WITF News

Trial begins in immigrant beating death

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:57:38 PDT

(Pottsville) -- Starting today, a jury in Schuylkill County will try to decide whether two teens should be held accountable for the death of an illegal immigrant from Mexico.

Municipalities consider regional authority

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:56:39 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The state may grant four Mifflin County communities more time to comply with stricter sewage treatment rules as they explore a possible partnership.

Conservatives find irony in use of stimulus for Independence Hall

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:55:27 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Philadelphia's Independence Hall is getting a new roof and the federal stimulus package is financing the repair job.

GOP not interested in Rendell's school consolidation plan

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:54:14 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- State lawmakers have yet to act on Governor Rendell's call to form a commission to study the feasibility of consolidating the number of school districts in the state.

Gypsy moth spraying to begin soon in midstate

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:42:25 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A spraying effort designed to cut down on the gypsy moth population will target state game lands across central and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Malpractice lawsuits decrease in PA

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:40:35 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Medical malpractice lawsuits have dropped significantly in the Commonwealth.

Biggest earthquake yet hits Dillsburg area

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:30:04 PDT

(Spring Grove) -- Today is the third day in a row that northern York County residents have felt a small earthquake.

Nonprofits's midstate chapters face different challenges

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:52:35 PDT

(Undated) -- The economic downturn is causing different problems for two midstate chapters of a nonprofit that helps those in need.

Rendell plans to be patient with gun control measures

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:55:13 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Governor Rendell says he knows it's an uphill battle, but is still pushing for gun control legislation in the state and across the country.

Upcoming workshop to assist teen entrepreneurs

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:45:12 PDT

(York) -- As midstate teens face an especially tough job market this summer, one group hopes to steer them toward starting their own businesses.

Proposal to lessen impact of expiration of rate caps altered

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:34:20 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A state House panel has amended legislation aimed at scaling back utility bill increases that will likely take place when the commonwealth's electric rate caps begin...

Video poker bill will be discussed by PA House panel

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:54:14 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Legalized video poker is slated to go under the microscope at the state Capitol later today.

Online time bank started by Shippensburg students

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:53:39 PDT

(Shippensburg) -- Some students at Shippensburg University are starting a project designed to build community by using time as currency.

Midstate to get three new historical markers

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:57:30 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Twenty-one new historical markers will soon be added across the commonwealth, including three in the midstate.

Museums fight to have state funding restored

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:51:39 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Museum advocates across the commonwealth say without state funding, many smaller learning centers will have to close their doors.

Survey suggests road rage is common

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:49:46 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A new national survey suggests aggressive driving behaviors, like those seen in three recent incidents in the midstate, are all too common.

Midstate school hits "green" anniversary

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:53:14 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- As people across the midstate celebrate Earth Day, a Dauphin County school is also marking a 'green' anniversary.

Gun owners rally at the PA Capitol

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:51:42 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Gun enthusiasts are making it clear to Governor Rendell that if he wants to pass gun control measures, he'll have quite the fight on his hands.

Paging problems prompt stepped-up efforts at York County 911

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:16:09 PDT

(York) -- York County is erring on the side of redundancy to make sure firefighters receive emergency calls.

Proposal would keep slots money from Philadelphia

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:54:12 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A state Senate panel has approved a bill to bar Philadelphia from receiving benefits from the state's Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund, until its two casinos are...

PA establishes autism center in midstate

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:44:39 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- One of three new regional autism centers unveiled by the state will be located in Central PA.

Stimulus funds earmarked for public housing overhaul

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:25:48 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- More federal stimulus money is headed for midstate public housing projects. Congressman Tim Holden today announced $1.2 million for the Dauphin County Housing Authority.

Dickinson and HACC announce partnership

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:52:34 PDT

(Undated) -- A group of honor students at one midstate community college will soon be able to attend a private college at a reduced rate.

Toomey touts his conservative ties

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:39:03 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Former Congressman Pat Toomey says he'd make a better Republican candidate than incumbent Arlen Specter during next year's general election.

Some midstate mayors back tougher gun laws

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:46:45 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Several midstate mayors are standing, once again, behind Governor Rendell's call for "common sense" gun control.

Wounded warriors will complete ride in Gettysburg

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:45:29 PDT

(Washington) -- A special group of cyclists will be traveling 110 miles this upcoming weekend from Washington to Gettysburg.

