Breaking News

Local News

Report ranks state in bottom third in ‘educational freedom’

Pennsylvania ranks in the bottom third of states overall in educational freedom, according to a new report. The Heritage Foundation’s Education Freedom Report Card ranked the commonwealth 36th overall, down six places from 2025, with declines in three of five categories: education choice, teacher freedom, and transparency; and in return on investment and civics education. The rankings combine policies and statistics from multiple years, including 2020-2021 school spending, 2024 national assessment results, and more recent information on education choice and teacher ...

Bank again part of annual food drive

A growing need is being spotlighted in an annual food drive. Northwest Bank is once again sponsoring the Erie News Now Food Drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, an annual event dedicated to alleviating hunger and supporting families in need. The food drive ...

Dean talks costs, accountability, and Senate performance

Just two years after Republicans won races up and down the ballot across the nation, U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean believes Democrats could flip several of those seats back in Pennsylvania. Throughout the 2026 cycle, Democrats in the Keystone State and beyond have placed their focus on four ...

Cold-weather life jacket law underway

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds boaters, anglers, and hunters on Sunday, the annual cold weather life jacket requirement went into effect. From Nov. 1 through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters. Even on warm, sunny days, from late fall through early spring, water temperatures can remain frigid on rivers, lakes, and streams across the Commonwealth. Sudden ...

Retirement system earns recognition for transparency in reporting

The Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) continues to earn national recognition for transparency and excellence in financial reporting with two awards this year, building on its longstanding record of achievement. PSERS received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR) for its Summary Annual Financial Report (SAFR) for the 10th consecutive year. The agency also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual ...

Pennsylvania ‘advanced age’ population balloons as number of kids shrinks

When a new Legislature gets to work in Harrisburg next year it will grapple with a state financial picture in which the ink is mostly red - but the bigger picture is that Pennsylvania continues to turn gray. The school-age population in the state shrank by more than 3% in the five years ending in 2025 and will shrink at even greater rates between now and 2035, according to a new report from the state Independent Fiscal Office. Meanwhile, the "advanced age" category increased by nearly 10% in the same stretch and will continue growing at a rate of 18% or more. Lawmakers in Harrisburg ...