The Morning Agenda

U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Junior is touting the Trump administration’s new national nutrition guidelines in what he’s calling the “Take Back Your Health Tour.” His first stop — a rally in Pennsylvania’s state Capitol.   Some Democrats say Kennedy himself is a danger to health. State Senator and registered nurse Maria Collett says Kennedy, blaming most health issues on diet alone, is oversimplifying a complicated issue. Pittsburghers are interested in learning how to respond to Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence, as the agency ramps up detentions and deportations in major cities. A meeting by an immigrants’ rights groups earlier this week drew hundreds. An eastern Pennsylvania woman who lost both her husband and son to suicide is now working to increase awareness about the issue, especially now that the holidays are in the rearview mirror. More than seven in ten public school students in Pennsylvania are enrolled in at least one arts class, according to the Arts Education Data Project. It’s good news, but there are caveats. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Art Association of Harrisburg. Executive Director Carrie Wissler-Thomas recalls the organization's founding by Gertrude Olmsted McCormick in 1926. Art Association of Harrisburg Marks 100 Years with April Gala at the King Mansion | The Spark If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania lawmakers and consumer advocates are blaming new data centers for rising home energy prices. A new statewide program is designed to preserve and expand Pennsylvania's supply of affordable rental housing for residents at risk of homelessness. The State Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Month in January. The federal government is buying a former Schuylkill County distribution center with plans to turn the site into a processing facility for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering adding more than 1,100 acres of additional state game land across the state. Hersheypark is announcing upgrades and expansions to its attractions for 2026. Plans include a new hotel, a new restaurant, and new features at its water park known as The Boardwalk at Hersheypark. 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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick broke with his party last week when he led a discharge petition to extend healthcare subsidies for three years. A new online tool is set up, to connect Pennsylvania's SNAP recipients with volunteer opportunities. It's designed to help recipients meet the new federal work and reporting requirements to keep their benefits. Harrisburg is named number two in the nation for first-time homebuyer affordability, in a new study by Realtors.com. Last year, Harrisburg was in the top spot. A public forum on Cumberland County's data center development - originally slated for Tuesday (January 20th) is postponed because organizers are searching for a larger venue. The Cumberland County Planning Commission says overwhelming public interest was pushing the event to capacity at a Dickinson College auditorium. The expansion of broadband across Pennsylvania is on hold, as federal officials miss a self-imposed deadline to review the state's spending plan. That means hundreds of millions of dollars to help fund the expansion are also on hold. The enhanced tax subsidies that helped millions of Americans pay for their health insurance expired at the end of last year. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are dropping their health coverage and others are seeing their rates skyrocket. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania Republicans want to change how the state runs Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Their effort comes as federal changes are already tightening the use of both programs statewide.  Democrats in the state House and Senate have successfully won more public school funding in the past few state budgets — against pushback from some Republicans. Democrats will fight that same battle this year.  During a recent visit to Northeastern PA, Governor Josh Shapiro addressed concerns about the growing number of data center proposals in Pennsylvania.   Before the Pennsylvania Farm Show officially wrapped up late last week, state officials designated 11 farms as bicentennial and centennial farms.  Nearly two dozen Philadelphia neighborhoods are installing new sculptures, as part of America250 PA's "Bells Across PA" project.  Governor Shapiro's pick for a Board of Pardons vacancy is being opposed by clemency advocates. Harrisburg City officials say a planned demolition will take place this week at the Broad Street Market's brick building damaged by fire in July of 2023.  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 witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. Thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania's hemp business leaders are embracing statewide calls to regulate their products in the face of an upcoming federal ban. State lawmakers expect to consider restrictions sometime this year. And Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana industry is pushing state lawmakers to rein in hemp products that can make users high. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering shifting the beginning of firearms deer season to start the week before Thanksgiving. Many hunters are against the change. Gov. Josh Shapiro says tariffs imposed by President Trump are hurting farmers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. During a visit to the PA Farm Show late last week, Shapiro said if it weren't for the tariffs, Trump wouldn't be providing billions in bailouts to make up for the losses farmers are experiencing. Today is Martin Luther King Junior Day - a federal holiday honoring the Civil Rights activist. A slate of community events will be unfolding across central PA in his memory, today. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural experts say they’re dealing with a mental health crisis and need more support from the state.  A joint hearing of the state House and Senate Agriculture committees at the Pennsylvania Farm Show included testimony from Penn State researchers.  During this week's Pennsylvania Farm Show, officials announced the awarding of more than $400,000 in state grants to benefit organizations in 33 counties that support youth seeking careers in agriculture.  Philadelphia's elected officials are speaking out against the potential of mass ICE raids in the city.    A recent poll finds 42% of Pennsylvania do not want data centers built in or near their community. Yet many state and local lawmakers are accepting the proliferation of data center plans across Pennsylvania, according to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA.  