The Morning Agenda

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.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New recommendations from a CDC advisory committee to give the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine to infants no earlier than 2 months old is upending standard medical practices. Pediatricians here in Pennsylvania say this could undo decades of progress in preventing the disease in young kids. Many healthcare providers are now using generative AI tools to take notes during visits. Health systems say it is saving doctors a lot of time and allowing them to focus more on their patients. A former Lebanon doctor was sentenced to a minimum of 8 months in prison for sexually assaulting pediatric patients between 1999 and 2001. Ryan Crosswell, a former federal prosecutor, is running for one of Pennsylvania's seats in Congress. A judge in Philadelphia’s federal appeals court is facing an ethics complaint after attending the president’s rally in the Poconos last week. A Lancaster County teacher is named the 2026 National Language Teacher of the Year. 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 member at www.witf.org/givenow.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration has announced plans to roll back fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks – citing affordability. It’s the latest move toward dismantling former President Biden’s climate initiatives. Public health advocates say the rules have helped clean up Philly’s air quality. Federal authorities arrested an Uzbek terror suspect with a Pennsylvania-issued driver’s license several weeks ago. State senators convened in Harrisburg this week to investigate how he obtained it. Faculty members at Penn State hoping to unionize across the university say they’ve filed the paperwork needed for a vote that could happen next year. “Revolutionary Things: Objects from the Collection,” is a new exhibit opening today (Friday) at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. The exhibit – in celebration of America250 - aims to illustrate the commonwealth’s unique place in the story of America’s Independence. And if you’re still searching for that perfect Christmas tree, there should still be plenty to choose from in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania's Attorney General has reached a $1.5 million settlement with discount retailer Dollar General after an investigation uncovered multiple instances of price gouging. According to AG Dave Sunday, between 2019 and 2023, his office found that in more than 40 percent of products, the price at the cash register was more than the price listed on the item. An eviction diversion program in Reading is winding down. The program offered tenants hands-on legal help and rental money. In Lebanon County, more than 60-thousand wreaths will be placed on veterans' graves at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery this weekend. A ceremony and wreath laying begins this Saturday (Dec 13) at noon. As we approach the end of the year, we want to say thank you for your listenership and support. 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 becoming a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. Thank you!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Josh Shapiro called on all political leaders to condemn all political violence, during a discussion on political violence Tuesday night in Washington, D.C. The event took place at the National cathedral and was moderated by Savannah Guthrie, co- anchor of NBC's Today Show. State lawmakers' meantime are digging into Gov. Josh Shapiro's use of the state plane, and the one million dollars in security upgrades at his private residence following the attempt on his life this year. A panel of Republicans is subpoenaing records from the flight charter company, state police and Shapiro's hometown. President Trump traveled to the Poconos Tuesday night, giving a speech at a Mount Pocono casino and resort. Our colleagues at WVIA have us covered with reporting from protesters lining the President's route, coverage of the President's speech, and reaction from attendees. As Pennsylvania officials continue spending millions of dollars in settlement money to fight the opioid epidemic, opportunities for the public to follow the funds and publicly weigh in increased over the past year. But significant limits exist on both transparency and public participation - to the frustration of some families and others directly affected by the crisis.  Voting is now open for Pennsylvania's 2026 River of the Year. Lancaster County's Conestoga River is one of three waterways up for the recognition. 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 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. Visit www.witf.org/givenow and thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing and medication assistance are at risk for dozens of people living with HIV in southcentral Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration ordered a mid-year 25% budget cut to the state’s regional HIV service providers. Mehmet Oz, the former TV personality and US Senate candidate from Pennsylvania, is now Administrator of the federal program which oversees Medicare and Medicaid. Last Friday, Dr. Oz joined U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan in Scranton to discuss health care, and the Rural Health Transformation Fund, a recently enacted provision that will provide $50 billion to states over five years. A new specialty type of spa - head spas - are gaining a strong following among beauty influencers and wellness buffs who want to focus on scalp and hair health. Matt Campbell has officially been introduced as the 17th head football coach at Penn State. And The State Museum of Pennsylvania has a variety of festive-themed events coming up ...including an America 250 exhibit. If you want a deep dive on the new exhibit, check out The Sparks episode on it below. https://omny.fm/shows/the-spark/holiday-magic-honor-roll-highlights-america-250-a-celebration-across-pennsylvania A new film reveals the faults in Pennsylvania’s system to protect older adults from abuse and neglect. And West York Borough is seeking artwork for its memorial gallery honoring fallen Police Officer Andrew Duarte. 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.