The Morning Agenda

The Historic Harrisburg Association has released its 2026 Preservation Priority List. And the Broad Street Market tops the list for a second consecutive year. Historic Harrisburg Association Highlights 2026 Preservation Priority List | The Spark One way Philadelphia is preparing for the nation’s 250th birthday is by training more people to portray famous figures on the streets of the Old City neighborhood. While Pennsylvania and the nation prep for America's 250th birthday, Berks County is preparing for its own milestone celebration, Berks 275. The nonprofit Susquehanna National Heritage Area is being awarded a $15,000 grant from America250PA's Lecture250 program. And we take a deep dive into how the indigenous Lenape people almost became the 14th state of the union. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

It took answering just one question for Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity to secure President Donald Trump’s coveted endorsement in this year’s governor's race. That’s according to an audio recording obtained by WITF of Garrity recounting the story at a Republican fundraiser. Our recent snowstorm is having a ripple effect on the area blood supply, among regional American Red Cross banks and centers. The organization declared a severe national emergency last month. Demand at health centers is currently outpacing supply. Health advocates and doctors are raising awareness about a program for seniors that helps people on Medicare pay for their prescription costs in monthly installments, instead of all at once. Research shows the program has seen scant enrollment since debuting last year. The Pennsylvania State Police is now accepting applications for its 20-26 Law and Leadership Academy. The program is free and open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

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

A new study quantifies how many people die in the Pittsburgh region as a result of air pollution. The study finds air pollution was responsible for between 11 and 12 and a half percent of all deaths in southwestern Pennsylvania in 2019. Meantime, Philadelphia has rolled out a new website dedicated to air quality. Scores of monitors across the city are keeping tabs on pollution in many neighborhoods.  The State Treasurer’s Office hit a record-breaking return of unclaimed property in 2025. Did you know that if every one of WITF’s sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member atwww.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!

The Trump administration is announcing it will rollback a Biden-era rule on power plant emissions of mercury, a neurotoxin that impairs cognitive development in young children. The rule mainly affects pollution from plants that burn coal.   Unionized Penn Graduate students have reached a tentative agreement with the university, narrowly averting a strike. The agreement comes after more than a year of negotiations.   Pennsylvania Hospital is considered the nation’s oldest hospital, opening in Philadelphia in 1751. Now, the hospital’s original site at the Pine Building will become a museum and mark the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.  An Amtrak employee was killed Monday morning after being struck by a train in Lancaster County.  Pennsylvania's rape crisis centers say Governor Josh Shapiro's budget - which maintains their funding at flat levels - will worsen staffing and service challenges.  If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.   

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is reporting a significant increase in revenue from all forms of gaming during January 2026. Central Pa.-area casinos helped contribute to the gains. Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson recently announced plans to build a new cell therapy manufacturing plant in the greater Philadelphia region. The state will contribute more than $41 million towards the project in tax credits and grants. More than a dozen Harrisburg residents are displaced after fire swept through six rowhomes early Sunday morning. A York County woman is dead after driving the wrong way on Route 283 in Lancaster County Saturday night. State and local officials say they're worried about the impact an ICE detention center could have upon Schuylkill and Berks counties' rural infrastructure, such as its water and sewer systems, as well as EMS departments. And a deep dive: Electric bills in Pennsylvania and elsewhere have been rising faster than the rate of inflation. In his recent budget address, Governor Josh Shapiro blamed the sudden increase on an organization called P-J-M. What is it, and how does it affect your bills? Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member atwww.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!

