WITF News Stories

Republican Attorney General Dave Sunday is planning a new statewide program to promote treatment for people with mental illness who commit minor crimes. WITF’s Jaxon White reports the initiative would give people a chance to seek help through law enforcement — without fear of arrest or prosecution. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Next year’s midterm races in Pennsylvania will play a key role in the fight over the U.S. House majority next year.  WITF’s Jaxon White reports Republicans and Democrats are laying the groundwork to reach rural voters. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity is running for governor in 2026.  WITF’s Jaxon White has more on her announcement. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In-home care agencies say the leading state budget proposal doesn’t go far enough to fix Pennsylvania’s growing staffing crisis. WITF’s Jaxon White reports agencies argue Pennsylvania’s low rates are forcing caregivers out of the workforce, leaving more than 100,000 shifts unfilled each month. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Josh Shapiro is directing state resources to crisis care for lesbian, gay and transgender people as the federal government discontinues part of its national suicide pervention hotline.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services is training operators at mental health crisis call centers to serve the L-G-B-T-Q-plus community. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org...

Lawmakers continue to say they’re progressing on reaching a state budget deal.  WITF’s Jaxon White reports their actions say otherwise. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaders of a religious movement called Messianic Judaism attract followers from around the country each summer to Messiah University in Cumberland County.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports, the movement’s views — which include Zionist policies and deeply conservative social values — give insights into religious justification for policies in President Donald Trump’s administration. Support WITF: https:...

Mass transit funding, Medicaid payments, and taxing games of skill are among the many issues holding up state budget negotiations this year. WITF’s Jaxon White reports Senate Republicans want to pass a temporary spending plan. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freshwater managers are warning the millions of gallons of water data centers use every day could stress public water supplies. WITF’s Jaxon White reports the new facilities are being built around Pennsylvania to power the growth of artificial intelligence. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House Democrats are looking to meet the service cut deadline set by Philadelphia’s main public transportation agency. WITF’s Jaxon White reports the House has passed several funding bills this year that the Senate hasn’t considered. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Partisan pushes to redraw Congressional districts in favor of political parties have rocked state Capitols nationwide.  WITF’s Jaxon White reports Pennsylvania has largely dodged the controversy. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro says legislation that would prevent transgender girls and women from playing on publicly funded sports teams is backed by extremist politicians. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports the governor avoided saying he would veto the bill. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central PA band MDNGHT DSCO talks about their style and marketing their music. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1979, Three Mile Island was the site of what is often called the worst nuclear power accident on U.S. soil. Jaxon White, of LNP | LancasterOnline, reports that the restarting of the Island’s nuclear reactor is ahead of schedule. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coyotes, foxes and crows are already fair game for Pennsylvania hunters on Sundays. Jaxon White from LNP | LancasterOnline reports that hunters may soon be allowed to chase deer, turkey and bear on all in-season Sundays. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.