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Liberty Tree planted in Tyrone

TYRONE — Tyrone Borough officials reaffirmed their love of freedom by planting a Liberty Tree Monday for the 250th anniversary of Pennsylvania ratifying its first constitution. The tulip tree planted near the Tyrone Railroad Park came from Mifflin County. It is expected to grow up to 150 ...

Hometown taste: Altoona boasts its own unique food traditions

Altoona-style pizza. Texas hot dogs. The Curve Burger. Mallo Cups. Are you drooling yet? Although internet users call this food niche and a bit peculiar, these delights have shaped Altoona’s culture, passing down well-loved recipes through generations. Several longtime restaurants and ...

Thousands miss out on utility assistance

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s electric and natural gas companies are required to offer discounted bills to low-income customers, but for years the programs have reached only a fraction of those who qualify. Now the long-running debate about how to increase the number of customers getting help is taking on new urgency as utility bills skyrocket and shutoffs hit record highs. A new data-sharing system could help increase participation, but opposition from the state Public Utility Commission is thwarting efforts to use the data in the way consumer advocates argue would be most ...

Former Central High School teacher, historian publishes book on WWII veteran

Philip Waite has been a World War II history buff for most of his life. Everywhere he’s gone, he’s been influenced by WWII veterans who have further blossomed his interests. In seventh grade, Waite recalled having WWII veteran Melvin Bennet as a substitute teacher who asked his class ...

Stormwater projects discouraged

An executive order by President Trump discouraging Chesapeake Bay stormwater control projects is getting pushback from Gov. Josh Shapiro. Trump issued the order last week directing that federal agencies give priority to water quality projects in the Bay watershed rather than ones that increase costs to individuals with local stormwater management fees. Critics call them rain taxes. “The Trump Administration is committed to supporting a healthy Chesapeake Bay without burdensome and costly ‘rain taxes,’” the order said. Gov. Josh Shapiro said local officials retain their ...

Low-income assistance costs raise questions

HARRISBURG — As rising energy prices drive up the cost of the customer assistance programs that Pennsylvania electric and natural gas utilities are required to offer, the question of who should pay for them is still hotly disputed. In Pennsylvania, those costs are shouldered solely by residential customers. Businesses and factories don’t have to contribute, unlike in other states. The programs offer much-needed relief for the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, lowering monthly bills and offering a path to debt forgiveness. But as energy costs increase, the price tag for the programs ...