WITF News Stories

To help break down what every Pennsylvanian needs to know during the debate, WITF spoke with a panel of journalists following state politics, including WITF’s own Haley O’Brien, Spotlight PA’s Kate Huangpu, and the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Gillian McGoldrick. 

Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Treasurer Stacy Garrity went head-to-head on the debate stage Wednesday vying for Pennsylvania’s top job. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, they discussed data centers, measles and whether Shapiro will run for president in 2028. 

Some voting and immigrant rights activists worried about ICE agents showing up at polling places. Votebeat’s Carter Walker reports on their recommended voting strategy for anyone worried about being targeted by the federal government.

Advocates are asking sheriffs to pledge that they won't interfere in elections. Votebeat’s Carter Walker reports on one Pennsylvania sheriff who’s signing on.

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent visited Harrisburg [MONDAY] to promote new federal savings accounts for children. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, the Trump administration says the accounts will help families build wealth. 

Community organizations in York County told state lawmakers how they are helping people in hard times during a public policy hearing. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, they're calling for policy changes so they could do more to help. 

Want to buy a lawmaker a nice vacation, or a trip to the Super Bowl, or just a few dozen nice dinners around town?  You can, under Pennsylvania’s gift laws, among the most lax in the nation.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on the latest push to end what advocates and some lawmakers call corruption.

Lawmakers returned to the state capitol today with just 11 days in the legislative session and several pieces of legislation awaiting action. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, the Pennsylvania House and Senate is facing a long to-do list in a short amount of time. 

A York pastor is now in Haiti, separated from his U.S. citizen wife and children.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports the Department of Homeland Security deported Molis Augustave despite his robust legal, public and political support. 

Pennsylvania’s legislators are returning to Harrisburg next week with several major issues still on the table. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, advocates and lawmakers are hoping to see movement on a couple key pieces of legislation, including on skill games. 

State officials highlighted the programs available for veterans in a roundtable focused on veterans' suicide. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, officials say they're working to foster connection.

Fire departments around the country struggle to maintain a volunteer force that meets community needs. WITF’s Katie Knol reports some Central Pennsylvania departments are shifting to a combination of paid and volunteer workers.

A York pastor and father of two US citizen children was loaded on to a deportation flight to Haiti, but was removed at the last minute, according to immigration advocates.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on the momentary win, and the challenges ahead in the case of Molis Augustave.

The Trump administration is claiming that thousands of potential non-citizens are registered to vote in Pennsylvania. Votebeat’s Carter Walker reports on new revelations about how federal officials came up with that number.

Advocates and allies of a York pastor and Haitian immigrant are trying last-minute legal and political strategies to keep him in the country. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports Molis Augustave could be deported as soon as Thursday morning.

157 acres of land in Swatara Twp. behind WITF might soon be the home of a $10.5 billion data center campus. WITF’s Haley O'Brien reports, the developer is promising to pay for everything. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is praising local law enforcement agencies for helping the federal government detain and deport more immigrants.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on a pastor and father of two children recently stopped by a police department in York County. 

Flu season typically peaks in the fall and winter, with activity often highest between December and February. WITF’s Katie Knol reports on what you need to know as flu season approaches.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health provided an update on the ongoing measles outbreak Friday afternoon with 676 cases reported statewide. WITF's Haley O'Brien reports the disease is now in 37 counties.

The memories of 9/11 are vivid for those who were there.  But as the youngest generation exists without their own recollection of the attacks, ceremonies that honor the lives lost — and altered — now also serve to educate the next generation. WITF's Haley O'Brien shares stories from Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvania State Police are telling businesses to get rid of skill game machines — or else.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports establishments need to act soon, or they may be subject to criminal prosecution. 

Lebanon City Council will soon vote on two ordinance to restrict e-bikes and similar vehicles.  As WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, some worry they will lose their method of transportation. 

Pennsylvania’s top election official says the federal government is trying to illegally change election rules.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports what voters need to know in the run-up to the midterms. 

Unions forced the creation of the 8-hour workday, the 40-hour week, and the weekend, and brought health insurance and pensions into the workplace.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on where the labor movement stands today. 

Middlesex Township supervisors approved the first phase for the PAX-1 data center development in Cumberland County.  WITF’s Haley O’Brien reports, the vote came after roughly three hours of public comment.