WITF News Stories

State officials are looking to curb Pennsylvania's ongoing outbreak of bird flu — the worst it’s  seen in decades. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lancaster’s sheriff is facing public pressure to end his office’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports that in the city widely known as America’s refugee capital, residents want ICE out.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are pushing major election reforms before the midterms. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie talks with Votebeat editor Nathaniel Rakich who is following this story. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are pushing major election reforms before the midterms. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie spoke with Votebeat managing editor Nathaniel Rakich about the bill and why Republicans are trying to push this long-shot bill now.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harrisburg singer-songwriter Olivia Elizabeth Basar stopped by the studio to perform two songs and talk about the difficulty she had in just getting started. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state Republican Party is throwing its weight behind western Pennsylvania attorney Jason Richey in his bid for lieutenant governor. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity says she would cooperate with President Donald Trump’s administration in running Pennsylvania’s elections. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican Congressman Lloyd Smucker of Lancaster and York counties is suing Lancaster’s newspaper.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports Smucker is seeking $250,000 in damages. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Josh Shapiro is pitching lawmakers a fifty-three-point-three billion-dollar state budget. Increasing public school funding is the big-ticket item. But it’s not the only school policy he has in mind.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republicans in the state Senate say that Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal would threaten Pennsylvania’s financial future if enacted. Among their biggest concerns is pulling money out of the state’s emergency funds.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent and third-party voters are the fastest-growing voting bloc in Pennsylvania. These voters are barred from participating in the commonwealth’s primaries. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are once again urging state lawmakers to increase funding for technology and staff needed to answer 9-1-1 calls. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security is claiming a newfound authority to enter some immigrant’s homes without a warrant signed by a judge.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports Pennsylvania legal experts call the move unconstitutional. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania lawmakers and consumer advocates are blaming new data centers for rising home energy prices. WITF’s Jaxon White reports from a policy hearing in the state Capitol. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Democrats have successfully won more public school funding in the past few state budgets — against pushback from some Republicans. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity says rural Pennsylvania should embrace the data center boom. Polling shows voters may not be so interested.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats are hoping Governor Josh Shapiro’s bid for reelection this year will drive wins in other key races. WITF’s Jaxon White reports Shapiro is embracing that call to arms.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Republican gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano says he is NOT running for the party’s nomination this year. His announcement comes after he’s teased a potential run for months.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lancaster County man says Elon Musk owes him money for convincing voters to sign the billionaire’s voter petition ahead of the 20-24 election. The case could reach class action status with more than 100 people signed on. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats nationwide are rejecting President Donald Trump’s seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Governor Josh Shapiro is joining those criticisms.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State lawmakers agree that they’ll need to reestablish the twenty-four-hour window for local public agencies to change their meeting agendas.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Political candidates are leaning on artificial intelligence to take increasingly pointed — and sometimes misleading — shots at their rivals. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.