News

Democrats’ caucus committees outspend GOP counterparts 2 to 1

PA News October 30, 2026

HARRISBURG — Spending by campaign committees for all four legislative caucuses in Harrisburg hit a 10-year high in the homestretch of this election, with bullish Democrats shelling out more as that party looks to capture the state Senate and, possibly, a government trifecta. The campaign committees collectively spent $51 million from June 8 to Oct. 19 — the most in that period in the last decade. During the same reporting cycle in 2024, the committees spent $36.5 million; in 2020, they spent $24.2 million; in 2016, just $10.2 million. House and Senate Democrats’ campaign ...

Pennsylvania 'advanced age' population balloons as number of kids shrinks

PA News October 30, 2026

(The Center Square) - When a new Legislature gets to work in Harrisburg next year it will grapple with a state financial picture in which where the ink is mostly red - but the bigger picture is that Pennsylvania continues to turn gray. The school-age population in the state shrank by more than 3% in the five years ended in 2025 and will shrink at even greater rates between now and 2035, according to a new report from the state Independent Fiscal Office. Meanwhile, the "advanced age" category increased by nearly 10% in the same stretch and will continue growing at a rate of 18% or ...

Data center question at the center of one of Pa.’s critical legislative races

PA News October 30, 2026

HARRISBURG — A critical swing seat in Pennsylvania’s state Senate could come down to which candidate can convince voters they’re more firmly opposed to data centers. Incumbent Republican Tracy Pennycuick and Democratic challenger Chris Thomas are spending millions of dollars blanketing the 24th state Senate District in ads that accuse the other of being in the pockets of data center developers, as several local proposals draw community opposition. Spanning parts of Berks and Montgomery Counties, the district is among the upper chamber’s most competitive this cycle. Republicans ...

United Way launches campaign with $375,000 goal

Local News October 30, 2026

LEWISTOWN — The United Way of Mifflin-Juniata has launched its 2027 Annual Campaign with a fundraising goal of $375,000 to support human service programs throughout Mifflin and Juniata counties. The campaign began in conjunction with the organization's annual Day of Caring, held Sept. 16, when volunteers completed service projects at locations throughout the two counties. Volunteers painted, repaired facilities and completed landscaping projects at human service agencies, parks, ball fields, playgrounds and other community locations. The projects provided assistance to local ...

Police reports

Local News October 30, 2026

Driver flees scene after Wayne Township crash MOUNT UNION — State police at Lewistown are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred at 8:29 p.m. Oct. 4 on Ferguson Valley Road near Irvin Ridge Road. Police said an unidentified driver traveling east on Ferguson Valley Road crossed into the opposing lane while negotiating a right curve and struck a westbound 2005 Buick Park Avenue driven by Tracy White, 56, of McVeytown. The collision damaged the driver's side mirror and side of White's vehicle. The unidentified driver fled the scene. White was wearing a seat belt and was not ...

State police announce drone restrictions

Local News October 30, 2026

STATE COLLEGE — The Pennsylvania State Police announced temporary flight restrictions and enhanced drone security measures for Saturday's Penn State football game against Purdue at Beaver Stadium. The restrictions will take effect at 3:15 p.m., one hour before the scheduled 4:15 p.m. kickoff, and remain in place until one hour after the game ends. The restricted airspace will extend 3 nautical miles around Beaver Stadium and up to 3,000 feet above ground level. Unauthorized drone flights will be prohibited within that area. State police will conduct counter-drone operations in ...