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania election officials are calling for reform to voter registration drives. Some advocacy groups parachute in during presidential election years and cause headaches for elections offices and voters alike. The Chester County Board of Elections voted Friday to certify the results of the 2025 General Election. the vote comes amid an investigation into how third-party voters were left out of poll books. Republican Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe was the lone vote against certifying those results. US Steel has agreed to pay a $135,000 fine in a settlement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for pollution in the Monongahela River in western PA. Eligible Pennsylvanians can now begin applying for help paying their heating bills or buying fuel oil for the winter. the state had delayed the program because the federal government shutdown held up funds. the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is gathering public input on a proposed rate change from PPL Electric Utilities. York County Commissioners are proposing a 293-million-dollar budget for 2026. It includes a 14% property tax increase. The Pennsylvania town of Bethlehem is often in the spotlight through the holiday season due to its nickname as "the Christmas city." That's because it was founded and named by the Moravians almost 300 years ago in 1741. Public media's federal funding has been revoked. Your support is now more vital than ever. Help power the independent journalism and trusted programming you find on WITF by making a gift of support now at www.witf.org/givenow.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midstate Congressman Lloyd Smucker is emerging as an early favorite to be elected the next leader of the influential House Budget Committee. Without fanfare, Pennsylvania has decided to limit access to popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic for residents covered by the state's Medicaid plans. A federal judge in Boston has ordered the government to restore Medicaid funding to health care centers that also provide reproductive health care for women, including abortions. President Trump plans to visit Pennsylvania this week to highlight his effort to reduce inflation. Newly introduced legislation would require specialized teams to examine why older Pennsylvanians die during open abuse and neglect investigations. Legislation approved by the state House recognizes the link between good nutrition and recovery from serious diseases. And a deeper dive: This year, President Trump pushed through new subsidies for coal mining in his effort to boost coal and steel production in the US. But as the case of one proposed mine in Pennsylvania shows, people who live near them aren't always on board. 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.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November's election brought many shifts, with a number of Democratic candidates winning election over Republican candidates across the country. One of those candidates here in Central PA is La Tasha Williams. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chesapeake Bay officials have elected Gov. Josh Shapiro to lead a regional agreement to help clean and restore the waterway which gets its largest source of freshwater from Pennsylvania. The first-term Democrat will take the reins of the Chesapeake Executive Council at a tumultuous time for the forty-year-old partnership. A growing number of people are struggling to pay utility bills as the price of electricity soars. Many Pennsylvania residents cannot be disconnected, starting this month. A bill requiring Philadelphia establishments to charge customers 10 cents for paper bags recently became law. The Trump administration has reversed course again on a new air pollution rule for coke oven plants. The White House is now granting two-year waivers on the rule, which affects U.S. Steel. A 26-year-old hunter was shot Tuesday morning, rescued from a remote area of Juniata County and taken to an area hospital, where he died of his injuries. The Pennsylvania Game Commission says the man was part of a hunting party of 24 people. A progressive group is targeting two Senate Democrats and an independent senator who voted to confirm some of President Donald Trump's judicial nominees. The group "Demand Justice" has launched a weeklong advertising campaign against Democrats John Fetterman and Maggie Hassan and independent Angus King. As pharmacy closures continue across Pennsylvania, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is questioning how the Shapiro administration is following through on the promises of a 2024 law created to support pharmacies. And some news that affects WITF, our sister newsroom of two years at LNP Lancaster Online, and Pennon - our parent organization. Pennon will be gifting LNP Lancaster Online to a newly formed nonprofit, Always Lancaster, to be led by award-winning journalist David Greene. 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/increaseSupport WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Pennsylvania on Tuesday got its first taste of winter weather, with between three and five inches of snow. Heavier totals were reported to the north and east of the Harrisburg area.  Schools were closed or delayed in many communities with PennDOT crews pressed into service for snow removal. Michael Mullins of northeastern PA died from ALS in 2022.  His son, state Rep. Kyle Mullins was motivated by the loss to fight for funding for neurodegenerative disease research. Mullins has helped secure 5 million dollars in the state budget to study diseases like ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Educators in the region and all over the country are facing a growing challenge-figuring out when a student actually did the work or outsourced it to Artificial Intelligence. According to a local researcher, teachers should be careful before making an accusation.  US Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania will have his work cut out for him if he decides to seek a second term in 2026. A poll commissioned by RealClear Pennsylvania shows Fetterman with a 31 percent approval rating among registered Democrats, compared to 57 percent from Republicans and 30 percent from independents. After decades of talk and planning, groundbreaking has finally taken place on a major redevelopment project in the city of Pittsburgh. The Esplanade is a 740-million-dollar project to transform 15 acres of brownfields on the city’s north side on the banks of the Ohio River.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time is running out to take advantage of a tax credit for home improvements that help you use less energy. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit partially reimburses homeowners when they get an energy audit, weatherize their home, install new windows or buy a heat pump. Four western Pennsylvania school districts, including, have asked the courts to halt tuition payments to the state's largest cyber charter operator. The recently enacted state budget does not include changes to the way skill games are regulated, but that may not be the end of the story A state House committee has approved a proposal designed to standardize and expand programs that provide juveniles alternatives to the criminal justice system after they’re arrested Motorists traveling along US Route 222 in Lancaster County are advised to expect delays. