Pennsylvania budget

October 16, 2025 - The state’s overdue budget is impacting area schools. Property taxes stay the same in a new budget proposal from Lackawanna County’s commissioners. And, schools see results from cell phone bans.

The 38-year-old man accused of firebombing the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in April has pleaded guilty.

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.

Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District has twice as many Republicans as Democrats, but that isn’t discouraging a bunch of Democrats from trying to challenge off four-term Republican congressman Dan Meuser next year.

It was back to court Wednesday for the arguments about replacing former Lackawanna County commissioner Matt McGloin. This time, the sides argued about whether voters should get to pick the replacement in a special election Nov. 4.

Lackawanna County is still without a third commissioner after the state supreme court blocked Brenda Sacco's appointment. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania is still without a state budget as legislators return to Harrisburg.

The absence of a Pennsylvania budget — which means a lack of state money flowing to school districts — has educators considering loans and contemplating what bills to let sit unpaid.

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro says Republican lawmakers are stalling state budget talks to gain an advantage ahead of next year's governor's race. Meanwhile, State Sen. Doug Mastriano is still deciding whether he'll jump into the race for governor.

Dreams came true in South Williamsport on Saturday. Under blue skies and with an international audience, a team of baseball players from Luzerne County showed what can be possible in the 2025 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game.

Healthcare activists criticized the state Senate's proposed budget, which they say does not invest in home care workers who support Pennsylvania's aging population.