Pennsylvania is officially launching its America250 celebration county-by-county. The nearly two-week-long statewide tour through all 67 counties begins this Friday (Jan. 16) in the Philadelphia region, with ceremonies at each county's courthouse. The tour travels to Lancaster County on Saturday with ceremonies at 4 pm and onto Schuylkill County on Sunday with ceremonies at 9:30 am.  Artists in all 67 Pennsylvania counties are researching, painting and decorating large fiberglass bell sculptures in conjunction with America250 PA festivities. We talk with a local artist, Phil George of Carlisle, to learn more about the significance of the symbols he painted on Cumberland County’s bell, now on display on the square in Carlisle.  If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As of this week there are eight counties in northwestern Pennsylvania without a hospital where a person can give birth. Warren County is the latest addition to the region’s expanding maternity care desert. Some public health experts worry the Trump administration's new vaccine guidelines could harm immunity from highly contagious diseases. An analysis of school vaccination data finds that vaccine rates were already declining. A new program being developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging would create community-based groups to address protective services cases for older adults. The pilot program includes several central PA counties. Police have charged an 11-year-old Perry County boy with homicide after they say he shot and killed a 42-year-old man that neighbors identify as his father. Dina Powell McCormick, the wife of U.S. Senator Dave McCormick is the new president and vice chairman of Meta, the parent company of Facebook. The Mike Tomlin era with the Pittsburgh Steelers is over. The longest tenured head coach in major American professional sports stepped down Tuesday after yet another quick playoff exit. Latvia is the first country that will have to make an injury replacement for the men's hockey tournament at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Forward Eriks Mateiko was sliced by an opponent's skate blade while playing in the American Hockey League with the Hershey Bears. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member 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 to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican gubernatorial candidate and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who hopes to unseat Josh Shapiro as Governor this year, has previously suggested Donald Trump won the 20-20 election. She revised those remarks on Monday. Meantime, Garrity says rural Pennsylvania should embrace the data center boom. Polling shows voters may not be so interested. Facebook's parent company Meta has announced it reached a deal to purchase nuclear power from the Beaver Valley power plant in western Pennsylvania and two others in Ohio. Penn State officials say two unique programs at closing Commonwealth campuses – including Mont Alto - will be moved to the Altoona campus. A Berks County township is spending thousands of dollars to apparently hide details of a proposed law from local residents. According to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA, a group of residents is also spending thousands of dollars trying to get Tulpehocken Township officials to disclose the proposed ordinance that could affect their farms. A York County Sheriff’s Office K9 has died, just weeks before his retirement. And a contest that celebrates the much maligned but enduring mullet hairstyle brought thousands of spectators to a stage at the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Monday. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lancaster County man is accused of stealing human remains from 100 graves at Delaware County's Mount Moriah Cemetery. Jonathan Gerlach, a resident of Ephrata, is also being investigated in connection with November’s theft of two bodies from Good Shepherd Memorial Park in Luzerne County.   A new study from Penn State University finds a ‘hot-spot’ of melanoma cases in central Pennsylvania. The study found a pattern of skin cancer in counties with or near farmland. That hot spot spans 15 counties and includes Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union and York Counties.  Last week, WHYY’s Terry Gross appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to celebrate Fresh Air's 50th anniversary.  A 61-year-old Hanover man died at UPMC Pinnacle Hospital after a fire late Friday night according to the York County Coroner's Office.  We’re learning more about a chase that ended in a stand off and shooting Friday in Berks County that closed down Route 61 for nearly six hours.  The city of Harrisburg has been awarded a $750,000 grant under a program administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The funds will be used to make significant upgrades to the Capitol Area Greenbelt, a popular 26-acre outdoor recreation space.  If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Josh Shapiro has officially launched his reelection campaign, telling supporters in Pittsburgh late last week that he will try to build on his earlier successes -- and defuse rampant partisanship. Democrats in Pennsylvania are hoping Governor Josh Shapiro’s bid for reelection this year will drive wins in other key races. Shapiro is embracing that call to arms. Pennsylvania officials say they are not in discussions to share private voter information with officials in Ohio. That's despite an announcement by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. The man who served as lead prosecutor in the Jerry Sandusky trial has died. The process of fracking a well brings up gas or oil from deep underground. But it also brings dirt and rocks that could be contaminated with radioactivity and other chemicals. In both Pennsylvania and Ohio, this waste is often sent to the same landfills as our household trash -- and a patchwork of state rules allows it to slip by regulators. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is running for a second term. Shapiro made the official announcement Thursday at events in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Meantime, Republican State Senator Doug Mastriano has announced that he is not running for his party's nomination for governor this year. Pittsburgh is losing its biggest and oldest daily newspaper. The owner of the Post-Gazette announced it will shut down in May. The Public Utility Commission has scheduled a series of hearings in mid-January to gather public input on proposed rate increases by the Pennsylvania American Water Company for both its water and wastewater service. Cases of influenza are on the rise - regionally and nationally. Lancaster County has the fifth-highest rate of influenza cases in Pennsylvania, according to state health department data. Four special elections will be held across Pennsylvania to fill four vacated state lawmaker seats - including one in south central Pa. The food court at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show opens today (Friday) with free parking and hours from 12 noon through 9 p-m. A full slate of events kicks off Saturday at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. And a deeper dive: When you think of whiskey, places like Scotland, Ireland or even Tennessee or Kentucky may come to mind. But Pennsylvania has a rich whiskey tradition … particularly for rye whiskey. Now, whiskey lovers are trying to put Pennsylvania back on the map. 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Harrisburg, Democratic state lawmakers held a ceremony this week, marking the five year anniversary of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump. A Pennsylvania lawmaker is pushing new legislation aimed at shoring up local journalism as news deserts expand across the state. Studies estimate that up to 90% of children in foster care have experienced trauma, and up to 80% deal with significant mental health issues. Pennsylvania's Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has set a new campaign finance record in the state with $30 million on hand. High-stake elections in 2026 will determine control of the Pennsylvania legislature. And if historic trends hold, this year's elections would favor Democrats. Filings in at least 13 Pennsylvania cases contained confirmed or implied use of artificial intelligence. Some of those cases were brought by pro se litigants - or people acting as their own attorneys. The use of A-I is raising questions from judges and legal scholars. Looking back at 2025, it was a big year for farmland preservation in Pennsylvania. The state Agriculture Department reports another 167 farms totaling more than 14,000 acres were designated for agricultural use only – just before the end of the year. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs and podcasts 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 www.witf.org/givenow to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats nationwide are rejecting President Donald Trump’s seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Governor Josh Shapiro is joining the criticism. Meantime, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania is commending Donald Trump’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The former president and CEO of the Sheetz convenience store chain has died at the age of 77. Former Major League outfielder Lenny Dykstra, who played for the Phillies from 1989 to 1996, has been arrested in northeastern PA on drug charges. Chambersburg Police are charging a Chambersburg Middle School student with attempted homicide and aggravated assault after the student attacked a fellow student with a knife Monday morning. Cumberland County authorities say an inmate was found dead in her cell at the Cumberland County Prison last Friday. Meantime, an inmate at the Lancaster County Prison also died Friday, after being taken to the hospital for difficulty breathing. Four people injured in an explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home two weeks ago are suing the facility and a natural gas utility. An Adams County fire chief was arrested after police say he defrauded more than $14,000 from two Maryland fire companies. 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 programming like the Morning Agenda going strong. Increase your monthly gift today at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow.  And thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaime Arroyo became the 44th Mayor of Lancaster when he was sworn into office, Monday night. Arroyo, who was Vice President of City Council, won 84 percent of the vote in a 3-way race for mayor last September. During a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, Arroyo talked about the importance of representation as he was set to become the first Hispanic mayor in Lancaster history. You can hear Arroyo’s full interview at Jaime Arroyo Wins Historic Election as Lancaster’s First Latino Mayor, Shares Vision for the City | The Spark State lawmakers agree they’ll need to reestablish the twenty-four-hour window for local public agencies to change their meeting agendas – known as the Sunshine Law. According to at least one analysis, Pennsylvania has among the LEAST effective state legislatures in terms of how many bills it passes. Vehicle crashes over the holiday season nearly doubled from the previous year, according to Pennsylvania State Police data. York Fire Chief William Sleeger Jr. is retiring after 33 years of service. York College of Pennsylvania is offering a new lifelong learning program for older adults. The Hershey Bears held their 25th annual Giant Teddy Bear Toss, Sunday.  After all the teddy bears were counted, this year's total was 81,796. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member 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!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concrete production makes up about 8 percent of global carbon emissions each year. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are trying to develop more sustainable options. Residential solar tax credits expired at the end of 2025, but solar installers say there’s still an affordable way to do rooftop arrays. Women are now producing nearly half of the world’s food. That’s why – when the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show opens on Saturday, January 10th - one of the new components includes displays and opportunities to talk with Pennsylvania women involved in agriculture. It also ties into 2026’s “International Year of the Woman Farmer.” And for our final story today we’re going to explore a fun, even inspirational deep dive: The average American throws out almost 5 pounds of solid waste every day. But what if we could give our junk new life? One Philadelphia-area artist is doing just that. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift in this new year, 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 www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just one month after Congress moved to strengthen legislation around the hemp industry, a recent White House executive order supports marijuana research. The Trump administration says the drug may be an underlooked treatment for chronic pain.  Healthcare experts say 2025’s Affordable Care Act open enrollment period was more confusing and stressful than usual.  