Some midstate stores unhappy with rising credit card interchange rates

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:44:26 PDT

(Sunbury) -- A number of midstate convenience and grocery stores are voicing frustration with rising credit card interchange rates.

Some midstate stores unhappy with rising credit card interchange rates

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:43:54 PDT

(Sunbury) -- A number of midstate convenience and grocery stores are voicing frustration with rising credit card interchange rates.

PA could benefit from federal plans for high speed rail

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:53:40 PDT

(Middletown) -- A high-speed rail line between Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh was among ten train corridors singled out by the Obama Administration during the president's recent...

Lancaster students could get free meals at school

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:53:07 PDT

(Lancaster) -- Some 10,000 midstate students may soon be getting free meals.

Economist says PA unemployment will continue to rise

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:52:38 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The latest unemployment numbers in the commonwealth aren't a surprise to one Harrisburg-based labor economist.

Bill would allow police to search parolees without probable cause

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:48:39 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The state House Judiciary Committee is considering a proposal to let police officers search one-time violent offenders out on parole for weapons, without the need for...

Gates says international cooperation needed to stop pirates

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:48:12 PDT

(Carlisle) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the U.S. needs to work with other countries, like France, to counter the threat of Somali pirates off the horn of Africa.

Midstate med students to Kiss Hershey Back

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:47:29 PDT

(Hershey) -- Hundreds of students at Penn State Hershey Medical Center will trade in their scrubs for bags, shovels and paintbrushes this coming Saturday.

Gun rights group opposes call for tougher laws by Rendell

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:15:06 PDT

(Pittsburgh) -- The head of the state's largest pro-gun political action committee is criticizing Governor Rendell's renewed call for tougher firearms laws.

Call for state to support alternative energy companies

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:13:30 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- One policy analyst is telling state lawmakers the commonwealth should focus economic support on companies specializing in renewable energy and energy efficiency technology.

Midstate arts groups face funding cuts

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:53:40 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Some midstate arts organizations are feeling the effects of the economic downturn.

Toomey-Specter race will have high national profile

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:16:51 PDT

(Allentown) -- With th a video posted on a new campaign website, former congressman Pat Toomey has officially kicked off a primary rematch with Republican Senator Arlen Specter.

Rotaries help provide free eye exams to Harrisburg students

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:16:37 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Some 300 students in the midstate will soon be able see more clearly.

PA homeowners warned to watch out for mortgage scams

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:16:18 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The state Banking Department is urging homeowners to beware of some companies trying to take advantage of them.

ACLU of PA hopes to take on ambitious agenda

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:18:01 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The ACLU of Pennsylvania heads into its biennial state conference this weekend in Dauphin County with big plans for the upcoming year.

Gates to visit Army War College

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:15:03 PDT

(Carlisle) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates is slated to visit the midstate tomorrow to talk about his efforts to re-prioritize his department's spending and strategic focus.

Marsico says changes are needed in casino application process

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:53:58 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico says his investigation of Mount Airy Casino Resort owner Louis DeNaples has given him a better understanding of flaws in the...

More people are taking on tax preparations themselves

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:53:18 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Today is the deadline to file your taxes. More people are trying to file taxes on their own, than ever before.

Pens and Flyers set to clash in NHL playoffs

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:51:57 PDT

(Philadelphia) -- Tonight marks the start of first-round of the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs.

Kasunic criticizes Ag Department for citing a church for a baked sale

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:51:17 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A state lawmaker is voicing his displeasure with the Agriculture Department's move to cite a western PA church for selling baked goods that weren't prepared on-site.

Statewide group touts Obama medical records initiative

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:35:05 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A statewide organization hopes an Obama administration initiative will broaden the implementation of electronic medical records.

Enrollment grows at PA community colleges

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:52:48 PDT

(Undated) -- Community colleges across the midstate have been experiencing increased enrollment during the economic downturn. That trend is also being reported throughout the commonwealth.

Giant to open first convenience store

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:50:16 PDT

(Carlisle) -- A midstate grocery store chain is getting into the convenience store business.

Players and fans pay tribute to Harry Kalas

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:49:43 PDT

(Philadelphia) -- Philadelphia Phillies fans of all ages will always remember the signature home run call of beloved broadcaster Harry Kalas. That call will be heard no more.

Controversy eases over storage of hand sanitizers at personal care homes

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:45:42 PDT

(Undated) -- Personal care homes across the commonwealth are getting some leeway from the state Department of Public Welfare about where they can keep their hand sanitizer.

