Category: State News

Department of Education Allows Schools to Delay Standardized Tests Until the Fall
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Acting Education Secretary Noe Ortega announced that the department has submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) confirming that Pennsylvania will allow public schools the option to postpone federally-required academic achievement and English learner proficiency tests until the fall.

Why Spotlight PA is Spending a Year Investigating Pennsylvania’s Redistricting Process
In 2021, a handful of politicians will wield power over one of the most consequential and overlooked aspects of our democracy: redrawing Pennsylvania’s political districts.

Pennsylvanians Can Now Use COVID Alert PA To Access Important COVID-19 Vaccine Information
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam announced that Pennsylvanians can now use COVID Alert PA to access important COVID-19 vaccine information through an updated version of the app.

Venango County Reports Seven New COVID-19 Cases; One New Case, One Additional Death Reported in Forest County
HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) – The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that Venango County reported seven new COVID-19 cases as of 12:00 a.m. on February 26.

New Coronavirus Grants for Small Pa. Businesses Aim for Inclusivity, but Can’t Track Success
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Applications open next month for $145 million in state grants for small hospitality businesses, with a significant change by lawmakers intended to ensure the money is more accessible to low-income and minority owners shut out from some relief last year.

Levine Questioned on Missing Pa. Nursing Home Data in Federal Confirmation Hearing
HARRISBURG, Pa. — During a federal confirmation hearing Thursday, former Health Secretary Rachel Levine was questioned about the ongoing data discrepancies in Pennsylvania’s public reports on nursing home coronavirus deaths and cases.

Secretary Of Agriculture: Pennsylvania Dogs To Face Horrific Consequences For Legislature’s Inaction On Dog License Fee Increase
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was joined by partners in animal welfare to bring to light the horrific conditions that Pennsylvania dog wardens prevent and report on a regular basis.

Venango County Reports Ten New COVID-19 Cases
HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) – The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that Venango County reported ten new COVID-19 cases as of 12:00 a.m. on February 25.

Counties Will Again Be Unable to Process Mail Ballots Early During Pa.’s Primary Election
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Local officials in Pennsylvania are facing another election without extra time to process mail ballots, likely leading to delayed results and putting increased pressure on counties reeling from the most expensive contest ever.

Department of Health Warns Pennsylvanians of Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Small Pet Turtles
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) advised Pennsylvanians of an outbreak of Salmonella linked to small pet turtles purchased from roadside or street vendors.