WITF News Stories

The Trump administration is pushing new nuclear energy projects to power the ongoing race to advance artificial intelligence. Three Mile Island is at the center of that goal.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 in Pennsylvania.  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 President Donald Trump’s administration. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of the country’s highest-profile voices against political violence are sharing what can be done to reverse the rising tide of attacks.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Spencer Cox of Utah spoke Tuesday night about embracing politics across differences. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

Lawmakers 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.  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.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports some registration groups parachute in during presidential election years and cause headaches for elections offices and voters alike. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An interview with Lancaster progressive band Samaritan Snare. 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.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on one Chicago priest’s protest strategy — walking from Pope Leo’s childhood home in Illinois and through Pennsylvania on his way to Ellis Island in New York. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...

Protesters want Pennsylvania legislators to vote to bar themselves from receiving unlimited gifts or campaign contributions. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on how protesters blocked off sections of the state legislature on Monday to call attention to some of the most lax legislative ethics laws in the country. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

Mechanicsburg residents, local officials and religious leaders are proclaiming values of inclusion and diversity after a hate group distributed fliers earlier this month.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on how the central Pennsylvania town rallied Wednesday to stand up against an attempt at racist intimidation.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

An interview with Central Pennsylvania hockey-themed band Light the Lamp. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Tyson is best known for his career as a legendary heavyweight boxer. But he’s also making a name for himself in the pot industry. "Iron Mike" is lobbying for recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania officials are scrambling to address an expected rise in food insecurity. That’s because President Donald Trump’s administration paused the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in November. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The clock is ticking for Congress to extend health care subsidies before open enrollment begins on Nov. 1. The head of Pa.’s health insurance marketplace is sounding the alarm.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer advocates are sounding the alarm over data centers spiking energy costs in Pennsylvania. Residents are already paying the price.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania is approaching four months without having a spending plan. And Senate Republicans are doubling down on their effort to fund the state at last year’s levels.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State senators are working toward banning students from using cell phones during the school day. Support for such a ban is building in the Capitol. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. Josh Shapiro says congressional Democrats are right to withhold their votes for any budget deal that doesn’t extend Obamacare subsidies slated to expire this year.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly two million Pennsylvanians won’t receive their November food assistance benefits, as the federal budget standoff continues in Washington. The U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered states to halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments until Congress enacts a spending plan. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvanians are in a unique position. They lack both a state and federal budget as Republican and Democratic lawmakers have reached gridlock in negotiations. Unions representing government workers are raising concerns over staffing.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania is now 100 days without a state budget, yet lawmakers appear no closer to reaching a deal. Frustrations are mounting in the Capitol. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

L-G-B-T centers across Pennsylvania are struggling to keep their doors open as federal funding dries up and donors cut support.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports the national trend is being felt in Harrisburg, where the local L-G-B-T center opened its permanent location just last year. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is rolling out a new effort aimed at helping people with mental illness avoid jail time — if they commit low-level crimes. WITF’s Jaxon White reports the program builds off of the state’s Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, or LETI — originally created to address substance abuse. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/lis...

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is stepping onto the international stage.  WITF’s Jaxon White reports a partnership among eight U.S. governors and two premiers of Canadian provinces last weekend elected Shapiro to be its leader for a two-year term. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Critical service providers are still not receiving funding from the state, as lawmakers and Governor Josh Shapiro enter their fourth month without a state budget.  WITF’s Jaxon White reports these organizations warn that layoffs, service cuts and even closures are looming over their work.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.