The Morning Agenda

WITF
  • 5.0 (26)
  • 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. 1d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 6 | Abortion and gun rights: Where do Perry and Stelson stand?

    This week, WITF News is publishing stories highlighting Republican Congressman Scott Perry’s and Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson’s responses to questions about the issues facing voters in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. We asked the candidates the same questions so voters can compare their positions. Today, where they stand on abortion and gun control. Community organizations in York County told state lawmakers how they are helping people in hard times during a recent public policy hearing. Several groups are urging a western Pennsylvania state House member to resign after he allegedly used slurs to refer to a colleague. This is National Fire Prevention Week. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced grants to a number of Central Pennsylvania fire departments and first-responders.  Dauphin County's Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is expanding. Pennsylvania is getting as much as three-quarters of a billion dollars from a settlement with social media company Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram. But according to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA, the money could spark a political fight. The state Department of Labor and Industry says the average call wait time for Pennsylvanians seeking assistance through the unemployment compensation service center has dropped to seven minutes. Lebanon County poultry producer Bell & Evans is embarking on a $152 million expansion - and receiving a $2 million state grant for the project. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has started its fall and winter trout stocking.  And WITF alum Scott Detrow, currently NPR's All Things Considered host, is returning to Harrisburg tonight with fellow NPR Journalist Daniel Burke. 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. 2d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 5 | Pa. House committee passes “bring-your-own-energy” bill for data centers

    As electricity rates rise and Pennsylvania’s projected future energy use continues to increase, the House Energy Committee discussed legislative action to keep utility rates under control. That involves regulating data center development. A new study finds widespread microplastic pollution throughout the Delaware River watershed. The public broadcasting station WPSU is officially separated from Penn State and is now part of Philadelphia-based WHYY. This week, WITF News is publishing stories highlighting Republican Congressman Scott Perry’s and Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson’s responses to questions about the issues facing voters in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. We asked them the same questions about the economy so voters can compare their answers. Gov. Josh Shapiro has raised nearly 27 million dollars more than his Republican challenger, Stacy Garrity. Pennsylvania's statewide archery deer season opened on Saturday. 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.

  3. 5d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 2nd | Will we ever get money out of politics?

    Want to buy a lawmaker a nice vacation, or a trip to the Super Bowl, or just a few dozen nice dinners around town? You can, under Pennsylvania’s gift laws, among the most lax in the nation. In Harrisburg, the latest push to end what advocates and some lawmakers call corruption. Also this week, the state House passed a bill aiming to expand voting access. Pennsylvania is one of only eight states where only Democrats or Republicans can vote in primary elections, which can sometimes be more consequential than November elections. PA House members are turning to civil liberties advocates and the law enforcement community to answer questions about automatic license plate readers. They recently convened for a hearing in Harrisburg as the legislative session is about to end with multiple bills in play to regulate ALPRs. The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed a fifth measles-associated death on Wednesday. Pennsylvania has the worst outbreak in the country. If Democrats can flip three state Senate seats in the November election, Pennsylvania could see the legalization of recreational marijuana as soon as next year. That’s according to a group of legislators who spoke at a conference called Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry, recently held in Philadelphia. Kratom is an unregulated drug that’s exploded in popularity and over-the-counter availability across Pennsylvania and other states. The state House Health Committee has advanced a bill that would regulate it. The Perry County Coroner's office has released the identity of a a man killed in a house explosion. The director of Pennsylvania's Women, Infants and Children (or WIC) program, under the Department of Health, has resigned. 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:  A record-setting gift to Carnegie Mellon University is the largest individual gift in the history of American higher education. 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.