Lancaster County’s sheriff is facing public pressure to end his office’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a city widely known as America’s refugee capital, residents want ICE out.  State agriculture officials are trying to stem a spike in avian flu cases among Pennsylvania poultry flocks. State agriculture secretary Rusell Redding said the devastation is unprecedented. Crowds were buzzing at the President's House on Philadelphia's Independence Mall late last week, as National Park Service employees reinstalled an exhibit on slavery. The Pine Creek Rail Trail is named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year. The 62-mile trail through Lycoming and Tioga counties stretches from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro. Sunday marked one year since a shooting at York's UPMC Memorial Hospital that killed West York Police Officer Andrew Duarte. Following news of the Trump administration's planned ICE processing facility in Berks County, a meeting is in the works connecting local elected officials with Department of Homeland Security officials. Much of Pennsylvania is experiencing extremely dry or drought conditions, despite recent rain and snow. 83% of the state is classified as abnormally dry or within moderate to severe drought conditions. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Pennsylvania is working with the USDA to try and control the spread of Avian Flu across the Commonwealth's poultry industry. Many state employees’ conversations with artificial intelligence will likely remain shielded from public view — following a ruling this month from Pennsylvania’s open records agency. A new hospital is preparing to open in Northern York County. Meantime, a hospital in northern Pennsylvania, Bradford Regional Medical Center, will close its inpatient, emergency and long-term care services by mid-2026. The closures mark a continuing downward trend for Pennsylvania’s rural hospitals. A Juniata County hunter is being charged in connection with the shooting death of another hunter within his deer hunting party on December 2nd. As data centers are proposed and built across the state - and drawing backlash - new figures are emerging about their potential long-term costs. The Shapiro administration’s latest budget estimates show Pennsylvania could lose out on about $2 billion in revenue by mid-2031 due to a tax break that some lawmakers want to repeal. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member atwww.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!

Questions about data centers are growing as dozens of the facilities are proposed across Pennsylvania. These huge facilities could impact local water supplies in the region where they're built. If you’re watching the winter Olympics and getting an urge to dust off your skates or hiking boots for your own snowy adventure, you may want to take some precautions. Learn how to safely enjoy the great outdoors in the coldest months of the year. We're learning more about Monday's shooting death of a 15-year-old Franklin County boy. Police say the shooting happened over an attempted robbery of marijuana. An inmate at the Camp Hill prison died after being found unresponsive inside his cell Monday. There's a new development in the controversy focused on Governor Shapiro's use of taxpayer dollars to fund security upgrades at his personal residence in suburban Philadelphia. The Trump administration will appeal a federal judge’s order to restore a Philadelphia exhibit on slavery. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

About 1 in 5 Pennsylvanians dropped their Affordable Care Act health insurance due to the expiration of federal subsidies that covered monthly premium costs. Enrollees who purchase their insurance of the state's ACA Marketplace Pennie, have had to make difficult decisions. A federal judge is ordering an exhibit on slavery to be restored on Philadelphia's Independence Mall. The exhibit about nine people enslaved by George Washington is to be restored at his former home after President Donald Trump's administration took it down last month. Two teens are being charged in connection with the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Franklin County early Monday morning.  Three Central PA counties are among the 10 Pennsylvania counties with the highest percentages for underage drinking offenses file from 2020-2024. AND A DEEP DIVE: Pittsburgh International Airport is discharging high levels of so-called 'forever chemicals' into nearby streams, according to recently released data. The chemicals are concentrated around a firefighting training facility. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow and Thank you!

Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled his Housing Action Plan, a proposal aimed at lowering costs and building more homes across Pennsylvania.  ICE and Border Patrol agents raided a Montgomery County home last week, detaining Jose Manuel Cordova Lopez. His family is now calling for an independent investigation into what they say was a disproportionate and traumatic show of force.  A group of Blair County volunteers is asking for help to restore a nearby abandoned town. An area historian is leading the charge and wants to turn the now-wooded area into a historical attraction.  The outlook for Pennsylvania's rural hospitals is grim, in the face of decreasing federal dollars and budgetary challenges. An outbreak of avian influenza - or bird flu - is affecting 2.4 million birds in seven commercial poultry flocks in Lancaster County.  Nearly 2,000 acres of Pennsylvania farmland is being preserved, in the state's latest round of ag preservation efforts.  If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.   

Governor Josh Shapiro explains why he's not attending an upcoming White House gathering of governors. Governor Shapiro is also pushing back after President Trump said he wants the federal government to take control of elections nationwide. Shapiro says Pennsylvania is ready to handle the midterms the way it always has -- at the local level. Republicans in the U.S. House are pushing major election reforms as we approach the midterms. Pennsylvania Republicans passed a restrictive voting bill in the U.S. House, with Reps. Lloyd Smucker and Scott Perry supporting the bill, which now heads to the Senate. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie talks with Votebeat editor Nathaniel Rakich, who is following this story. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenowto help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

