News

Pa budget is late for fifth year in a row

PA News July 2, 2026

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s budget is late for the fifth year in a row. The Republicans who control the state Senate sent their members home on the Tuesday deadline without a deal, and said in a statement that the week’s talks had given them “necessary clarity on many outstanding issues which were delaying completion of this year’s budget.” They estimated that a deal will be in the offing “in the days following July 4th” and said they’ll return to session once final language is ready. The Democrats who lead the state House were less positive in a news conference ...

State lawmakers want to lower electric bills

PA News July 2, 2026

HARRISBURG — Responding to public anger over soaring energy costs, Pennsylvania lawmakers in both parties have voted in support of a massive tax cut that would lower electric bills for customers across the state — although they have said little publicly about how to pay for the $1.7 billion hole the measure would create in the budget. Legislators in both parties are touting it as the largest tax cut in Pennsylvania history, although it’s not clear whether it will actually become law. The proposed change would eliminate a 5.9% state tax on the sale of electricity. It would take ...

Amid $41B shortfall, Pa teachers’ pension cites private equity

PA News July 2, 2026

Pennsylvania’s public-school employees’ pension fund is $41 billion short of what it needs to pay promised benefits. Last year, it missed the investment benchmark that officials set, a result they said was “primarily due to performance within private equity.” As of Dec. 31, Pennsylvania’s Public School Employees’ Retirement System held $85.3 billion in assets, making it one of the nation’s largest public pension funds. PSERS invested $10.1 billion in private equity with a goal of earning a 10.06% return. It returned just 2.59%. According to PSERS, private equity reduced ...

Celebrate with a festive Fourth of July

Local News July 2, 2026

Of course, fireworks — whether of the rockets red glare variety or those from nature — headline the list of things to this holiday weekend. It’s just that time of year. Here’s a glance at this weekend’s things to do: Head outdoors to Greenwood Furnace • Historical walking tour, 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon. Join a park naturalist for a walk through the historical district as you learn about the village that dominated the area for 70 years. Meet at Blacksmith Shop. • “Nature’s Fireworks,” 8 to 9 p.m. Friday, Greenwood Furnace ...

Calendar

Local News July 2, 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 ...

Greenwood Furnace celebrates history

Local News July 2, 2026

HUNTINGDON — As Independence Day weekend arrives in the region, Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon is preparing to welcome families with a lineup of free programs that blend early American history, outdoor exploration and a touch of patriotic fun. The park will host a series of events on Friday and Saturday designed to connect visitors with the stories, skills and natural wonders that shaped the region. Blacksmith demonstrations The celebration begins Friday afternoon with blacksmith demonstrations at the historic Blacksmith Shop from 1 to 4 p.m. Park volunteer Don ...