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Court rules skill games should be illegal

The state Supreme Court on Monday ruled that skill games, slots-like machines found by the thousands in taverns, convenience stores and other retail businesses, should be considered illegal — ending a yearslong stalemate over whether the devices are permissible under the state’s gaming and crime laws. The justices remanded the case to Commonwealth Court for related proceedings and stayed their order for four months so that lawmakers can respond if they choose to do so. “Today’s ruling is a significant victory for consumers, taxpayers and the rule of law in Pennsylvania,” ...

Altoona Area School Board adopts 3% tax increase

By a split 5-4 vote, the Altoona Area School Board adopted the final 2026-27 general fund budget with a 3% tax increase Monday, with board President Val Mignogna, Vice President Kelly Irwin Adams, Bob Pacifico and Stephanie McGinnis opposed. The budget’s revenues are listed at about $129.3 million, while expenditures total slightly more than $135.1 million, leaving the district with a deficit of about $5.78 million. With the 3% tax increase, the district’s millage rate is now set at 7.3003 mills. The increase will generate about $666,509 in revenue for the district, according to ...

AMED planning to build new station near Claysburg

AMED is planning to build a new ambulance station near Claysburg, in cooperation with Greenfield Township, to radically cut down the time it takes to respond to emergencies in the rapidly growing Claysburg area. Currently, it takes about 18 minutes for ambulances at AMED’s station in Roaring Spring to respond to the Claysburg area, but when the new station is built on a lot along old Route 220 at Park Road, it will take about five minutes, according to AMED Executive Director Gary Watters. Recent or proposed development in the area includes expansion connected with the Sheetz ...

Services for crime victims face funding cuts

HARRISBURG — Across Pennsylvania, organizations that provide resources for crime victims are scaling back services, cutting positions, and leaving key roles vacant after the federal fund supporting them has received record-low deposits during President Donald Trump’s second administration. These providers offer no-cost services to people dealing with the aftermath of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other kinds of crimes. “Domestic violence victims who call in the middle of the night, who have been strangled, they try to get them to a shelter so they can feel safe,” ...

Legislators consider legalizing electric scooters for urban use

Local officials could authorize electric scooter programs as a new urban ride option under House legislation considered Monday. The Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1633 sponsored by Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, promoting the commercial e-ride option and private use of scooters as well. HB1633 would apply to Pittsburgh, Scranton and 53 third-class cities. Pennsylvania currently allows the sale of motorized scooters, but not their use. Despite that, scooter use is proliferating. Kinkead said she wants to build on a pilot program operating in Pittsburgh ...