Governor Josh Shapiro and other Democratic governors say they're boycotting an annual bipartisan White House event next week. Hundreds of protesters called for the restoration of a slavery exhibit at the President’s House in Philadelphia as the city battles the Trump administration in federal court. Elected officials gathered to condemn immigration enforcement agents’ operations in the Greater Philadelphia region Wednesday – a day after federal ICE agents detained a man and reportedly broke down the door of a Montgomery County home. The State Department of Health is encouraging students in grades one through six to submit a poster or short video for their Student Lyme Disease Prevention Art Competition. We are headed into Valentine’s Day weekend – and maybe you’re looking for something fun to do. The Pennsylvania Tourism Office has launched an automated telephone hotline to recommend things to do in the Keystone State during the winter. The voices on the hotline even speak in Pennsylvania’s regional accents. And we take a deep dive with WITF Music: Meet Harrisburg singer/songwriter Olivia Elizabeth Basar. Harrisburg singer songwriter Olivia Elizabeth Basar | WITF Music In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Mammograms are typically used to scan for breast cancer, but researchers are now looking at using the imaging tests to identify early signs of cardiovascular disease in women. Gov. Josh Shapiro traveled to northeastern PA to thank first responders for their work last week during a fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City. The governor also highlighted investments, including a more than $30 million grant fund to support the state’s fire departments. Former Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has a new position, one month after stepping down as the city’s chief executive. The State Game Commission is adding some game for hunters as we enter the final weeks of pheasant season. Governor Shapiro and his neighbors are filing lawsuits against each other, over a property dispute at the governor's private residence in Montgomery County. The Hempfield School District is cutting ties with the Independence Law Center, a religious rights law firm. Six former players on the women’s basketball team at the University of Pittsburgh are suing their coach and the school over what they call toxic coaching methods. Did you know that if every one of WITF’s sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you!

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

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

During last week's budget address, Governor Josh Shapiro pushed for more housing construction, in part to make homes more affordable. In his budget address, Governor Shapiro also said the state’s electric utilities are making too much profit at the expense of ratepayers. The governor laid out a plan to tackle rising electricity rates. Officials in Chester County pledge to do better as they continue to navigate fallout from an poll book error last Election Day. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry reports a surge in labor law complaints in 2025. Pennsylvania agriculture secretary Russell Redding recently announced the state is awarding $2.2 million in grant funding to support 17 research projects. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!

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

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

Slavery exhibits removed from the President’s House site on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall are still intact and in storage at the Constitution Center. A federal judge confirmed that fact during a site visit Monday.   Almost three quarters of Americans rarely get together with others, even people they care about. That's according to the inaugural Social Connection in America report, issued by the Barnes Family Foundation, based in Bethlehem. https://omny.fm/shows/the-spark/scanning-prices-measuring-belonging-a-look-at-pa-consumers-and-communities As climate change forces wildlife to relocate, The Nature Conservancy is working to help species adapt. The organization just acquired 280 acres in Cambria County to serve as a critical rest stop for increasingly rare, migrating grassland birds. The Trump Administration has purchased a 520,000-square-foot Berks County warehouse for more than $87 million. The deed shows it was sold to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, as the administration continues to convert facilities across the country into immigration detention centers. More than 300,000 Haitians nationwide were expected to lose federal immigration protections yesterday (Feb. 3) - but a federal judge issued a 6-month extension. Those protections allow them to work in the U.S. and shield them from deportation. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed five cases of measles in Lancaster County. Officials say all five cases involve people who were not vaccinated. And a deep dive: Independent and third-party voters are the fastest-growing voting bloc in Pennsylvania. Yet these voters are currently barred from participating in the commonwealth’s primaries. Did you know that if every one of WITF’s sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!

Harrisburg is joining cities across the nation that are responding to recent events of violence and conflict. A Peace Pilgrimage is planned through the city this Wednesday, February 4th. We have a deep dive conversation with one of the organizers, Pastor Matthew Best of Harrisburg's Christ Lutheran Church. He explains how the public can participate, how he defines “peace,” and why event organizers deliberately did not include the state Capitol as a location. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to address housing costs, energy demand, and unfinished business from prior years, when he delivers his budget address Tuesday. Lancaster County's Conestoga River is named Pennsylvania's River of the Year. And tens of thousands of people gathered for Punxsutawney Phil's annual appearance Tuesday morning, dubbed Groundhog Day. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity says an Allegheny County party leader is her choice for a running mate. The city of Philadelphia is headed to court, demanding the National Park Service return its exhibit depicting the lives of enslaved persons under President George Washington. The exhibit was recently removed by federal employees, acting on a White House executive order calling for the removal of displays in U-S national parks that "disparage" the nation. Authorities in Lebanon County have released the identity of the man fatally shot by State Police early Wednesday while troopers were attempting to serve a warrant. A new Pennsylvania law designed to keep unregulated vapes out of the hands of kids may not actually work as planned. PennDOT is announcing more than 300 new parking spaces are now available for truckers across Pennsylvania. And a deep dive: Pittsburgh’s oldest print newspaper is set to shut down in just a few months. According to the Nieman Lab, that would make Pittsburgh the largest city in the country without a real daily newspaper. Did you know that if every one of WITF’s sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow, and thanks!

