The Morning Agenda

WITF
  • 5.0 (25)
  • Daily News
  • Updated Daily

Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, The Morning Agenda will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth. And every Friday, The Morning Agenda includes The Bright Spot, a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid the week’s news cycle.

  1. 9h ago

    PA Headlines | July 27 | New State Budget Includes Funding for Under-Resourced Schools

    Pennsylvania’s newly enacted state budget includes new funding for under-resourced public schools and requires weekly wellness checks for virtual students. It also mandates at least 30 minutes of daily recess for all elementary school students.  The American Academy of Pediatrics released guidance this spring emphasizing the importance of daily, unstructured recess for all kids. A recent poll finds an increasing amount of opposition to data center development in Pennsylvania. the issue might even play into upcoming elections  The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in March that it’s unconstitutional to sentence someone to life without parole for second-degree murder. The court gave state lawmakers until July 24th to come up with new sentencing guidelines. But they haven’t agreed on a path forward. Governor Josh Shapiro said he wants the state to set the law, otherwise counties will have to decide for themselves.  Pennsylvania is among the more than two dozen states suing the Trump administration for requiring them to comply with election and immigration conditions as a condition for receiving billions in federal disaster assistance. The lawsuit seeks to eliminate the requirement in order to receive funding awarded through the 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program.  Albright College in Reading is exploring whether to use tax-exempt bonds approved by Berks County Commissioners to refinance 42 million dollars in debt, purchase dorms, and maintain facilities.  State lawmakers have changed the rules for reporting lead in school drinking water. Schools in Pennsylvania are not required to test for lead as long as the topic is discussed at a public meeting. Previously, any lead detection had to be reported, but now only levels above five parts per billion need to be reported.  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. And thank you.

  2. 1d ago

    PA Headlines | July 27 | Arts Funding Boosted in New State Budget

    During the recent legislative session, House and Senate members failed to pass a statewide school cellphone ban in the recently enacted budget, but they are getting students off screens another way.  Among the items that are included in the budget is a boost in funding for the arts in Pennsylvania. The additional one million dollars is the first increase in arts funding in 16 years. Dickinson College in Carlisle is offering undergraduate students the opportunity to study the nuances of artificial intelligence.  On a recent edition of WITF's The Spark, John McCormick, founder of Dickinson's New Deep Network Understanding Lab, gave an example of the types of detail students will study via the hands-on experience. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is abandoning its plan to use two rural Pennsylvania warehouses to hold thousands of detainees.  Applications will soon be accepted for funding to help nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Pennsylvania strengthen security and prevent hate crimes. A total of ten million dollars is available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.  Pennsylvanians can now nominate their favorite trail for the 2027 trail of the year, but the deadline is quickly approaching. The commonwealth is home to more than 14-thousand miles of trails. To be considered, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by July 31st.  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. And thank you.

  3. 4d ago

    PA Headlines | July 24 | PA Ranks Last in 18-Year-Old Voter Registration Rates.

    State lawmakers are expected to miss today’s deadline to approve new sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder. While state Attorney General Dave Sunday hammered Democrats this week for delaying a vote, the state House returned to Harrisburg to deliberate. Prosecutors and top Republicans estimate more than a thousand convicted killers could seek release from prison if lawmakers fail to pass a new framework. But, the Attorney General says he took issue with the rhetoric that hundreds of them would get out of jail soon as a result. Pennsylvania ranks last in a new study of 18-year olds' voter registration rates.  State officials were in Centre County this week to highlight the inclusion of 10-million dollars in the new state budget for freeze disaster assistance for growers impacted by the late April freeze that severely damaged fruit crops across the state.   A principal in the Warwick School District in Lancaster County could be facing dismissal after she was accused of leaving facility dog Callie in her car last month, resulting in the dog's death. Bonfield Elementary School Principal Amy Balsbaugh has a hearing with the district scheduled for August 5 to decide her employment status. Pennsylvania’s recently enacted state budget includes a provision aimed at helping vulnerable households avoid the theft of their food benefits. The budget contains $7 million to transition the electronic debit cards for those enrolled in the SNAP Program, into cards with more secure chip technology.  And this week's Bright Spot: The Reading Science Center is receiving a 10-thousand dollar grant to boost a hands-on STEM program for girls. Sisters in STEM is a weekly program for girls in grades 4 through 6. The grant funding is being awarded by the Reading branch of the American Association of University Women Sisters in STEM activities include building electrical circuits, exploring chemical reactions, and engineering challenges. If you already support WITF with an ongoing monthly contribution, thank you. 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 this programming going strong. Increase your monthly gift today at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow.  And thanks!

