Pennsylvania News & Current Events

An estimated 181,000 children and families in Pennsylvania were served through Child Protective Services in 2020, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Report: Child-Abuse Cases in PA Rose in 2020

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With kids stuck at home early in the pandemic, a new report said child-abuse cases decreased in 2020, but children's advocates say …

Oil and natural-gas production is the largest industrial source of methane pollution in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Pennsylvanians Make Voices Heard During EPA Methane-Rule Hearing

PITTSBURGH -- Pennsylvanians were overwhelmingly present during three days of virtual public testimony to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) la…

An estimated 5,500 miles of Pennsylvania streams have been polluted as a result of abandoned-mine drainage, according to the state Department of Community and Economic Development. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 6, 2021

Infrastructure Mine-Reclamation Funds Promising for PA

ASHLEY, Pa. -- The trillion-dollar infrastructure bill passed by Congress last month includes $11.3 billion for abandoned-mine reclamation and …

According to Restore Pennsylvania, the state's broadband initiative, achieving high-speed internet access throughout the state will require between $480 million and $715 million. (Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Bill's Broadband Funds to Support Rural Pennsylvanians

MILL CREEK, Pa. -- The trillion-dollar infrastructure bill passed by Congress last month includes $65 billion to provide better internet access to …

The report suggests student loan forgiveness, for human services employees in the state who work at a<br />behavioral health provider for a minimum of two years, could help with the worker shortage. (Adobe Stock) — The report suggests student loan forgiveness, for human services employees in the state who work at a
behavioral health provider for a minimum of two years, could help with the worker shortage. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Child Behavioral Health Providers Chronically Understaffed

CAMP HILL, Pa. - Pennsylvania's child welfare and behavioral health services are in crisis, with a worker shortage exacerbated by the pandemic…

AARP recommends checking if your drug store is a preferred pharmacy under your chosen Medicare plan. It means you'll pay less for prescriptions there. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Picking Medicare Plan This Open-Enrollment Season

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Choosing the right Medicare plan can be confusing, and during the open-enrollment period, it is recommended Pennsylvanians take …

In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania's lone national forest. (Adobe Stock)

Group Petitions Allegheny National Forest to Ban Bikes on Non-Motorized Trails

WARREN, Pa. -- A Western Pennsylvania conservation group is petitioning the Allegheny National Forest to prohibit bike riding on all non-motorized …

Dee Scales works with students in sixth through eighth grades at Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy in Pittsburgh. (Photo courtesy Pennsylvania State Education Assn.)

American Education Week: Honoring PA's Support Professionals

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - They work with students in the classroom, in the school office or even in the cafeteria - and in celebration of American Education …

Students often face delays in getting their academic records transferred to their new school, which can lead to delays in re-enrollment. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Address Barriers to Graduation for Some PA Kids

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A bill making its way through the Pennsylvania General Assembly would help ensure a smooth transition to graduation for young …

In a recent survey of 500 Pennsylvanians, 76% said they believe litter reduces property values, increases taxes with cleanup costs, and is an environmental issue. (Adobe Stock)

November Cleanup Campaign Targets Trash in PA Waterways

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania has seen a lot more litter generated during the pandemic, and environmental advocates have launched a cleanup campaign …

Philadelphia has over 100 Park Friends groups that act as stewards of public lands in the city. (Adobe Stock)

PA Lawmakers Consider Bills to Keep Parks Programming Afloat

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Bills making their way through the Pennsylvania General Assembly would provide more resources to people who keep parks and …

Many educators are without health insurance after the Scranton School Board authorized health-insurance cuts if the union went on strike. (Scranton Federation of Teachers Facebook)

Scranton Teachers Rally in Harrisburg as Strike Enters Seventh Day

SCRANTON, Pa. -- More than 800 public school teachers and paraprofessionals in the Scranton School District are entering their seventh day of a …

One of the reasons that the coalition opposes the permit is because it said Invenergy did not provide, and Allegheny County did not require, an analysis of the impact the facility would have on nearby "environmental justice communities." (Adobe Stock)

Environmental Orgs Appeal Permit for Gas-Fired Power Plant in Southwest PA

ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Several environmental organizations are appealing a decision made last month by Allegheny County to approve an air permit …

Together, Medicaid, CHIP and the state insurance marketplace Pennie account for nearly 46% of children covered in Pennsylvania. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Kids' Health Coverage Increased During Pandemic

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Since the pandemic began, public health coverage for children has increased by 10% in Pennsylvania, and a new report underscored …

The Build Back Better framework would promote renewables and move the United States toward a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% to 52% by 2030. (Niserin/Istockphoto)

PA Officials Press for Action on Climate Change

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Local leaders from Pennsylvania and across the country are pressing for decisive action in the fight against climate change…

Leaves act like mulch, helping to suppress weeds and fertilize the soil as they break down. (tab62/Adobe Stock)