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

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

In the aftermath of this week’s winter storm, Gov. Josh Shapiro took time to say thank you to highway workers who were on the job since the first flakes began falling. State Attorney General Dave Sunday and the Bureau of Consumer Protection are warning scammers might take advantage of the recent winter storm and current cold weather. The snowstorm dumped anywhere from 9 to 15 inches of snow across Pennsylvania. This may come as a surprise today, but winter is still the fastest-warming season in the Philadelphia region. That doesn’t mean we can’t get serious cold snaps. An inmate at the state prison at Camp Hill has died. The state Department of Corrections has identified him as 46-year-old James Campbell, who was found unresponsive in his cell on Sunday. Outraged critics are accusing Donald Trump of “whitewashing history” after the National Park Service last week removed an exhibit on slavery at Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike McCarthy have reached a verbal agreement for McCarthy to become the club's next head coach. McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, it set to succeed Mike Tomlin, whose surprise departure created just the third job opening in Pittsburgh since 1969. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenowto help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

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

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette employees found out from the paper’s owners earlier this month that the publication plans to shut down at the start of May. Now, a dispute has broken out among members of the paper’s union and other staff members about what to do next. If all the ice and snow has you down – we may have the antidote: The 197th Philadelphia Flower show opens in about a month and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has a preview of what to expect. Despite cold, icy and snowy weather, this is the time of year that gardeners and farmers lay the groundwork – so to speak – for the next season’s crops. In Philadelphia, one nonprofit is creatively acquiring and repurposing vacant lots to do just that. As scientists learn more about the harms of PFAS chemicals and microplastics, researchers are trying to find new ways to remove them from drinking water. And a deep dive into the potential impact of data centers on the Susquehanna River: Andrew Dehoff, executive director of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission joins us for a conversation about how data centers typically use water, the alternatives, and whether the Susquehanna would be able to support water usage at data centers currently proposed for Central Pennsylvania. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

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

Pennsylvania lawmakers and consumer advocates are blaming new data centers for rising home energy prices. A new statewide program is designed to preserve and expand Pennsylvania's supply of affordable rental housing for residents at risk of homelessness. The State Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Month in January. The federal government is buying a former Schuylkill County distribution center with plans to turn the site into a processing facility for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering adding more than 1,100 acres of additional state game land across the state. Hersheypark is announcing upgrades and expansions to its attractions for 2026. Plans include a new hotel, a new restaurant, and new features at its water park known as The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick broke with his party last week when he led a discharge petition to extend healthcare subsidies for three years. A new online tool is set up, to connect Pennsylvania's SNAP recipients with volunteer opportunities. It's designed to help recipients meet the new federal work and reporting requirements to keep their benefits. Harrisburg is named number two in the nation for first-time homebuyer affordability, in a new study by Realtors.com. Last year, Harrisburg was in the top spot. A public forum on Cumberland County's data center development - originally slated for Tuesday (January 20th) is postponed because organizers are searching for a larger venue. The Cumberland County Planning Commission says overwhelming public interest was pushing the event to capacity at a Dickinson College auditorium. The expansion of broadband across Pennsylvania is on hold, as federal officials miss a self-imposed deadline to review the state's spending plan. That means hundreds of millions of dollars to help fund the expansion are also on hold. The enhanced tax subsidies that helped millions of Americans pay for their health insurance expired at the end of last year. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are dropping their health coverage and others are seeing their rates skyrocket. In uncertain times, our community counts on facts, not noise. Support the journalism and programming that keep you informed. Donate now atwww.witf.org/givenow. And thank you!