  4. 5d ago

    PA Headlines | July 23 | Mid-Atlantic Electricity Demand Outpaces Supply

    Demand for electricity in the mid-Atlantic region is growing faster than supply, putting pressure on prices. the results of the most recent procedure used to ensure a reliable grid.  A system wide fare increase took effect this week for riders of RabbitTransit.  Executive Director Richard Farr says the changes affect Capitol region, Gettysburg, Shippensburg and Rork fixed route service, along with Rabbit Express, capital region commuter routes, stop hopper and shared ride services. Governor Josh Shapiro this week visited the YWCA for Carlisle and Cumberland County. the Governor highlighted nearly doubled state funding for rape crisis centers included in this year’s approved budget. Two men have been charged in connection with a $52 million COVID-19 tax credit fraud conspiracy. Christopher Slater, of California, was indicted by a grand jury in Harrisburg. PennDOT has announced the awarding of 1.1 million dollars to 16 schools and transportation providers in 19 counties. The funds will be used to enhance school bus safety, including the training of 430 new school bus drivers.  It’s been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

  5. 6d ago

    PA Headlines | July 22 | PA Department of Health Rolls Out Measles Tracking Dashboard

    In the wake of an ongoing measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, the state’s Department of Health has created a new online dashboard.  Postpartum hemorrhage, or excessive bleeding, is a common childbirth complication, but it can be deadly. Nurses at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new tool to help identify who is most at risk of this medical emergency.  The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education will soon begin covering part of eligible in-state students’ tuition. Beginning in the fall of 2027, the initiative will pay remaining costs for those getting both a federal Pell Grant and a PA State Grant.  When the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that a life term without parole for second-degree murder was unconstitutional, it set a July 24th deadline for legislators to revise the law. While lawmakers have voted on sentencing proposals in Harrisburg, no bill has found enough support to pass. 6 million dollars from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will go to the 49th Legislative District in Lancaster County. Thaddeus Stevens Foundation is set to receive 4 million dollars. It’s been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

  6. Jul 21

    PA Headlines | July 21 | Shapiro Leads Effort to Elect Democrats Up and Down Ballot

    A state lawmaker from northeastern PA announced her breast cancer diagnosis in June. Rep. Bridget Kosieroski spoke recently to share her hopeful health outlook, the importance of regular screenings and how she’ll turn her experience into legislative action in Harrisburg. Governor Josh Shapiro and other Pennsylvania democrats launched the "Rise Up Pennsylvania" initiative over the weekend.  it is expected to be the largest coordinated campaign effort for a midterm election in Pennsylvania's history. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently wrapped up Urban Agriculture Week with a  stop at Bay Street Garden in Lancaster. A grant of over 45,000 dollars is helping support innovative approaches to producing fresh food on the redeveloped urban site. State Senator James Malone, among those on hand to mark to celebrate Urban Ag Week, says gardening provides benefits beyond growing healthy food. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point in June, bringing it to 4.1 percent. Federal grants for counterterrorism and election security in Pennsylvania could be on hold until new election demands are met  Penn State is raising tuition rates for all students at University Park and some students at commonwealth campuses in the 2027-28 school year. It's part of the university's 11.1 billion dollar budget. Students who attend classes at the main University Park campus will see increases of 2.5 percent for in-state undergraduate students, 2 percent for in-state graduate students, and 4 percent for all out-of-state students. It’s been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

  7. Jul 20

    PA Headlines | July 20th | A deep dive into the Juniata, post-dam removals.

    Today we have a deep dive for you:  Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams are home to thousands of dams, more than any other state.  Pennsylvania also leads the nation in dam removals.  A branch of the Juniata River is changing, after two dams were removed last summer.  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 witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

  8. Jul 17

    PA Headlines | July 17 | One area school district is a case study in cell phone restrictions.

    The movement continues among state lawmakers to ban cell phones in schools. one central Pa. district says they have seen benefits from restrictive phone policies. Pennsylvania officials say the Trump administration could be holding up millions of dollars of Homeland Security grants until states comply with election demands.  Lawmakers are calling for tighter commercial driver's license laws in Pennsylvania. Their calls come in the wake of the July 1st crash that killed a state police trooper in Schuylkill County. A data center being built by Amazon in the greater Philadelphia area is sparking public outcry. The Public Utility Commission will hold public hearings on allegations related to operational and service-related issues within the Veolia water system.  The Trump administration replaced an exhibit on slavery at the site of President George Washington’s home in Philadelphia with a version that historians say whitewashes the nation’s history.  The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is partnering with Amtrak to provide passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia. The Harrisburg Fringe Festival began Thursday and stretches through the weekend. The fourth annual festival features more than 200 independent artists at nine venues across the city. And now it’s time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I’ll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.   Today’s bright spot is this: Two orphaned bear cubs are making central PA their new home. ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey took the pair of 5-month-old American black bear cubs in, after they were rescued by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. It’s been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

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5
out of 5
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About

Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, The Morning Agenda will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth. And every Friday, The Morning Agenda includes The Bright Spot, a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid the week’s news cycle.

Information

  • Creator
    WITF
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WITF
  • Show Website
    The Morning Agenda

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