benefits of dance and removes barriers mothers face.
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Lancaster County officials urge Senate to pass data center moratorium legislation
State Sen. James Malone and Lancaster County officials are asking the Pennsylvania Senate to pass legislation that would allow municipalities to put a pause on data center development. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, they say the industry is growing too rapidly.
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Pa. Democrats kick off statewide tour tying Garrity to Trump
With election day less than three months away, both candidates for Pa. Governor are ramping up their campaigns with strong words about their opponent. WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports.
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Central Pa. to see partial solar eclipse Aug. 12. Here's what you need to know
Aug. 12, Central Pennsylvanians will be able to see a partial solar eclipse. WITF’s Katie Knol has the details on what you need to know.
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Downtown Harrisburg businesses say parking is major barrier for customers
Dauphin County Commissioners approved another year of free evening parking in Downtown Harrisburg from 5 to 7, but say they want feedback and data on whether it's helping businesses. WITF’s Katie Knol reports businesses say it is.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
WITF News Stories are produced by our journalists. Find and listen to their reporting -- on your time.
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