Pennsylvania Republicans want to change how the state runs Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Their effort comes as federal changes are already tightening the use of both programs statewide.  Democrats in the state House and Senate have successfully won more public school funding in the past few state budgets — against pushback from some Republicans. Democrats will fight that same battle this year.  During a recent visit to Northeastern PA, Governor Josh Shapiro addressed concerns about the growing number of data center proposals in Pennsylvania.   Before the Pennsylvania Farm Show officially wrapped up late last week, state officials designated 11 farms as bicentennial and centennial farms.  Nearly two dozen Philadelphia neighborhoods are installing new sculptures, as part of America250 PA's "Bells Across PA" project.  Governor Shapiro's pick for a Board of Pardons vacancy is being opposed by clemency advocates. Harrisburg City officials say a planned demolition will take place this week at the Broad Street Market's brick building damaged by fire in July of 2023.  If you already support WITF with an ongoing monthly contribution, thank you. If every member of WITF's Sustaining Circle increased their gift by as little as $12 a month, we could close the budget gap caused by cuts in federal funding and keep this programming going strong. Increase your monthly gift today at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. Thank you. 

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

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

As of this week there are eight counties in northwestern Pennsylvania without a hospital where a person can give birth. Warren County is the latest addition to the region’s expanding maternity care desert. Some public health experts worry the Trump administration's new vaccine guidelines could harm immunity from highly contagious diseases. An analysis of school vaccination data finds that vaccine rates were already declining. A new program being developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging would create community-based groups to address protective services cases for older adults. The pilot program includes several central PA counties. Police have charged an 11-year-old Perry County boy with homicide after they say he shot and killed a 42-year-old man that neighbors identify as his father. Dina Powell McCormick, the wife of U.S. Senator Dave McCormick is the new president and vice chairman of Meta, the parent company of Facebook. The Mike Tomlin era with the Pittsburgh Steelers is over. The longest tenured head coach in major American professional sports stepped down Tuesday after yet another quick playoff exit. Latvia is the first country that will have to make an injury replacement for the men's hockey tournament at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Forward Eriks Mateiko was sliced by an opponent's skate blade while playing in the American Hockey League with the Hershey Bears. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenowto help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

Republican gubernatorial candidate and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who hopes to unseat Josh Shapiro as Governor this year, has previously suggested Donald Trump won the 20-20 election. She revised those remarks on Monday. Meantime, Garrity says rural Pennsylvania should embrace the data center boom. Polling shows voters may not be so interested. Facebook's parent company Meta has announced it reached a deal to purchase nuclear power from the Beaver Valley power plant in western Pennsylvania and two others in Ohio. Penn State officials say two unique programs at closing Commonwealth campuses – including Mont Alto - will be moved to the Altoona campus. A Berks County township is spending thousands of dollars to apparently hide details of a proposed law from local residents. According to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA, a group of residents is also spending thousands of dollars trying to get Tulpehocken Township officials to disclose the proposed ordinance that could affect their farms. A York County Sheriff’s Office K9 has died, just weeks before his retirement. And a contest that celebrates the much maligned but enduring mullet hairstyle brought thousands of spectators to a stage at the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Monday. 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 Lancaster County man is accused of stealing human remains from 100 graves at Delaware County's Mount Moriah Cemetery. Jonathan Gerlach, a resident of Ephrata, is also being investigated in connection with November’s theft of two bodies from Good Shepherd Memorial Park in Luzerne County.   A new study from Penn State University finds a ‘hot-spot’ of melanoma cases in central Pennsylvania. The study found a pattern of skin cancer in counties with or near farmland. That hot spot spans 15 counties and includes Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union and York Counties.  Last week, WHYY’s Terry Gross appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to celebrate Fresh Air's 50th anniversary.  A 61-year-old Hanover man died at UPMC Pinnacle Hospital after a fire late Friday night according to the York County Coroner's Office.  We’re learning more about a chase that ended in a stand off and shooting Friday in Berks County that closed down Route 61 for nearly six hours.  The city of Harrisburg has been awarded a $750,000 grant under a program administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The funds will be used to make significant upgrades to the Capitol Area Greenbelt, a popular 26-acre outdoor recreation space.  If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you. 