This Fall, Leave Some Leaves as Natural Gardening Supplement

HARRISBURG, Pa. - While it might feel natural to rake the leaves in your yard this fall, those leaves might play a more natural role in your garden …

Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission, which creates the state House and Senate voting-district maps, is comprised of two Republicans and two Democrats from the House and Senate, and a nonpartisan chair. (Adobe Stock)

'The People's Maps' Aim to be Framework for Fair PA Redistricting

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Members of Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission have said they anticipate releasing proposed state House and …

Under Mayor Peduto's administration, Pittsburgh has created a Climate Action Plan that includes electrifying public transportation and powering all city facilities with 100% clean energy by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Outgoing Pittsburgh Mayor Heads to COP26 Climate Summit

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- The 26th annual United Nations Conference of the Parties, better known as COP26, kicked off yesterday in Glasgow, Scotland with …

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's August report urged governments to focus on reducing methane emissions from sources like oil and gas wells. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Call on PA Governor to Maintain Methane Promise

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Environmental groups are taking a new approach to hold Gov. Tom Wolf's administration accountable for a pledge he made; to adopt …

The school-funding lawsuit will be heard in the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg and is expected to run through December. (Wikimedia Commons)

PA Education Advocates Rally at Capitol Ahead of School Funding Trial

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With nearly two weeks to go until the Commonwealth Court hears arguments about whether Pennsylvania's school funding system is …

The shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue occurred in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, killing 11 and injuring six people on Oct. 27, 2018. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

Three Years After Tree of Life Shooting, Continued Calls for Gun Reform

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Today marks three years since the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, where 11 people at the synagogue were killed in a targeted …

Erie is one of Pennsylvania's swing counties, having favored Donald Trump in 2016 and supporting President Joe Biden in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Progressive Candidates Challenging Status Quo in Rural PA

ERIE, Pa. -- The Keystone State is seeing several barrier-breaking progressive candidates running for office in unexpected places: rural Pennsylvania…

Gov. Tom Wolf already has increased the minimum wage for state employees and contractors, which is set to reach $15 an hour by July 2024. (Gov. Tom Wolf/Flickr)

Gov. Pushes for PA Worker Safety, Higher Minimum Wage

PITTSBURGH - As businesses across the country deal with a massive labor shortage, Pennsylvania aims to entice people back to the workplace by …

Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the country for total COVID vaccination doses administered. (Adobe Stock)

New COVID Vaccine Grant Supports PA Orgs Tackling Hesitancy

PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania hit a milestone last week with 70% of adults fully vaccinated - but there's still work to be done. A new grant program …

Northern Pennsylvania counties such as Potter, McKean, Susquehanna and Wayne are experiencing peak fall foliage this week, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

PA's Warm Fall, Rainy Summer Might Be Impacting Autumn Foliage

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- October is usually the best time of year to see the bright, changing leaf colors that ring in autumn in Pennsylvania, but …

Organizers with the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership say they hope to hit their halfway goal of plating 5 million trees by the end of 2022. (Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Planting Trees as Part of "10 Million By 2025" Goal

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Now through November, Pennsylvania groups will plant an estimated 300,000 trees for fall, as part of a goal of 10 million new …

More than 40% of nursing-home respondents said they have 21 or more job openings within their facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: PA Long-Term Care Industry in Crisis

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Amid staffing shortages at Pennsylvania's long-term care facilities, there are growing fears many vulnerable older adults and …

A majority of residents surveyed said parks and outdoor spaces were essential for their mental health, especially during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: How COVID, DEI Impact Pennsylvanians' Relationships with Parks

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's parks and outdoor recreational spaces became havens for many in the state looking for safe activities during the …

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro is suing student-loan service giant Navient for engaging in unfair practices that he alleges misled students about their repayment plans. (Adobe Stock)

Student Loan Forgiveness Overhaul Could Mean Big Changes for PA Educators

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Major changes are on their way to the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which could have a …

Fewer than one in five bills introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly actually receives consideration. Democratic senators think amending the Senate rules could change those odds. (Adobe Stock)

PA Dems: New Rules Needed for State Senate Accountability

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With just two weeks until the state Senate reconvenes, Pennsylvania lawmakers appear to have two different sets of priorities…

An estimated 25,000 Pennsylvania children were in the foster-care system in 2019, according to data from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. (Adobe Stock)

With Federal Support, PA Focuses on Keeping Kids Out of Foster Care

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania implements a new, evidence-based prevention plan on Friday, to help kids at risk of out-of-home placement stay with …

The American Sustainable Business Council letter warns the extreme weather events becoming more frequent due to climate change are major threats to businesses across the country. (Adobe Stock)

Businesses to Congress: Pass the 'Build Back Better' Plan

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Congress is expected to vote on the Biden administration's Build Back Better agenda, which includes creating clean energy jobs to …

People who experienced a qualifying life event such as losing health insurance can enroll through the state-run program Pennie at any time during the year. (Adobe Stock)