Bienniel drill set for tomorrow at TMI

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:16:24 PDT

(King of Prussia) -- A graded drill at Three Mile Island tomorrow will bring together officials from the federal, state and local levels.

Task force aims to strengthen Schuylkill nonprofits

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:15:34 PDT

(Pottsville) -- The ailing economy is forcing many people to be more selective when it comes to making donations to their favorite causes.

Wetlands near Gettysburg battlefield to be preserved

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:22:12 PDT

(Gettysburg) -- An Adams County couple has donated a large piece of land to the Gettysburg Foundation.

State funding for PA public television stations threatened

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:51:04 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Governor Rendell's proposed budget recommends cuts in several areas, including state aid to museums, libraries and zoos.

Stability balls used in Berks County school

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:50:23 PDT

(Robesonia) -- A pilot program that's unique to the midstate could help some elementary school students stay more alert in the classroom and improve their posture.

Philadelphia man plans run for governor

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:49:30 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A Democrat running for governor says he has serious reservations about Governor Rendell's plan to legalize video poker in bars across the state.

Measure would clamp down on senators and nonprofits

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:06:39 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A proposal from two Republican lawmakers would prevent state senators from creating or influencing nonprofit community groups that get money from the commonwealth.

PPL revisits idea of expansion at Holtwood

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 07:28:31 PDT

(Allentown) -- PPL says it "hopes to pick up where it left off," as the company revives plans to expand its hydroelectric plant at the Holtwood Dam.

Leaked emails shed more light on alleged Bonusgate scheme

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:49:28 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A steady flow of leaked emails has raised new questions about the involvement of former House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese in an alleged illegal campaign scheme.

Courts work to keep jurors from using technology to leak trial info

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:43:41 PDT

(Lancaster) -- As cell phone ownership continues to grow, courts in the midstate are working to prevent trial details from getting out.

Midstate-based Marine unit will be welcomed home tonight

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:42:00 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Family members are preparing to welcome home a group of nearly 140 Marines who are due to return from Iraq tonight.

Report details economic impact of hospitals in PA

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:39:23 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A new report aims to shed light on the economic impact hospitals have on communities across the state.

Lawmaker doubts gun control proposals will be discussed

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:58:51 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- One of the General Assembly's top gun control proponents says he's resigned to the fact lawmakers probably won't pass any measures aimed at restricting firearms.

State lawmaker wants constitutional amendment

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:55:38 PDT

The national debate over the Employee Free Choice Act is heating up at the state Capitol.

Call for prevailing wage moratorium

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:52:05 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- School and municipal construction projects across the commonwealth would not have to pay prevailing wage, under a proposal by a midstate lawmaker.

Leftover food from post-proms will benefit soldiers and the needy

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:44:29 PDT

(Lancaster) -- A new effort led by a Lancaster County woman will benefit families in need, as well as midstate soldiers serving overseas.

Philadelphia casino location finally set

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:54:39 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Developers have agreed on a new location for the controversial Philadelphia Foxwoods casino.

New camp will help grieving children

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:54:04 PDT

(Carlisle)-- The founder of a new midstate camp for grieving children hopes the experience will help them heal, the way talking with other youngsters helped her.

Reed touts gateway projects in state of the city address

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:49:59 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed's priorities for the coming year include a citywide wireless internet system and moving ahead with so-called "gateway projects" on both the...

Alternative Marcellus Shale plan proposed

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:22:30 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Opponents of a plan to tax natural gas extractions from the state's Marcellus Shale deposits say Governor Rendell's projected revenue figures don�t add up.

Call to strengthen PA's nutrient credit program

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:20:27 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Midstate farmers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed may soon be able to earn "nutrient credits" and sell them to municipal authorities.

Relief effort underway by Italian American group

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:17:51 PDT

(Fairfield, NJ) -- An Italian-American service organization with more than a dozen chapters across the state is working to raise money to help the victims of Monday's earthquake in central...

PSU-Harrisburg receives largest-ever gift

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:16:38 PDT

(Middletown) -- Penn State Harrisburg has received a $3 million gift -- its largest ever. Officials say it was also the first anonymous gift in the school's history.

New bank name triggers new name for stadium

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:05:47 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The home of the Harrisburg Senators now has a new name. Commerce Bank Park is now known as Metro Bank Park.

Non-profit says it would welcome scrutiny from PA AG

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 02:45:35 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- State Attorney General Tom Corbett has filed a lawsuit against a Philadelphia non-profit group founded by a former state senator.

