Harrisburg

This week, WVIA's Lydia McFarlane and Sarah Hofius Hall discuss cell phone bans in area schools and what school leaders say are positive effects.

The stalemate between the Democratic-controlled House and the Republican-controlled Senate has kept billions of dollars from going to schools. They’ve missed out on $3.7 billion in expected state payments in July, August and September, according to the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

A man who scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and used beer bottles filled with gasoline to ignite the occupied Pennsylvania governor’s mansion pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted murder and other charges.

The Wyoming Valley Challenger baseball team, which played at the Little League World Series in August, received statewide recognition this week. State leaders welcomed the team to the floors of the House and Senate and the governor's office.

State lawmakers say they're making progress on Pennsylvania's budget, but we'll hear how their actions say otherwise. And travel to Williamsport with the WVIA News Team's coverage of the Little League World Series.

August 13, 2025 - The state budget impasse continues as Senate Republicans attempt to pass a temporary spending plan. Investigators are piecing together the cause of a deadly explosion at a U.S. Steel plant in Western Pa. And, scenes from the Little League World Series Grand Slam Parade.

August 12, 2025 - The WVIA News team will report live from the Little League World Series’ Grand Slam Parade this afternoon. Democrats in the state house look to meet the deadline set by SEPTA amidst stalled budget negotiations. And, a look at legislation that would ban PFAS in firefighting foam currently in the state legislature.

July 10, 2025 - Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill yesterday repealing the state’s Sunday hunting ban. Keystone Mission’s executive director stepped down early and Scranton business owners don’t want parking fees to go up or hours to extend for downtown meters.

June 30, 2025 - Today is the deadline for the state budget, but lawmakers are not close to a deal. Lisa Mazzarella will bring us some insight into the Danville Area Community Center. And, Bradford County Library has a new director after a tumultuous few years.

Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Aging, who previously directed Lackawanna County's Area Agency on Aging, was named to the advisory boards of two national organizations focused on meeting the needs of older Americans and protecting them from harm.