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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 It’s been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The nonprofit Friends of the Susquehanna River Art Collection is purchasing and renovating a gallery space in Columbia, Lancaster County. The organization hopes the gallery and its artwork will elevate the importance of the Susquehanna River within American art history. A Pennsylvania company is developing equipment it hopes will support the future of the hydroelectric power industry. Federal officials visited the company last week to announce a research partnership. The Lancaster County District Attorney's Office has charged a former teacher and multiple students in connection with alleged hazing incidents in the Manheim Central High School's football locker room. Several state lawmakers have asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to extend its deadline for Harrisburg to legalize so-called skill game machines. The court has said legislators have until today to do so, otherwise state police can begin confiscating the devices. The Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus released the results of a survey it conducted. The survey found several challenges that hinder police, social service providers, and other anti-human trafficking groups. Republican incumbent Congressman Scott Perry and Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson will debate Wednesday night. And a deep dive: NPR's All Things Considered host and former WITF reporter Scott Detrow co-authored a book about Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost's journey to becoming Pope Leo XIV.  WITF has always relied on your support to fulfill our mission. Our community of sustaining members provides a robust and reliable foundation of support that we count on, month after month, year after year. By increasing your sustaining gift today, you're preserving and strengthening the WITF services you count on - from reliable reporting to the programs you love. Invest in your community. Increase your sustaining gift today at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.

The public had a chance to ask questions about two data center developments planned for Dauphin County’s Swatara Township at a community information session. Election Day is getting closer, and some voting and immigrant rights activists are worried about ICE agents showing up at polling places. Advocates are asking sheriffs to pledge that they won't interfere in elections, and one Pennsylvania sheriff is signing on. Use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss has exploded in recent years, but people who are in recovery from eating disorders say this level of accessibility combined with a cultural fixation on weight loss could be dangerous. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced that another 22 farms in 14 counties have been added to the preservation rolls, freeing them from development and ensuring they will remain farms forever. A shooting in Erie on Friday night left nine people dead, including two children. 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.

Facing a court-ordered deadline next week to make skill-games legal, some legislators want the state Supreme Court to give them more time before the machines are subject to confiscation. About 200 skill games supporters rallied at the state Capitol earlier this week, demanding that lawmakers regulate the terminals  Today we wrap up WITF News' week-long series 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. How they will support growth in the tech industry  Governor Shapiro is joining 21 states suing the Environmental Protection Agency for its recent repeal of limits on climate-warming pollution from power plants. Penn State broke ground this week on a $65 million expansion of its Animal Diagnostic Lab. Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture says it will help the state protect farming and public health. Governor Josh Shapiro and state officials are making a major investment in Pennsylvania parks and trails - to the tune of $81 million. The governor, along with state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, made the announcement Wednesday at the site of the future Swatara Crossings Park in Middletown, Dauphin County. Leading a Legacy is the 2027 Pennsylvania Farm Show Theme. State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding made the announcement Wednesday at a Berks County farm that's been in the same family for more than five decades. 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:  Over the summer, WITF debuted a new podcast called Susquehanna Scout. Today, we're thrilled to share a preview, of what the Scout is all about. 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.

Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Treasurer Stacy Garrity went head-to-head on the debate stage Wednesday vying for Pennsylvania’s top job. They discussed data centers, measles and whether Shapiro will run for president in 2028. WITF News continues its weeklong series of 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 the war in Iran, which has been ongoing since February. The nonpartisan health policy research polling and news organization KFF recently conducted a survey with the Associated Press of about 2,000 rural registered voters of all party affiliations. A bill to regulate kratom and ban the sale of synthetic compounds has passed the Pennsylvania House.  It would allow registered vendors to sell products made from natural kratom leaf in powdered or capsule form to customers over the age of 21. Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has now exceeded 1,000 cases. That makes it the nation’s worst outbreak in 30 years. Broadband access projects in 50 counties across the Commonwealth will benefit from federal funding. It's the latest step to insure all Pennsylvanians have access to high speed internet. Pennsylvania is joining a bipartisan coalition of states demanding 9/11 victims and families receive frozen Taliban funds. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is awarding more than $2.8 million to improve water quality and restore impaired watersheds across the state. The money is divided among eight projects, including three in Lancaster County and one in York County. 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.

There’s plenty of disagreement in politics these days, but in the 10th Congressional District, Republican Congressman Perry and Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson share some criticism of the Biden administration’s approach to immigration.  Scott Perry, Janelle Stelson on health care in Pa.'s 10th District | WITF See the side-by-side comparison of Perry and Stelson’s answers to our questions, here. Pennsylvania's voter registration deadline is less than two weeks away, on October 19th.  In Pennsylvania, those who are registered tend to be age 35 and older, while 18-to-34-year-olds often bypass the process altogether. Out of 38 states, Pennsylvania ranks 34th in the number of 18-year-olds who vote. Hear more from Votebeat's Carter Walker on WITF's The Spark, here. U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent visited Harrisburg Monday to promote new federal savings accounts for children. The Trump administration says the accounts will help families build wealth. Lebanon County Representative Russ Diamond is sponsoring two bills that he says would save skill games. The Republican blames Democratic House leaders for inaction on the issue. October marks the start of a new respiratory virus season, and state health officials are reminding Pennsylvanians to get their COVID-19 and flu shots. Pennsylvania has surpassed 1,000 measles cases this year, state health officials said Monday, making it the largest state outbreak in more than three decades. And a deep dive: If there’s one thing the majority of Americans agree on: it’s that they don’t want a hyperscale AI data center built in their neighborhoods.  And despite a call by some AI leaders to slow down development of the technology, a conference held recently in Pittsburgh touted its benefits.  Did you know that if every one of WITF’s sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!

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.

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.