The Morning Agenda

WITF
  • 5.0 (27)
  • 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. 2d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 23 | The number one issue on voters’ minds this fall.

    A new Franklin and Marshall College poll finds Pennsylvania voters are pessimistic about the economy. Those economic concerns could have political consequences... Over one million Pennsylvanians have requested mail-in ballots, and more than half have already returned theirs. And now a deeper election dive: Republican Congressman Dan Meuser is running for a fifth term in Pennsylvania’s deep red ninth district – and he’s been heavily favored to win. But his Democratic challenger Rachel Wallace outfundraised him last quarter [] and reported about three times as much cash on hand in the latest campaign finance filings. Their only debate earlier this week was contentious, as they sparred over foreign policy, immigration, healthcare and more. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, a hyperscale data center project was denied a permit this week. In Lackawanna County, Archbald Borough Council denied zoning for the project known as the Wildcat. Community members who attended the council meeting earlier this week erupted into applause and cheers after the rejection. Pennsylvania's measles cases continue to grow. There are now more than 1,300 measles cases confirmed across 43 counties, according to the latest data released by state health officials on Wednesday. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has joined the Federal Trade Comission and a coalition of states opposing a proposed acquisition involving two major playground equipment manufacturers. 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:  It’s one week until Halloween, and state agriculture officials are hosting a pumpkin decorating contest. It’s been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked.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.

  2. 3d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 22 | WITF News investigates a misleading Scott Perry ad attacking his rival.

    Republican Congressman Scott Perry released a new ad misleadingly accusing his opponent of public nudity. The new attack comes as polls show Democratic candidate for the 10th congressional District seat, Janelle Stelson, has a slight edge. Fatal fentanyl overdoses began dropping in 2023 during President Joe Biden’s administration and have continued to drop. U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick gathered state, local and federal officials together including U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche in Wilkes-Barre earlier this week, to discuss the slow in fentanyl-related deaths. The State Board of Higher Education is preparing for a leadership transition in 2027.  Teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers, especially in rural Pennsylvania. That’s according to a report from a team of researchers at The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Lawmakers in the state House are advancing bills limiting student cellphone use, as well as Flock-like cameras, and regulating electric scooters. The support for a cellphone ban spans party differences and has the support of Governor Josh Shapiro. The city of Reading may need to pull about 24-million dollars from its reserves over two years to balance its budget. The plan is raising worries that the city could once again become financially distressed.   The NFL is staunchly defending the Philadelphia Eagles' handling of quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blood clots on Tuesday, while hours later the players' union called for an investigation of the situation. 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.

  3. 4d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 21 | Why state lawmakers want to regulate AI.

    Pennsylvania lawmakers are introducing bills to regulate artificial intelligence. Legislators say state guidelines are necessary because the federal government has not established standards.  Meantime, the state has unveiled its first-ever 10-year strategic plan for agriculture. Access to healthcare, as well as healthcare costs, are at the forefront of many voters’ minds ahead of the midterm elections in November. And one group of providers says they could be the solution: nurse practitioners. The Pennsylvania State Police launch a statewide initiative called the Blue Envelope program.  Election Day is now less than 2 weeks away. Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson had nearly $1 million more than Republican Congressman Scott Perry at the end of September. That's according to third-quarter campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. The NFL hopes to bring a “mini-Super Bowl” vibe to Paris this week for its first regular-season game in France, even as authorities consider imposing curfews following civil unrest. The security situation has partially overshadowed the buildup to Sunday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. And a deeper dive:  Earlier this year, WITF lost a beloved colleague. Mitch Mathias began his career at WITF in 2006 as a video editor and worked his way up to become the company's Creative Director. Mitch passed away in June. In this feature, many of our colleagues share memories of his work, his love for his son, Ben, and the lasting impact he had on those who knew him. 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.

  4. 5d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 20 | Stemming the spread: Visit a pop-up measles clinic in Lancaster Co.

    Pennsylvania health officials are racing to increase vaccination rates for measles as the state continues to face a large ongoing outbreak of cases. More than 1,200 people have been infected so far this year. Today, we visit a pop-up measles vaccination clinic in Lancaster County, the epicenter of this latest outbreak. Pennsylvania's first College and University Flu Challenge is underway. It's an initiative by Governor Josh Shapiro's administration aimed at encouraging students to get vaccinated against the flu. Volunteer fire companies are invited to apply for funding under a new state initiative making up to $950,000 dollars available. Pennsylvania has 27,000 documented abandoned oil and gas wells, but the actual number is much higher. These wells can pollute the air and water, and plugging them can be time-consuming and expensive. But some young citizen scientists -  high school students - are stepping in to help.  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.