Governor Josh Shapiro has officially launched his reelection campaign, telling supporters in Pittsburgh late last week that he will try to build on his earlier successes -- and defuse rampant partisanship. Democrats in Pennsylvania are hoping Governor Josh Shapiro’s bid for reelection this year will drive wins in other key races. Shapiro is embracing that call to arms. Pennsylvania officials say they are not in discussions to share private voter information with officials in Ohio. That's despite an announcement by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. The man who served as lead prosecutor in the Jerry Sandusky trial has died. The process of fracking a well brings up gas or oil from deep underground. But it also brings dirt and rocks that could be contaminated with radioactivity and other chemicals. In both Pennsylvania and Ohio, this waste is often sent to the same landfills as our household trash -- and a patchwork of state rules allows it to slip by regulators. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenowto help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is running for a second term. Shapiro made the official announcement Thursday at events in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Meantime, Republican State Senator Doug Mastriano has announced that he is not running for his party's nomination for governor this year. Pittsburgh is losing its biggest and oldest daily newspaper. The owner of the Post-Gazette announced it will shut down in May. The Public Utility Commission has scheduled a series of hearings in mid-January to gather public input on proposed rate increases by the Pennsylvania American Water Company for both its water and wastewater service. Cases of influenza are on the rise - regionally and nationally. Lancaster County has the fifth-highest rate of influenza cases in Pennsylvania, according to state health department data. Four special elections will be held across Pennsylvania to fill four vacated state lawmaker seats - including one in south central Pa. The food court at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show opens today (Friday) with free parking and hours from 12 noon through 9 p-m. A full slate of events kicks off Saturday at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. And a deeper dive: When you think of whiskey, places like Scotland, Ireland or even Tennessee or Kentucky may come to mind. But Pennsylvania has a rich whiskey tradition … particularly for rye whiskey. Now, whiskey lovers are trying to put Pennsylvania back on the map. 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!

In Harrisburg, Democratic state lawmakers held a ceremony this week, marking the five year anniversary of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump. A Pennsylvania lawmaker is pushing new legislation aimed at shoring up local journalism as news deserts expand across the state. Studies estimate that up to 90% of children in foster care have experienced trauma, and up to 80% deal with significant mental health issues. Pennsylvania's Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has set a new campaign finance record in the state with $30 million on hand. High-stake elections in 2026 will determine control of the Pennsylvania legislature. And if historic trends hold, this year's elections would favor Democrats. Filings in at least 13 Pennsylvania cases contained confirmed or implied use of artificial intelligence. Some of those cases were brought by pro se litigants - or people acting as their own attorneys. The use of A-I is raising questions from judges and legal scholars. Looking back at 2025, it was a big year for farmland preservation in Pennsylvania. The state Agriculture Department reports another 167 farms totaling more than 14,000 acres were designated for agricultural use only – just before the end of the year. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs and podcasts like the Morning Agenda. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

Democrats nationwide are rejecting President Donald Trump’s seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Governor Josh Shapiro is joining the criticism. Meantime, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania is commending Donald Trump’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The former president and CEO of the Sheetz convenience store chain has died at the age of 77. Former Major League outfielder Lenny Dykstra, who played for the Phillies from 1989 to 1996, has been arrested in northeastern PA on drug charges. Chambersburg Police are charging a Chambersburg Middle School student with attempted homicide and aggravated assault after the student attacked a fellow student with a knife Monday morning. Cumberland County authorities say an inmate was found dead in her cell at the Cumberland County Prison last Friday. Meantime, an inmate at the Lancaster County Prison also died Friday, after being taken to the hospital for difficulty breathing. Four people injured in an explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home two weeks ago are suing the facility and a natural gas utility. An Adams County fire chief was arrested after police say he defrauded more than $14,000 from two Maryland fire companies. 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 programming like the Morning Agenda going strong. Increase your monthly gift today at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow.  And thank you.

Jaime Arroyo became the 44th Mayor of Lancaster when he was sworn into office, Monday night. Arroyo, who was Vice President of City Council, won 84 percent of the vote in a 3-way race for mayor last September. During a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, Arroyo talked about the importance of representation as he was set to become the first Hispanic mayor in Lancaster history. You can hear Arroyo’s full interview at Jaime Arroyo Wins Historic Election as Lancaster’s First Latino Mayor, Shares Vision for the City | The Spark State lawmakers agree they’ll need to reestablish the twenty-four-hour window for local public agencies to change their meeting agendas – known as the Sunshine Law. According to at least one analysis, Pennsylvania has among the LEAST effective state legislatures in terms of how many bills it passes. Vehicle crashes over the holiday season nearly doubled from the previous year, according to Pennsylvania State Police data. York Fire Chief William Sleeger Jr. is retiring after 33 years of service. York College of Pennsylvania is offering a new lifelong learning program for older adults. The Hershey Bears held their 25th annual Giant Teddy Bear Toss, Sunday.  After all the teddy bears were counted, this year's total was 81,796. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow, and thanks!

