The Morning Agenda

President Donald Trump visited a Mack Trucks facility in the Lehigh Valley Tuesday. The visit was designed to shift attention to the U.S. economy in our battleground state.Pennsylvania lawmakers and officials have debated for years about how to regulate so-called "skill games" in businesses across the state. But state Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa says he believes lawmakers can reach agreement by a court-ordered October deadline.An advocacy group that targeted some Republican incumbents this spring says it will help elect GOP hopeful Stacy Garrity as governor. But the group remains controversial. Some Pennsylvania police departments continue coverage for families of fallen officers killed on duty. But not all do … and even where that benefit is provided, it’s subject to change - depending on union contract negotiations. A proposal in the state House would make survivor benefits permanent in all municipalities.For the first time since 2018, Pennsylvanians may see a gubernatorial debate. Spokespeople for incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican challenger Stacy Garrity tell our partners at Spotlight PA that the candidates are both willing to participate in at least one debate leading up to November’s general election.Former York City Councilwoman Toni Smith has died at the age of 92. Smith served on York City Council for 16 years and earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for her constituents.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.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has announced over $2.2 million in Keystone Historic Preservation grants. Community gardeners and farmers in Philadelphia are now able to borrow pieces of equipment and power tools from the city in an innovative new program kicking off this summer. A Western Pennsylvania woman whose husband has been detained by immigration officials shared her story last week with Butler County Commissioners. She's speaking out to bring attention to the issue of immigration enforcement. The Pennsylvania Film Office is awarding 117 million dollars through the state's Film Production Tax Credit Program to a record 59 film projects across the state, including an independent production filmed in Gettysburg and Adams County.And we are proud to announce a piece of our own news this morning: WITF's parent organization Pennon is appointing a new president and CEO. Maximilian Duke brings more than 25 years of public media leadership to the role. 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.

Summer vacation is starting for school students, but it isn’t all pool days and sunshine. Children and families tend to struggle with food insecurity more during the summer months.A bill to enhance nuclear power plant inspections has passed the State House. The measure appears to have bipartisan support.We’ve already experienced temperatures above 90 degrees this June – and the official start of summer is just days away. As we prepare for the continuing heat, many of us are also looking for ways to reduce our energy bills. Dan McCunney, senior communications manager at NRG Energy, says wisely setting your thermostat and changing or cleaning your system’s air filter can make a significant difference. Summer Energy-Saving Tips from NRG | The SparkPennsylvania's highest court has ruled that skill games are considered slot machines under state law. This means they must comply with crime and gambling statutes. A Dauphin County golf course is being sold to a data center developer. Final settlement took place Monday for the sale of Dauphin Highlands Golf Course – from the Dauphin County General Authority to Texas-based Provident Realty.More than a dozen minor victims and their parents are suing Lancaster County Day School, AI companies, and two students who created 350 deepfake nude images of their classmates.The State Department of Labor and Industry is reminding employers, parents and young workers about their rights and responsibilities as the summer jobs season gets into full swing. The National Weather Service confirms a tornado touched down in southern Lancaster County on Sunday night.Thursday (today) a central PA tradition returns for its 95th annual celebration. It’s Jubilee Day in Mechanicsburg, billed as the largest, longest-running one-day street fair on the East Coast.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!

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. And thank you.

Blue crab populations in the Chesapeake Bay are rebounding from a near-record low. Environmental protection efforts in Pennsylvania are helping keep the water clean downstream.Western PA Congresspersons Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio say mine operators must do more to help communities dig out of problems left behind when mines close.A federal judge is denying bail for a York County man, citing a history of online threats and alleged illegal gun possession. The criminal case gives insight into how the federal government monitors and prosecutes people connected to certain neo-Nazi groups.The developer of an ICE warehouse in Berks County is paying more than $82,000 dollars to resolve deficiencies.Five fatal crashes happened over the Memorial Day holiday weekend - and two involved intoxicated driving. Pennsylvania State Police report there were a total of 843 crashes over the four-day weekend.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 an update on our WITF Central PA Spelling Bee Champion. Among the 247 spelling bee champions from across the country, competing this week at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, our WITF Central PA Spelling Bee Champion 11-year-old Vedika Burman of Central Dauphin Middle School, has finished in 79th place.(Click here for Vedika’s recent interview on The Morning Agenda.)

Pennsylvania's unemployment rate held steady during the month of April. The jobs numbers show record highs in some industries.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering adding a new ingredient to sunscreen products for the first time since 1999. Dermatologists are hopeful the new ingredient could expand options for sun protection. A new report released by the state Insurance Department could offer lawmakers a path forward to help struggling pharmacies. Twenty-six Pennsylvania high schools are receiving state grants to strengthen the pipeline of special education teachers. Pennsylvania will have a new state librarian later this week, beginning May 30th. And a deeper dive: Grocery stores typically have shopping carts that can fit a toddler, or even shopping carts that look like race cars where small kids can ride along. There are also motorized scooters for people with mobility issues. But there's also another type of shopping cart, one that advocates for people with disabilities say should be more widely available.

On this Memorial Day, we have a special episode for you – a conversation with Dale and Jan Hanby, hosts of WITF’s newest podcast “Cloth of the Nation.”

Pennsylvania lags behind most of the country in increasing renewable energy.State Senator Doug Mastriano has been nominated to serve as the next US ambassador to Slovakia.The U.S. Senate has confirmed Brian Miller as the United States Attorney for the Moddle District of Pennsylvania.The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Cumberland County attorney Richard Lee King.The City of Reading has officially broken ground on a major solar energy project on the public works campus.