  5. 6d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 19 | Is vote-by-mail confusion impacting Pennsylvania voters?

    Fewer Democrats are planning to vote by mail in this midterm compared to 2022. Republican state lawmakers are looking to pass legislation limiting the ability of judges to offer non-monetary bail to defendants. Penn State is ending the use of Flock security cameras on campus. Senator Dave McCormick visited Temple University to make the case for cutting “red tape." The senator argues excessive regulations drive up prices for consumers. Pennsylvania's unemployment rate reached 3.6% in September. Pennsylvania has reported 1,260 measles cases across 43 counties. 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 thank you.

  6. Oct 16

    PA Headlines | Oct. 16 | A new program addresses nursing shortages in Pa.

    Gov. Josh Shapiro and PA Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen launched the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program this week. It’s a $5 million initiative, made possible by the 2025/26 state budget. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has declined to add new legal protections for defendants accused of providing drugs that resulted in a deadly overdose. The decision addresses criticism that overdose prosecutions target fellow drug users instead of high-level dealers. State officials are launching a study to identify retired power plant sites that could potentially be reactivated. And a deep dive:  For people with pre-diabetes, or elevated blood sugar levels, lifestyle changes and weight loss can often make a crucial difference in preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes. For more than 15 years, the National Diabetes Prevention Program has enrolled patients to teach them how to make those important changes. Is the program making a difference? 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:  We want to share kudos for WITF’s very own Katie Knol, for reporting her first story heard nationally on NPR. And while we’re celebrating her milestone achievement, it’s for a very somber reason. Katie reported on the Office of Army Cemeteries returning the remains of 11 Native American and Alaska Native students who died while attending the Carlisle boarding school in Pennsylvania more than a century ago. Take a listen, here. 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. Oct 15

    PA Headlines | Oct. 15 | Perry and Stelson trade barbs in a contentious debate.

    Incumbent Republican Congressman Scott Perry exchanged accusations and interruptions with Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson during their debate Wednesday night, in the race for Pennsylvania’s 10th district. During the debate, Perry made an inaccurate claim about forged voting materials in Dauphin County. WITF News investigated and this is what we found: Dauphin County's elections director identified and reported to law enforcement 10 suspicious mail ballot applications turned in by a group organizing to increase voter turnout. For six years, Harrisburg’s water authority has sent bills for stormwater services to the state. Pennsylvania’s agencies have refused to pay to the tune of $2.4 million and counting. Capital Region Water authority is now suing, with local rate hikes and statewide changes hanging in the balance. School bus drivers and districts in Pennsylvania are struggling with high diesel prices and fear for the future of small bus companies. Diesel fuel costs almost $3 more per gallon than one year ago. Skill Games, the slot-machine-like devices that have proliferated across the state, became illegal in Pennsylvania starting Wednesday. some officials say the industry has a future here. A Pennsylvania woman is charged with killing two family members at a popular Poconos-area resort. Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis held Pennsylvania's first symposium on gun violence prevention, Tuesday. A Mid Atlantic electricity grid operator is issuing a warning that the system could be pushed close to its limits this week. 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.

  8. Oct 14

    PA Headlines | Oct. 14 | Skill games are moving out and leaving questions.

    Businesses and nonprofits in Pennsylvania that house skill games are accepting a new reality now that lawmakers failed to reach a deal to regulate the machines ahead of Tuesday's deadline. Many of the 70,000 machines across the state are already gone. State health officials have confirmed Pennsylvania’s sixth measles-associated death this year. The victim was a 39-year old female with several underlying conditions according to officials. This is the first death in Franklin County and the fourth in the midstate. A new report looks at how immigration impacts the economy in the Philadelphia region. Authorities have released the names of the gunman and six of the eight people he shot and killed at a Pennsylvania home. Erie County coroner Lyell Cook said Monday that the man behind Friday's mass shooting in Erie was 45-year-old Matthew Stone Sr.  Penn State University plans to close 47 of its 403 degree programs. That would affect nine degrees at the Penn State Harrisburg campus.  The Reading Police Department is facing criticism from immigration advocates. That’s because advocates, along with legal organizations, are asking police to create a framework and timeline to respond to requests for a critical piece of paperwork called the “U visa.” Climate change is driving heavier, more intense rainfalls which can mean more severe and dangerous flooding across Pennsylvania. Data shows water rescues are on the rise in Philadelphia's suburbs. In Chester County, neighboring Lancaster County, firefighters are investing in boats, dry suits and river training — all in an effort to adapt to a changing reality. 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.

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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
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WITF
  • Show Website
    The Morning Agenda

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