Concrete production makes up about 8 percent of global carbon emissions each year. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are trying to develop more sustainable options. Residential solar tax credits expired at the end of 2025, but solar installers say there’s still an affordable way to do rooftop arrays. Women are now producing nearly half of the world’s food. That’s why – when the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show opens on Saturday, January 10th - one of the new components includes displays and opportunities to talk with Pennsylvania women involved in agriculture. It also ties into 2026’s “International Year of the Woman Farmer.” And for our final story today we’re going to explore a fun, even inspirational deep dive: The average American throws out almost 5 pounds of solid waste every day. But what if we could give our junk new life? One Philadelphia-area artist is doing just that. 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 in this new year, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you!

Just one month after Congress moved to strengthen legislation around the hemp industry, a recent White House executive order supports marijuana research. The Trump administration says the drug may be an underlooked treatment for chronic pain.  Healthcare experts say 2025’s Affordable Care Act open enrollment period was more confusing and stressful than usual.  An estimated 400,000 Pennsylvania seniors are expected to save money on common drugs for diabetes, heart disease and cancer this year. Lower prices for 10 medications covered by Medicare Part D plans are going into effect in 2026. Pennsylvania lawmakers approved a number of new laws in 2025. Some of those new laws are taking effect in January.  And a deeper dive: Political candidates are leaning on artificial intelligence to take increasingly pointed — and sometimes misleading — shots at their rivals. WITF’s Jaxon White reports as the technology gets more realistic, experts say voters will have to work harder than ever before to figure out what’s real.  Lancaster County Commissioners passed a 2026 budget, on Christmas Eve, that includes a 10% property tax increase.  York County Commissioners are disbursing more than $3 million to local organizations. The money is from the latest round of opioid settlement grants.  Throughout the holiday season, there have been several stories of goodwill here in central PA.  And the first federally funded electric vehicle charging station is now open along the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  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! 

A central Pennsylvania bio-lab is planning its largest expansion yet. Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories will build a new three-hundred-thousand-square-foot facility at its New Holland campus in Lancaster County.  Pennsylvania communities lost millions in expected federal funding this year after Congress passed a short-term spending bill that wiped out Community Project Funding grants for fiscal year 2025. The Lehigh Valley lost money planned for infrastructure and public safety initiatives, including an opioid task force.  A former speaker of the state House of Representatives will not seek reelection for his Lancaster County district in 20-26. Representative Bryan Cutler’s exit comes after a turbulent few years.  This holiday season, the Philadelphia Ballet, like many ballet companies across the country, is performing “The Nutcracker." One of the company’s principal dancers, Nicholas Patterson, made his solo debut earlier in December. It's a remarkable turnaround for a dancer who could barely walk a year ago, due to stage four cancer.  And this programming note: The Morning Agenda will be taking a holiday break for a week, from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day, returning with a new episode on Friday, January 2nd.  If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like the Morning Agenda. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. 

Aerial photographs, weather observation and even food delivery are a few of the uses for drones. What about getting emergency medical equipment to rural areas where it’s needed, quickly? There’s now a public-private partnership aiming to use drones to do just that in central Pennsylvania. The U-S Department of Justice says it won’t require names of minors who received gender-affirming care at hospitals operated by UPMC. Patients' identities are embedded into their medical files. The holiday travel season is expected to set records. AAA estimates more than 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between December 20th and January 1st. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is now serving in a leadership role among Eastern U-S attorneys general. More than 14-million dollars in grant funding is being awarded to community projects across Pennsylvania, by the state's Department of Community and Economic Development. The projects support communities in four areas: flood mitigation, recreational trails, improvements to sewage facilities and watersheds. More than 4.4 million dollars is being awarded to about 30 community projects in Dauphin County. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like the Morning Agenda. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. Thank you.

