News

Skill games are slot machines, must adhere to Pa gambling law

PA News June 17, 2026

HARRISBURG — Skill games are slot machines under Pennsylvania law and must adhere to the commonwealth’s crime and gambling statutes, the state’s highest court ruled Monday. However, the ruling says that law enforcement can’t take any action for 120 days. That gives the legislature a four-month window to decide whether to regulate the machines, which have proliferated across the state in taverns, gas stations, and corner stores despite existing in a legal gray area. An estimated 70,000 machines are operating in Pennsylvania. Republicans who control the state Senate said the ...

Energy future a defining issue in gubernatorial race

PA News June 17, 2026

Pennsylvania’s energy future is emerging as a defining issue in the 2026 governor’s race, and both Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity say their competing plans would make energy more affordable for residents. Garrity, speaking recently before the Marcellus Shale Coalition in Hershey, promised a natural-gas-first agenda that would lift barriers to drilling, speed permits for pipelines and power plants, roll back energy mandates, and position the commonwealth as a national and global energy leader. Her message offers a contrast with ...

In the region

Local News June 17, 2026

2026-27 hunting licenses to go on sale June 22 HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that its new hunting and trapping licenses for the 2026-27 seasons will go on sale Monday, June 22, 2026, at 8 a.m. The new license year begins July 1, 2026, at which time 2025-26 hunting and furtaker licenses, as well as mentored permits and other permits and privileges, will expire and new licenses will be needed before heading afield. Hunters can purchase their new licenses in person at any of the 500+ commercial license issuing agents, including county treasurer offices and ...

Calendar

Local News June 17, 2026

The Sentinel offers nonprofit and other community organizations an opportunity to promote upcoming events for free in the community calendar for three days before the event. Events requiring reservations may be promoted for up to two weeks before the reservation deadline. Events that require a purchase from a for-profit business, even if a donation is made to the organization, are not eligible for the calendar. Please be brief and include only basic details. If possible, provide a phone number or email address to be published with contact information. Submit items at least one week ...

Juniata resident urges pause to solar, data centers

Local News June 17, 2026

MIFFLINTOWN — A Juniata County resident on Tuesday urged county commissioners to halt new industrial-scale solar projects and consider a temporary moratorium on data center development until planning documents are updated and reviewed by the public. Speaking during public comment at the commissioners’ meeting, Kylie Naylor said the county’s comprehensive plan should play a larger role in guiding decisions involving large-scale development projects. Naylor referenced the county’s comprehensive plan, which asks residents to consider what kind of community they want Juniata ...

Funding secured for Historic Courthouse

Local News June 17, 2026

LEWISTOWN — “The recent announcement of $623,263 in Main Street Matters funding will be utilized to upgrade program spaces for the Mifflin County Historical Society, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau as part of phase 3 rehabilitation of the landmark Historic Courthouse on Monument Square” said Rob Postal, Chairman of the Mifflin County Commissioners. “These funds provided through the PA Department of Community & Economic Development are a crucial part for continuing renovation of the iconic building” he added. “The Main Street Matters Program is an ...