News

Mount Nittany workers authorize strike plans if contract talks fail

Local News July 7, 2026

STATE COLLEGE — Union employees at Mount Nittany Medical Center have overwhelmingly authorized a strike if contract negotiations fail to produce a new labor agreement, according to SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania. The union announced that 99% of members who voted Thursday authorized the bargaining committee to issue a strike notice if necessary. Negotiators are scheduled to return to the bargaining table Monday. The workers’ contract expired July 1. Under federal law, the union would be required to provide the hospital with a 10-day notice before any strike could begin. Union ...

Penn State nursing leader retires after 37-year career

PA News July 7, 2026

STATE COLLEGE — After nearly four decades of educating future nurses and expanding nursing education across Pennsylvania, Dr. Raymonde “Rae” A. Brown retired from Penn State on July 1, concluding a 37-year career in nursing education and academic leadership. Brown began her nursing ...

New income guidelines announced for free, reduced-price school meals

PA News July 7, 2026

From staff reports HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Education has announced updated federal income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals for the 2026-27 school year. The guidelines, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, took effect July 1 and will be used by schools to determine eligibility for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe encouraged eligible families to apply, saying access to nutritious school meals helps students stay healthy and focused on ...

Funeral arrangements announced for a fallen state trooper

PA News July 7, 2026

From staff reports ASHLAND — The Pennsylvania State Police have announced funeral arrangements for Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr., who was killed in the line of duty July 1 while conducting a commercial vehicle inspection in Schuylkill County. Visitation will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, at North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School, 15 Academy Lane, Ashland. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Both the visitation and funeral are open to the public. Burial services will be private. The funeral service will be livestreamed by Commonwealth Media Services and ...

In the region

Local News July 7, 2026

Ward to host senior expo in Reedsville REEDSVILLE — The annual Mifflin County Senior Expo from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 28, at the Reedsville Fire Company, 16 Pa. 655, Reedsville. The free event will feature vendors offering information about services and resources available to older adults. Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive health screenings, enter door prize drawings and enjoy light refreshments. Habitat to host free Lunch and Learn LEWISTOWN — Habitat for Humanity of Mifflin County will host a free Lunch and Learn from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July ...

Lewistown man charged with strangulation

Local News July 7, 2026

LEWISTOWN — A Lewistown man is facing felony charges after borough police say he assaulted a woman during a domestic dispute, striking her, choking her and causing injuries that included a broken tooth. Shawn David Woodward, 34, was charged Sunday with felony strangulation, misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Craig A. Weston, who set bail at $75,000. Unable to post bail, Woodward was committed to the Mifflin County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 15 before Weston. According ...