News

Observers hope election turns up heat on budget

Pennsylvania counties last year lost millions of dollars and domestic violence programs in the state laid off workers, some of whom never returned to those jobs, as a result of state leaders missing the budget deadline by 135 days. This year, the June 30 deadline for a new, 2026-27 budget was 15 days away on Monday. Few specifics have been mentioned publicly about any closed-door negotiations between Republicans and Democrats. Those who got burned last year said they hoped the fact that many lawmakers and the governor are up for reelection in 2026 will grease the skids toward an ...

Everyday Economics: Americans working more but falling behind

Housing starts. May was another disappointment for anyone betting on a stronger year for the housing market, and single-family construction looks set to keep falling. Yes, rates are a little lower than a year ago, and housing costs themselves have cooled. But that’s cold comfort when the price of everything else is climbing. Adjust for inflation and disposable income is shrinking. A slightly cheaper mortgage doesn’t go far when the rest of the budget is stretched thin. The sluggish housing market is likely to keep builders on the sidelines. The cost of living. The average household ...

Improv takes stage on Thursday nights at Miller Cinemas

LEWISTOWN — On Thursday nights, instead of a movie rolling its credits, Theater No. 5 at Miller Cinemas shifts into something entirely different. The popcorn machine quiets down, the lobby empties out and a small crowd drifts toward a room where the only script is that there is no script at all. Miller Cinemas has opened its doors to a weekly, free improv workshop, a family-friendly space where anyone can watch, participate or simply test the waters. The sessions began on May 14 and now run every Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the theater, located at 46 W. Market St. in ...

Betsy Ross flag will be offered at silent auction

Taxpayers poised to pay $1M for security at Shapiro’s home

HARRISBURG — Following months of controversy and legal disagreements, Pennsylvania taxpayers appear poised to pay for more than $1 million in security upgrades to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private home in the Philadelphia suburbs. The state Office of Attorney General said in a statement Friday it had approved a settlement stemming from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s refusal to pay those bills. Republican Stacy Garrity — who leads the agency that oversees the payment of state dollars to employees, contractors, and others — had blocked the $1 million payment, saying state ...

PennDOT seeks public comment on program for transportation

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on the draft 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, a four-year plan outlining transportation projects eligible for federal, state, local and private funding. The public comment period is open through 5 p.m. June 30. According to PennDOT, the program includes 24 regional Transportation Improvement Programs and other transportation initiatives designed to support a safe and reliable transportation network across the state. The plan is updated every two years and is scheduled for adoption ...