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced that dog licenses for 2026 are now available for purchase. Under state law, dogs must be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at three months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. The youngest age at which a dog can be purchased or adopted in Pennsylvania is eight weeksSupport WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local government groups across Pennsylvania are celebrating a state Supreme Court ruling that makes it easier for agencies to change their meeting agendas on the fly. Some transparency advocates however are sounding the alarm.  Governor Josh Shapiro has joined 20 other states in another lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The latest fight centers on anti-homelessness funding.  Discriminating against someone based on their hair texture and style will soon be illegal in Pennsylvania. Gov. Shapiro says the CROWN Act sends a message that Pennsylvanians deserve to be judged on their character and qualifications — not their appearance.  Recently unsealed autopsy and toxicology reports show that the 2003 death of a federal prosecutor in Lancaster County was a homicide. Records obtained by our partners at LNP Lancaster Online show that 38-year old Jonathan Luna, an assistant U-S attorney in Baltimore, died from freshwater drowning and multiple stab wounds to the neck.  Cumberland County Commissioners have given preliminary approval to a $290 million budget for 2026.  PennDOT is proposing using part of a nature preserve as part of its on-going efforts to upgrade Route 30.  A volunteer fire company in York County is closing at the end of the year.  Three 10-foot Fraser fir trees from a Schuylkill County Christmas tree farm are gracing the official residence of Vice President JD Vance this holiday season.  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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Monday that local officials do not need to give 24-hour notice to make changes to public agendas. Dwight Evans has been a fixture in Pennsylvania's politics for decades. Evans announced earlier this year he'll be retiring at the end of his term - and there's no shortage of contenders for his Congressional seat - 10 at last count, including a former climate advisor to the Biden administration. A Lancaster County judge signed an order Monday unsealing autopsy records in the 2003 death of a federal prosecutor whose body was found in a Brecknock Township creek. The move comes after a years-long effort by our sister newsroom, LNP LancasterOnline, to find out more about Jonathan Luna’s mysterious death. A food manufacturer is moving from Lancaster to Harrisburg. The nation’s leading couscous manufacturer, US Durum Products, is relocating and expanding operations at a site along South 17th Street. The $50.1 billion state budget includes increased funding for the Pennsylvania State Police One area hospital is celebrating a rare baby boom - four sets of twins born within the span of one week.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A township in suburban Philadelphia voted to ban gas-powered leaf blowers by 2029, becoming the first township in Pennsylvania to ban the noisy devices. While most of us are focused on the Thanksgiving holiday being observed this week, there's a group of Philadelphia musicians preparing for New Year's Day. The Mummers will head down Broad Street for the 125th time in just a few weeks. The director of the Penn State Cancer Institute resigned last Friday following an investigation by our partners at Spotlight PA focusing on his care of patients and leadership of the center. A Republican-led Senate committee is moving to subpoena the Shapiro administration for records of taxpayer-funded security upgrades underway at Governor Josh Shapiro's personal home near Philadelphia. PennDOT is reminding Pennsylvanians of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of appointing a designated driver this holiday season. Nearly 3-point-4 million drivers will be using the Pennsylvania Turnpike this week for their Thanksgiving travels.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hanover Foods has agreed to pay $1.1 million in fines - and improve its wastewater treatment - to resolve a federal lawsuit filed by the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. The U.S. Department of Energy says it's loaning $1 billion to help finance the restart of the nuclear power plant on Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island. And today we have two deep dives into Pennsylvania’s water quality: Turning to Western Pennsylvania - while air pollution in the Mon Valley has been the focus of environmental concerns and lawsuits for many years, some groups are also looking at water quality. Microplastics have been found in humans’ bodies, at the bottom of the ocean and in the Arctic. They’re an emerging concern for scientists — and for a group of active seniors working to safeguard Philadelphia’s environment.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catholic leaders are speaking out against immigration enforcement in President Donald Trump’s second term. One Chicago priest’s protest strategy? Walking from Pope Leo’s childhood home in Illinois, through Pennsylvania, on his way to Ellis Island in New York. A resolution approved by the state House designates this week as "Pennsylvania Education for Youth Experiencing Homelessness Week." State Rep. Ismail Smith Wade-El of Lancaster County is a co-sponsor of the resolution. Also in Harrisburg, state lawmakers are investing in childcare. This year’s state budget includes a $25 million fund for childcare workers. There's positive news in Pennsylvania's latest education assessments. The scores show improvements in math proficiency and graduation rates. A new White House initiative is aimed at reshaping how young people transition out of foster care. Pennsylvania experts share their reactions. A new study finds higher rates of skin cancer across central Pennsylvania's "farm belt"  including Dauphin, Cumberland and York counties. Internal probes uncovered errors in chemo treatment and toxic leadership by Penn State's cancer chief. That's according to reporting - bringing those probes to light - by our partners at Spotlight PA. Pennsylvania and its county and local governments are on track to spend nearly all of the $13 billion received in federal pandemic relief funding by the end of 2026.    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.