The Morning Agenda

WITF
  • 5.0 (27)
  • Daily News
  • 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. 1d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 29 | An AI-generated political ad raises questions in Pa.'s governor's race.

    The midterm elections are less than a week away, and one political ad in Pennsylvania is raising questions about the legality of using AI deepfakes. The Republican challenger for Governor, Stacy Garrity, recently released an AI-generated video of her opponent.  Federal election monitors will be on hand in four Pennsylvania counties for Election Day next week, but state officials say they should watch themselves as well. The newly-released Chesapeake Bay report card is out, with its highest overall grade ever issued, a C plus. However, the Lower Susquehanna region encompassing Dauphin, York and Lancaster counties received a D plus, the report card's lowest grade. Learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Report Card and the Susquehanna region on WITF's Susquehanna Scout podcast.  As cold weather approaches, home heating oil prices have hit a record high in Pennsylvania. The rise in prices are a result of the Iran war and the disruptions to shipping fuel through the Middle East.  And as we reported in yesterday's Morning Agenda, Pennsylvania is now the first state in the nation to offer an apprenticeship program for doulas. The state Department of Health as well as the Department of Human Services is launching a year-long apprenticeship program this month, designed to increase the maternal health workforce and bring doulas into more communities across the state. The Environmental Protection Agency’s response to the disastrous 2023 East Palestine train derailment will be investigated, after dozens of residents of the small town on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border and Vice President JD Vance requested the review. Analysis by our partners at Spotlight PA reveals, several members of the Reading School Board spent more than $93,000 to travel to conferences over the past two academic years. WITF News is planning comprehensive election coverage, leading up to and on Election Day. Through it all, we'll be bringing you the voices of candidates, along with the voices of voters like you and experts providing analysis for a full picture of these midterm elections.   Here's how you can prepare:   Be sure you're following WITF News on Instagram and Facebook so that reliable news is in your feed.   Subscribe to WITF's daily news podcast The Morning Agenda.   Bookmark https://www.witf.org/news/ and check back regularly for election coverage, which will be constantly updating on election day, election night, and the day after elections.

  2. 2d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 28 | Trump discontent and data centers: Are they fueling a "blue wave" in Pa.?

    The latest polls show that one in five Pennsylvania Republicans say Donald Trump’s policies have hurt them personally. Pollster Berwood Yost of Franklin and Marshall College says that attitude could decide several state legislative races. Democrats say the political climate could add to their House majority by helping flip some traditionally Republican-held seats in parts of western PA where they have not been successful in the past. Discontent with Donald Trump may play a big role. Some Pennsylvanians are using so-called "over the counter" mail-in voting this election season. Election officials say it can put a strain on their offices. Governor Josh Shapiro says he is-quote-deeply concerned that Donald Trump may try to meddle with elections, but he says state officials are prepared. Governor Shapiro also signed into law legislation banning the use of cell phones in schools. The measure requires all public, charter, cyber-charter, and private schools in Pennsylvania to adopt policies by the start of the 2027-2028 school year. And now a deep dive: With Election Day less than a week away, data centers have dominated campaigns nationwide.  One of those races includes the battle for a tightly contested state senate race in southeastern Pennsylvania. A conservative social media activist who made dubious claims about voter registration irregularities may have broken some of those same rules. Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity has raised more money in the past five weeks than she did during the rest of her campaign - thanks in great part to the skill games industry. The number of measles cases is climbing higher in Pennsylvania. State health officials say there are now 1,360 confirmed cases in 44 counties. The updated case counts come on the heels of a roundtable health officials held late last week in Mifflin County. Pennsylvania has launched the nation’s first statewide doula apprenticeship program. Doulas support birthing parents before, during and after childbirth. Federal funding for public media has been rescinded. Your monthly gift to WITF can help fill the gap as we navigate this new reality. Become a monthly sustaining member today at www.witf.org/givenow.

  3. 3d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 27 | Central Pa. libraries are offering much more than books.

    Some central Pennsylvania libraries are offering items for checkout beyond books. These “Libraries of Things” are being designed to meet community needs. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is up for reelection, held a rally on the Penn State University Park campus Sunday.  Shapiro used the event to rally for Democrats running up and down the ballot. A long list of proposals with bipartisan support and public interest will likely fail at the end of Pennsylvania's legislative session in November. It would send them back to the starting line at the start of the next session. The open enrollment period on Pennie, the state’s Affordable Care Act Marketplace, starts in less than a week, on November 1st. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has announced a new certified state record for Channel Catfish.  The Pennsylvania Game Commission is urging drivers to slow down and watch for deer, which are more active this time of year. The Shapiro Administration is pouring $2 million into Wine Marketing and Research Grants. Meantime, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is allocating $290,000 to open new markets, both at home and abroad, for the state's farmers. 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. 4d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 26 | Bell-to-bell school cell phone ban heads to the governor’s desk

    Advocates say a new state law banning cellphones in Pennsylvania schools will help limit classroom distractions. The state House passed the bill, and Gov. Josh Shapiro is expected to sign it into law today. Union faculty at Commonwealth University are calling on their administration and state lawmakers to prevent planned layoffs. A new Pennsylvania law restricts the use of chemicals known as PFAS in firefighting foam used to suppress fires. The state’s official health insurance marketplace, known as Pennie, will open for enrollment on Nov. 1. Officials warn rising costs could put coverage out of reach for some families. The owner of the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County spent four decades collecting antique vampire-killing sets from across the globe. Now, he has a book out detailing the paranormal artefacts along with stories from his childhood. $42.2 million in funding will go to Pennsylvania's rail infrastructure to improve safety, efficiency and reliability in four projects. State lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. Josh Shapiro that closes a loophole in the state's Sunshine Act. A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt investigations in Pennsylvania and eight other states into whether noncitizens are registered to vote. 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.

  5. Oct 23

    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.

  6. Oct 22

    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.

  7. Oct 21

    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.

  8. Oct 20

    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.

See All (229)

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

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
    229
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WITF
  • Show Website
    The Morning Agenda

You Might Also Like