Ahead of PA Open Enrollment, Make a Plan for Health Coverage, Experts Say

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvanians have less than two months until open enrollment through Pennie, the state-run health insurance marketplace…

A 2016 study from Princeton and Stanford found the combined emissions output of Pennsylvania's abandoned wells adds an estimated 50,000 metric tons of methane per year into the atmosphere. (Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Urge State to Increase Oil, Gas Well Bond Amounts

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Some environmental groups are formally requesting that Pennsylvania's Environmental Quality Board raise the bond amounts companies …

Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission has held three public hearings so far to gather resident's input on the redistricting process. (Adobe Stock)

PA Creates Redistricting Advisory Council to Help Prevent Gerrymandering

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A new Redistricting Advisory Council announced last week by Gov. Tom Wolf's office will focus on reducing gerrymandering as new …

A letter from high earners to Congress supports President Biden's plan to tax capital gains income as ordinary income for individuals making more than $1 million a year. (Adobe Stock)

200-Plus Wealthy Leaders from PA, Beyond Urge Congress to Pass Tax Hike

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- More than 200 high earners have written a letter urging Congress to raise taxes to help support social safety-net programs that …

People confined in Pennsylvania jails are eligible to vote as long as they are not currently serving time for a felony conviction. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Lacks Universal Policy for Voting in Jails

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Many Pennsylvania county jails don't have clear policies to support voting access for people in jails, according to a new report …

Pennsylvania's Supreme Court has one seat open after former Chief Justice Thomas Saylor hit the mandatory retirement age of 75. (Adobe Stock)

With Virtual Forum, Get to Know PA Judicial Candidates on Nov. Ballot

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvanians will vote this November to elect judges in the state's three appellate courts, and a virtual candidate forum next …

More than 2 million acres of state forest land in Pennsylvania is protected by public ownership. (Adobe Stock)

State Foresters' Group Celebrates 100-Plus Years in PA

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The National Association of State Foresters was formed in 1920, with its first meeting in Harrisburg amid an increase in large …

The majority of Pennsylvania's greenhouse-gas emissions are from energy consumption. (Adobe Stock)

PA Becomes 2nd State to Offer Climate-Change Leadership Training

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania is now the second state in the country to launch a program focused on training state and local leaders on tackling …

Since 2013, Pennsylvania's neighboring states New York, Maryland and New Jersey have all enacted legislation that puts them on a pathway to $15 minimum wages. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Increasing Minimum Wage in PA and Beyond Would Help Rebuild Economy

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With the expanded unemployment benefits from the American Rescue Plan ending last week, a new report from the Keystone Research …

For the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Flight 93 National Memorial hosts several events, including a name-reading ceremony on Saturday at 10:03 a.m., the time of the crash. (Adobe Stock)

Chalk Portraits to Honor 'Heroes' of United Flight 93 on 9/11

STOYSTOWN, Pa. -- Many have called United Flight 93, one of the four hijacked planes on Sep. 11, 2001, the first battle in the war on terror…

Tropical Storm Ida left towns like Conshohocken, in Montgomery County, completely submerged in floodwaters. (Michael Stokes/Wikimedia Commons)

PA Forest Action Could Help Prevent Damage from Extreme Weather, Like Ida

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania's creeks and rivers flooded at historic levels last week after Tropical Storm Ida decimated the Northeast. In the …

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation report found many people enrolled in Medicare go without dental care. (Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Back Expanding Medicare to 'Treat the Whole Person'

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa, has introduced legislation to expand Medicare coverage to include dental, hearing and vision care…

Since school started in Pennsylvania, the Department of Health says 5,000 students have tested positive for COVID-19. It's one reason for Gov. Tom Wolf's Sept. 7 mask mandate. (Gov. Tom Wolf/Flickr)

Mask Mandate Coming for All PA K-12 Schools, Child-Care Centers

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Face masks will be mandatory at all public and private K-through-12 schools in Pennsylvania, starting next week. Gov. Tom Wolf …

The letter to Pennsylvania's congressional representatives calls for infrastructure funding to support the return of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps, with a focus on addressing climate change. (Adobe Stock)

PA Groups Call for Infrastructure Deal That Benefits Appalachia

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Three dozen Pennsylvania advocacy groups sent a letter last week to the state's congressional delegation, calling on them to …

The Biden administration is sticking with an Aug. 31 deadline to rescue refugees and remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan. (Adobe Stock)

Afghan Refugees Arriving Through Philadelphia International Airport

PHILADELPHIA - Several hundred refugees from Afghanistan started to arrive at Philadelphia International Airport this weekend, only a few days after …

In a new poll, 59% of voters in Pennsylvania say they're stressed out about not being able to afford their monthly premiums for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: PA Voters Want Lawmakers to Help Keep Health-Care Costs Down

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvanians are growing more concerned with the affordability of their health care, according to a new poll. More than 600 …

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PNS Daily Newscast - December 8, 2021

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