The US Environmental Protection Agency heard testimony in Pittsburgh last week regarding proposed changes to the Clean Water Act. The Trump administration has proposed limiting which waterways can receive federal protection. Pennsylvania is joining a lawsuit against Uber, accusing the rideshare app of deceptive and unfair practices related to its subscription service. A former Lancaster County police officer was sentenced to up to 57 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting three girls in the 1990s. Andrew Scott Selby received the sentencing from a Chester County judge after Lancaster County judges recused themselves to avoid a potential conflict since Selby is a former officer. Hundreds of rapes in the State College area went unreported in public police data for nearly a decade. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is co-leading a bipartisan coalition of 35 Attorneys General who want Meta to stop promoting misleading weight-loss advertising. Cumberland County officials have revealed and installed its America 250 bell, part of the statewide "Bells Across PA" initiative. A 14-year-old Schuylkill County girl will sing the national anthem to kick off the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. And a deeper dive: The Trump Administration plans to weaken the Endangered Species Act, and that could impact the fate of an ancient creature that lives in Pennsylvania-the eastern hellbender salamander. 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.

The Trump administration is pushing new nuclear energy projects to power the ongoing race to advance artificial intelligence. Dauphin County’s Three Mile Island is at the center of that goal. The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police is leaving Harrisburg for the national stage. Avian Influenza may be making a comeback among poultry flocks in Pennsylvania. About 400 snow geese likely died of the virus in Northampton County.    In Washington, four centrist Republicans have broken with their party's leadership over health care. Three of the four are from Pennsylvania. They signed onto a Democratic-led petition, forcing a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans. Dauphin County Commissioners approved a 2026 budget plan Wednesday. It includes a 9.75% property tax increase - the second major tax raise in two years. Pennsylvania is one of 35 states reaching a settlement with automakers Kia and Hyundai over faulty anti-theft systems. The Pennsylvania company that makes the marshmallow treats known as Peeps announces it's planning a Peeps Chick Drop on New Year's Eve. 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 programming like the Morning Agenda. Increase your monthly gift today at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

The White House is touting the strength of the nation’s economy; despite data showing Americans remain concerned about inflation and job security. Vice President JD Vance is the latest Trump administration official to tout a rosy economic outlook, during a rally in Pennsylvania. Harrisburg lawmakers are expected to send a bill to Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk that changes the way workers access unemployment benefits.        As Philadelphia prepares for the nation’s 250th birthday next year, a dozen artists are painting bell-shaped sculptures that represent Philly neighborhoods. Caregivers in Pennsylvania are celebrating a rare pay boost, but long-term funding issues linger. Dickinson College is the latest area college to announce a more affordable option for middle-class families. Littlestown, Adams County native Aubrey Nicole placed fourth in NBC's "The Voice." WITF, along with hundreds of Public Media organizations across the country, is facing a significant annual budget gap with the loss of federal funding. That means that WITF is now dependent on individual member support more than ever. Visit www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday says he’ll defend the state’s artificial intelligence laws in court — even if that means challenging Donald Trump’s administration. Sunday’s threat is a rare push back against Trump from the first-term Republican. Across Pennsylvania, our roadways, parking lots and driveways are already seeing tons of salt being spread to alleviate icy, snowy conditions. But there are environmental impacts. A brick wall collapsed Monday at Harrisburg's Broad Street Market. The wall was part of the brick market house damaged by a July 2023 fire. A dozen Starbucks employees were arrested while they were striking outside the company's largest distribution center located in York County, Monday. York County Commissioners are expected to vote Wednesday morning on a revised budget plan. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like the Morning Agenda. By increasing your monthly gift, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at  www.witf.org/givenow.

The recently passed Pennsylvania state budget includes more money for tuberculosis prevention efforts in the Commonwealth. Federal data show cases of TB steadily rising nationally after nearly three decades of decline. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is establishing a rural residency program in an effort to bolster the rural doctor workforce. Here’s how it works: Residents start at UPMC Williamsport before transferring to either UPMC Wellsboro or UPMC Cole in Coudersport. Both locations are in Pennsylvania’s northern tier known as the Pennsylvania Wilds region. In Cumberland County, an 80-year-old woman was found dead after a house fire early Sunday morning, according to the Cumberland County Coroner's Office. State officials discovered a month's worth of mail wasn't sent by a government-contracted mail house over the past month. The backlog of mail totals 3.4 million letters, including notices of SNAP eligibility and health benefit information, as well as driver’s license and vehicle registration renewal invitations from PennDOT. Pennsylvania lawmakers could end the year with the lowest number of new laws in at least a decade. That's due to split government, heightened partisanship, and the concentration of power in the hands of legislative leaders, according to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA. Sunday marked the beginning of Hanukkah. The city of Lancaster and the Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster hosted a menorah lighting in Penn Square. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow.