Pennsylvania politics

On this week's News Voices, WVIA's Roger DuPuis and Sarah Hofius Hall talk about proposed bipartisan legislation that would require Pennsylvania schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during the school day.

Pennsylvania classrooms are one step closer to becoming cell phone-free. The Senate Education Committee this week advanced bipartisan legislation that would require schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during the school day.

December 1, 2025– Toyota of Scranton will host a blood drive tomorrow in honor of Giving Tuesday, to raise money and fortify blood donations in support of two employees’ family members. The state budget has a new fund for neurodegenerative disease research, and a Lackawanna County lawmaker helped lead the charge. And, a Luzerne County nonprofit brings together the region’s older adults and disadvantaged with soup.

State Rep. Kyle Mullins’ father died from ALS in 2022. That loss motivated him to fight for neurodegenerative disease research through legislative action. He helped secure $5 million in the state budget for research on neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Candidates for Scranton mayor debated Thursday night at the University of Scranton ahead of November’s election.

The Recovery in Nature initiative encourages Pennsylvanians, especially those living with substance use disorder, to get outside and take advantage of the healing power of nature during National Recovery Month.

September 1, 2025 - There’s confusion over potential changes coming this fall for vaccines. Columbia County Residents look to Penn State Extension for answers on PFAS in their community. Lisa Mazzarella sits down with the founder of Indraloka Animal Sanctuary. And, good news for Pennsylvania hunters about Sunday hunting.

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.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration says billions of dollars in aid to Pennsylvania's schools and human services will be delayed, as he and the politically divided Legislature struggle to end their month-long budget stalemate.