The Morning Agenda

PA Headlines | June 16 | Hospital prices and why they’re so hard to find.

A recent report from a healthcare consumer advocacy group finds most Pennsylvanians struggle to get clear and accurate information about the price of medical care. Legislation approved by the House Education Committee would require cyber charter school students to stay on camera during all live virtual instruction. 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. [https://www.witf.org/givenow] And thank you.

PA Headlines | June 15 | Lancaster Co. student journalists take a deep dive, reporting for PBS.

Today we have a deep dive: A new museum in downtown Lancaster is dedicated to exploring the legacy of Thaddeus Stevens.  He’s a 19th century Congressman who fought to end slavery, and he played a major role in shaping the U-S Constitution. A group of teen reporters from Warwick High School in Lancaster County recently covered the museum’s opening as part of “PBS News Student Reporting Labs” - that’s the youth journalism program from PBS.  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 [https://witf.org/increase]or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow [https://www.witf.org/givenow] to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

PA Headlines | June 12 | Deep dive: What’s the impact of forever chemicals from Pittsburgh Intl. Airport?

Today we have a deep dive into Pennsylvania’s water quality. The waters of a western Pennsylvania stream are getting tainted by ‘forever chemicals' from Pittsburgh International Airport. Researchers are looking closely at how much these chemicals could be getting into the sediments and wildlife that depend on the stream. Less than three weeks remain until the state budget deadline. Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking for ways to help balance the budget by considering taxes aimed at the tech industry. The Pennsylvania SPCA removed 78 cats and kittens from a Lancaster County home on Tuesday. House lawmakers are calling on their counterparts in the state Senate to pass legislation that would allow Pennsylvania’s high school athletics governing body to split up playoff competition for public and private schools. 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: The podcast NPR Music this week came out with a playlist of songs that listeners say help them reset their mood. [https://www.npr.org/2026/06/09/nx-s1-5850296/songs-to-reset-your-mood-listener-picks] For example, one is “Lovely Day” from Bill Withers. One listener said, “I have a dear friend with MS and when I visited him, he played this song every morning. He used it as a daily tribute for the gift of life and it resonated with my soul. The lyrics are spot on for not just living, but living with purpose and gratitude.” 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 [https://witf.org/increase]or become a new Sustaining Circle member at witf.org/givenow [https://www.witf.org/givenow] to help build a sustainable future for WITF and public media. Thank you.

PA Headlines | June 11 | Area fruit farmers continue to evaluate crop losses and pivot.

A late spring freeze may mean less fruit and higher prices for Pennsylvanians. Some farms are adjusting their business strategies to recoup their losses.  Healthcare company UPMC cut 500 positions Tuesday. A spokesperson said UPMC laid off 200 employees and eliminated another 300 vacant positions as part of a routine reassessment. A new Trump administration grant program is designed to increase the amount of electricity the country gets from coal. The program has the potential to impact Pennsylvania. We’re learning more about U-S Steel’s announcement that it plans to invest more than $2 billion in the Mon Valley Works. The Shapiro Administration is cracking down on AI chatbots which have been posing as doctors. Enrollment in Pennsylvania's Affordable Care Act marketplace for discounted health insurance coverage has dropped by 160,000 Pennsylvanians. Funding for victims’ services in Pennsylvania are facing cuts – after a drop in white-collar prosecutions under the Trump Administration. That translates into a drop in federal funding – since funding for services to crime victims comes primarily from fines and penalties paid by those convicted of white-collar crimes. 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. [https://www.witf.org/givenow] And thank you.

PA Headlines | June 10 | We’re in peak tick season – and there’s a new syndrome to watch for.

Late spring to early summer is considered one of two peaks of Pennsylvania’s year-round tick season, according to East Stroudsburg University’s Tick Research Lab. What to know during the first peak of this year, as cases of alpha-gal syndrome which causes a red meat and dairy allergy, pop up around the state. Common bacteria like the human papilloma virus, or H-P-V - can cause oral, head and neck cancers. Dental researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a chewing gum that could help eliminate these microbial causes, and ultimately reduce cancer risk. A show put on by the York County Quilters Guild celebrates the artistic side of the traditional craft. A bill requiring gun owners to lock their firearms, or place them in a safe when not being carried, advanced to the state House Monday over Republican objections. Gun locks and safes would be exempt from state sales tax under an amended version of a secure firearms storage bill Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced Monday. Members from Pennsylvania’s 47 rape crisis centers rallied at the state Capitol in Harrisburg Monday. They're calling for double the state dollars they receive, after six years of relatively stagnant funding. U.S. Steel plans to invest up to $2.5 billion into upgrades to its Mon Valley Works in Western P-A. The company forecasts that the upgrades will generate $1.7 billion for the state, according to a Monday report from the steelmaking giant.  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 [https://witf.org/increase] or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. [https://www.witf.org/givenow] And thanks!