24-hour recycling facility opens in one midstate county

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 02:44:40 PDT

(Carlisle) -- Around-the-clock recycling centers officially open today in Cumberland County. And these depots will help the community in vastly different ways.

Gerlach critical of federal stimulus package

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 02:43:46 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A likely Republican candidate for governor says he's concerned the federal stimulus package will hurt future commonwealth budgets.

Midstate man helping Pittsburgh police with tragedy

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:13:16 PDT

(Pittsburgh) -- A Berks County man is working to coordinate efforts to help Pittsburgh police officers cope with the loss of three of their own in a shooting last weekend.

State lawmaker wants Luzerne judge victims compensated

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:09:19 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A Republican state Senator wants the victims of Luzerne County's juvenile judge scandal to be fairly compensated.

Passover to be celebrated despite synagogue fire

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:51:07 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Members of a Harrisburg synagogue devastated by fire this past weekend will still be celebrating a significant holiday this week.

Video poker bill to be introduced

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:43:57 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- More than two months after Governor Rendell first floated the idea, a bill will be introduced later this week in the state House to legalize video poker in bars across the...

Design snag slows Gettybsurg transit center plans

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:40:14 PDT

(Gettysburg) -- A major piece of a redevelopment effort in Gettysburg has hit a snag, which could lead to a negative ripple effect on other projects.

Disturbing trend emerging among police suspects

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:36:38 PDT

(Undated) -- Law enforcement officials in the midstate say the weekend incident that took the lives of three Pittsburgh police officers is part of a disturbing trend.

Traffic deaths down in the commonwealth

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:33:03 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Traffic deaths in the commonwealth have decreased for the third year in a row. With 23 fewer fatalities last year, the state saw its lowest rate since 1994.

Lower than normal rainfall could spell trouble this summer

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:55:21 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Officials with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission fear a dry spring could be setting the stage for a challenging summer.

First of its kind Autism program based in midstate

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:54:40 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A new midstate program for adults with Autism is the first of its kind in the country.

HERO project expanding across state

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:24:01 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A program designed to help protect children from sexual abuse is expanding across the commonwealth.

York economic development director has resigned

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:03:16 PDT

(York) -- Matt Jackson has resigned as York's economic development director. The move comes three weeks after he was placed on leave by Mayor John Brenner.

Head of Heritage Center of Lancaster County stepping down

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:02:18 PDT

(Lancaster) -- The man who's led the Heritage Center of Lancaster County for the last 16 years is stepping down. Peter Seibert has accepted a job as tourism director for Cumberland County.

Rendell says PA sports teams having best year ever

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:00:19 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Governor Rendell is making the argument that Villanova's trip to the Final Four is continuing the greatest stretch in Pennsylvania sports history.

Cyclorama building getting boost to preservation efforts

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:58:31 PDT

(Burlington, VT) -- The head of a group suing to preserve the Cyclorama building on the Gettysburg battlefield says a judge's recommendations in the case are a step in the right direction.

Midstate lawmaker wants to toughen bank robbery law

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:37:45 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- A midstate lawmaker is hoping the third time is the charm for his proposal to toughen the commonwealth's bank robbery law.

Lawmaker moves to keep Scranton School for the Deaf open

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:46:03 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The effort to keep the Scranton School for the Deaf is getting a boost from one state lawmaker.

Economic condtions delay plans for countywide health agency

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:45:07 PDT

(York) -- Backers of a proposed York County Health Department are no longer planning to present their initiative to county commissioners this month.

Conflicting studies on impact of Scotland School

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:54:08 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The fight over the future of the Scotland School for Veterans' Children has turned into a battle of studies and data.

Corbett says he won't step down

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:52:34 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The state Attorney General is rejecting a top Democrat's suggestion that he step down from his post before running for governor in 2010.

Rendell and labor leaders strike deal on state worker furloughs

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:34:45 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- Governor Rendell and labor leaders have struck a deal that would avoid furloughs for state workers.

Survey shows baby boomers and elderly worried over economy

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:32:09 PDT

(Chester) -- A new survey suggests baby boomers and the elderly are growing more concerned about the effects of the recession.

Second round of fraud charges filed against midstate doctor

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:40:50 PDT

(Harrisburg) -- The fraud and theft charges filed by state prosecutors against a Lancaster County physician reflect the second round of accusations against him.