  4. 6d ago

    PA Headlines | Oct. 1 | A deep dive into data centers: How some residents are pushing back

    A community forum in Cumberland County focused on the growing number of data centers proposed for the region and the pushback against them. Residents are learning how to navigate the challenges presented by data center proposals. Pennsylvania's Department of Health is suspending a proposal to give officials more power to track the spread of disease. The proposed new rules sparked outrage among Republicans. Federal Medicaid changes required by a massive 2025 federal tax cut and spending bill go into effect on January first of next year. Pennsylvania is preparing its recipients for the changes to come while also updating its own reporting system for the joint federal and state health insurance program. A Dauphin County man is dead after a train collided with the pickup truck he was driving, Tuesday. The accident happened in the 300 block of South 7th Street in Lemoyne, Cumberland County. The coroner says there are no gates or flashing lights where that roadway crosses the train tracks. The number of measles cases in Pennsylvania has now surpassed 900. State health officials say a total of 903 cases are now confirmed across 39 counties this year. And a deep dive: Data center development is growing in Pennsylvania, in part because of the state’s big supply of natural gas. In the town of Upper Burrell in Westmoreland County, near Pittsburgh, a data center expansion could be fed by fracking rigs already pumping gas out of the ground there. The town is trying to keep pace with two big industries in its backyard. 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. Sep 30

    PA Headlines | Sept. 30 | Lawmakers have a long to-do list, but a short fall session.

    Lawmakers returned to the state capitol this week with just 11 days in the legislative session and several pieces of legislation awaiting action. The Pennsylvania House and Senate face a long to-do list in a short amount of time. Sixty-four million dollars in state and private investments is going toward revitalizing downtown Harrisburg. Governor Josh Shapiro and local leaders say the money will attract businesses, support those already downtown and strengthen the community. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was in Philadelphia last week, campaigning for Governor Josh Shapiro at the iconic Morning Glory Diner. Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth University plans to lay off faculty and staff next year. The university expects the cuts to happen across its three campuses: Lock Haven, Mansfield and Bloomsburg. Scranton Fire Chief John Judge is leaving the department to take a new position in the State College area. Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration is rolling back an effort to expand the power of Pennsylvania health officials to track the spread of disease. Mobile home owners say they’re trapped, as the lot rents beneath their homes are rising. But a new bill would provide relief.  And LeBron James has joined the Philadelphia 76ers, wearing the No. 23 jersey. Speaking at the 76ers' media day Monday, he says he's excited to play with close friend Tyrese Maxey and start his 24th NBA season.  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. Sep 29

    PA Headlines | Sept. 29 | Meet WITF News Director Jackie Palochko.

    Today we take a deep dive into WITF News, as we introduce you to WITF’s new News Director Jackie Plochko. She explains what listeners can expect this election season – and beyond. 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.

  7. Sep 28

    PA Headlines | Sept. 28 | Haitian York County pastor deported despite legal and public support

    A York County pastor is now in Haiti, separated from his U.S. citizen wife and children despite his robust legal, public and political support. Pennsylvania legislators return to Harrisburg today, with several major issues still on the table. Pennsylvania schools are building solar arrays that will help them save money on utility bills and lower their carbon footprint. New research from the Centers for Disease Control shows that access to buprenorphine is improving in both rural and urban areas. The medication treats opioid use disorder and can help people in addiction recovery, but there are still treatment gaps. The Energy Department says it will spend almost $2 billion to try to squeeze more electricity out of the nation’s aging and stressed power grid. There have been nearly 900 measles cases in 39 counties throughout Pennsylvania, according to the state Department of Health. 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.

  8. Sep 25

    PA Headlines | Sept. 25 | A deep dive into the Stelson-Perry race.

    We begin today with a deep dive: A Franklin and Marshall poll shows voters in the 10th Congressional District say the economy is their most important issue. Pennsylvania's Auditor General released a performance audit of the state’s Department of Aging this week. Department of Aging officials are disputing the findings. State lawmakers traveled to the Lehigh Valley this week to hear testimony on the challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania’s Latino population. And now an update to a story we first reported earlier this week: Democratic congressional representatives are pressing for information regarding the contract and operations of Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County, the largest immigrant detention center in the northeast. And it’s time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot.  Every Friday, I share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.   Today’s bright spot is this: Congratulations to our friends at WVIA who were recently recognized with one of Little League International’s highest honors. WVIA received the 2026 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award. It recognizes WVIA’s longstanding commitment to the Little League community and its dedication to sharing stories of Challenger Division athletes. 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
26 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
    212
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WITF
  • Show Website
    The Morning Agenda

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