An estimated 400,000 Pennsylvania seniors are expected to save money on common drugs for diabetes, heart disease and cancer this year. Lower prices for 10 medications covered by Medicare Part D plans are going into effect in 2026. Pennsylvania lawmakers approved a number of new laws in 2025. Some of those new laws are taking effect in January.  And a deeper dive: Political candidates are leaning on artificial intelligence to take increasingly pointed — and sometimes misleading — shots at their rivals. WITF’s Jaxon White reports as the technology gets more realistic, experts say voters will have to work harder than ever before to figure out what’s real.  Lancaster County Commissioners passed a 2026 budget, on Christmas Eve, that includes a 10% property tax increase.  York County Commissioners are disbursing more than $3 million to local organizations. The money is from the latest round of opioid settlement grants.  Throughout the holiday season, there have been several stories of goodwill here in central PA.  And the first federally funded electric vehicle charging station is now open along the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  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! Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A central Pennsylvania bio-lab is planning its largest expansion yet. Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories will build a new three-hundred-thousand-square-foot facility at its New Holland campus in Lancaster County.  Pennsylvania communities lost millions in expected federal funding this year after Congress passed a short-term spending bill that wiped out Community Project Funding grants for fiscal year 2025. The Lehigh Valley lost money planned for infrastructure and public safety initiatives, including an opioid task force.  A former speaker of the state House of Representatives will not seek reelection for his Lancaster County district in 20-26. Representative Bryan Cutler’s exit comes after a turbulent few years.  This holiday season, the Philadelphia Ballet, like many ballet companies across the country, is performing “The Nutcracker." One of the company’s principal dancers, Nicholas Patterson, made his solo debut earlier in December. It's a remarkable turnaround for a dancer who could barely walk a year ago, due to stage four cancer.  And this programming note: The Morning Agenda will be taking a holiday break for a week, from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day, returning with a new episode on Friday, January 2nd.  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 www.witf.org/givenow. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aerial photographs, weather observation and even food delivery are a few of the uses for drones. What about getting emergency medical equipment to rural areas where it’s needed, quickly? There’s now a public-private partnership aiming to use drones to do just that in central Pennsylvania. The U-S Department of Justice says it won’t require names of minors who received gender-affirming care at hospitals operated by UPMC. Patients' identities are embedded into their medical files. The holiday travel season is expected to set records. AAA estimates more than 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between December 20th and January 1st. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is now serving in a leadership role among Eastern U-S attorneys general. More than 14-million dollars in grant funding is being awarded to community projects across Pennsylvania, by the state's Department of Community and Economic Development. The projects support communities in four areas: flood mitigation, recreational trails, improvements to sewage facilities and watersheds. More than 4.4 million dollars is being awarded to about 30 community projects in Dauphin County. 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 www.witf.org/givenow. Thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Environmental Protection Agency heard testimony in Pittsburgh last week regarding proposed changes to the Clean Water Act. The Trump administration has proposed limiting which waterways can receive federal protection. Pennsylvania is joining a lawsuit against Uber, accusing the rideshare app of deceptive and unfair practices related to its subscription service. A former Lancaster County police officer was sentenced to up to 57 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting three girls in the 1990s. Andrew Scott Selby received the sentencing from a Chester County judge after Lancaster County judges recused themselves to avoid a potential conflict since Selby is a former officer. Hundreds of rapes in the State College area went unreported in public police data for nearly a decade. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is co-leading a bipartisan coalition of 35 Attorneys General who want Meta to stop promoting misleading weight-loss advertising. Cumberland County officials have revealed and installed its America 250 bell, part of the statewide "Bells Across PA" initiative. A 14-year-old Schuylkill County girl will sing the national anthem to kick off the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. And a deeper dive: The Trump Administration plans to weaken the Endangered Species Act, and that could impact the fate of an ancient creature that lives in Pennsylvania-the eastern hellbender salamander. 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.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration is pushing new nuclear energy projects to power the ongoing race to advance artificial intelligence. Dauphin County’s Three Mile Island is at the center of that goal. The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police is leaving Harrisburg for the national stage. Avian Influenza may be making a comeback among poultry flocks in Pennsylvania. About 400 snow geese likely died of the virus in Northampton County.    In Washington, four centrist Republicans have broken with their party's leadership over health care. Three of the four are from Pennsylvania. They signed onto a Democratic-led petition, forcing a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans. Dauphin County Commissioners approved a 2026 budget plan Wednesday. It includes a 9.75% property tax increase - the second major tax raise in two years. Pennsylvania is one of 35 states reaching a settlement with automakers Kia and Hyundai over faulty anti-theft systems. The Pennsylvania company that makes the marshmallow treats known as Peeps announces it's planning a Peeps Chick Drop on New Year's Eve. 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 programming like the Morning Agenda. Increase your monthly gift today at witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.