Latest news with #CentreCounty
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Public media is under attack — and so is your community
Imagine turning on your TV or radio and finding silence where 'Sesame Street,' local news and emergency alerts used to be. No more 'Our Town' stories celebrating your neighbors in Centre County. No more trusted voices guiding your children through their earliest years. No more WPSU. That's the future we could face if Congress approves the rescission package recently submitted by the White House. Among its sweeping cuts is the elimination of critical funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting — the lifeblood of local stations like WPSU. This funding represents 17% ($1.4 million) of our total $8.1 million budget, and its loss would jeopardize the essential services we provide every day across central Pennsylvania. Congress now has less than 45 days to review the proposal but is expected to move much more quickly. The Senate can pass it with a simple majority of just 50 votes, and lawmakers may amend what's included in the package. For over 60 years, WPSU has been more than a broadcaster. We've been a neighbor, a teacher, a storyteller, and a lifeline. We've documented the history of central Pennsylvania, celebrated its culture, and created safe, enriching spaces for your children. Now, all of that is at risk. Public media is not a luxury. It is an indispensable public service — one that reaches into every corner of our region. In rural areas like ours, WPSU is a vital source of local news, information, and educational programming. We are in your schools, your libraries, your homes. Our 'Our Town' series has empowered residents to tell the stories of their own communities — like Boalsburg, Bellefonte and Penns Valley. These broadcasts preserve local history, foster civic pride, and connect neighbors in ways no national outlet can. 'Keystone Stories' builds on that mission by exploring the people, places, and issues shaping life across central Pennsylvania. 'Cozy Corners' offer a warm, welcoming space for families to engage with storytelling and early literacy. Our educational outreach is equally vital. WPSU's 'Ready to Learn' initiative — already impacted by funding reductions — provides free, high-quality educational resources to children and families who need them most. We offer virtual field trips, in-classroom support, and family engagement events that bring learning to life. Our educators are in your community helping kids build reading skills, explore STEM, and develop social-emotional learning. And let's not forget the importance of local journalism. WPSU's newsroom provides locally focused reporting that keeps you informed and engaged. While our children's programming and local storytelling are cornerstones of our mission, WPSU also brings you acclaimed national content that defines public media. From the sweeping historical documentaries of Ken Burns to the scientific discoveries explored in 'NOVA' and 'Nature,' from dramas like 'Masterpiece,' to the trusted reporting of 'Morning Edition' and 'All Things Considered,' these programs inform, inspire and connect us to the wider world. WPSU's local and national programs provide nourishment for a lifetime of learning. The proposed cuts would devastate all of this. They would silence local voices, eliminate educational programming, and dismantle a trusted institution that has served central Pennsylvania for generations. And the impact would fall hardest on rural and underserved communities like our own — the very places that rely most on public media. This is about our collective future. Do we value access to education for every child, regardless of ZIP code? Do we believe in preserving local culture and history? Do we want a media landscape that includes community-focused voices and supports continuous learning for people of all ages, from preschoolers to retirees? Congress is reviewing this proposal now. If we don't speak up, these cuts could become law — and the damage would be irreversible. So, I'm asking you: Make your opinion known. Make your voice heard. Contact your representatives. Call 202-224-3121 or visit to find your elected officials' contact information. Share your view. Donate if you can. And most importantly, stand with us — because WPSU has always stood with you. For 60 years, we've been part of your life. We've told your stories, educated your children, and connected our communities. That legacy is now under threat. If we lose public media, we lose a piece of who we are. Isabel Reinert is the WPSU general manager.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why State College Pride attendees, organizers said this year's was the most important yet
Centre County's most colorful day of the year came Saturday in the form of State College Pride 2025 — the annual LGBTQ+ parade and festival — with organizers and attendees in agreement that this year's edition might've been the most important yet. With nearly 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced or enacted across the country this year, in addition to some locally vandalized Pride flags and decorations Friday, thousands descended on the rainbow-colored downtown Saturday to support, love, hope and fight. Pride flags hung from streetlights, rainbow-colored crosswalks greeted pedestrians, and thousands of attendees cheered and clapped during festivities that started with a parade, before continuing with guest speakers, a drag performance, and more. 'Last year, the queer community was in a different place, so I think last year was more of an unbridled celebration,' said Michel Lee Garrett, a board member for Centre LGBT+, which organized the fifth annual festival. 'This year, while the celebration is still here, I think we are rededicating ourselves to the importance of community. We are rededicating ourselves to the importance of solidarity, rededicating ourselves to the importance of Pride, not only as a celebration but as a protest and as a prayer and as a promise.' Saturday was not a protest in the strictest sense of the word. Instead of signs and placards, attendees came armed with smiles and colorful clothing. One man wore a T-shirt that read, 'I like my whiskey straight, but my friends can go either way.' Dog owners brought pets decked out in colorful bows and rainbow-colored tutus, while some attendees dyed their own hair in bright colors. Several members of the LGBTQ+ community said they've felt isolated at different points this year, like when Penn State Health discontinued gender-affirming care for minors due to an executive order from President Donald Trump. But seeing everyone Saturday, including all the allies and supporters, provided a needed reminder they're not alone. Scott McKenzie, a State College resident who sported a thick beard dyed multiple colors, never mentioned feeling isolated. But he did remark on just how important that feeling of community was. 'This is all about acceptance and compassion for everyone,' he said. 'Anybody that's actively coming out to support a Pride festival is my kind of person, regardless of whatever else is going on in their lives, because it's just about showing up to support a society of other people — knowing that we're all in the same community together and having an opportunity to just say, 'I'm here with you, for you.'' Added Natalie Hernandez, another local resident: 'It feels deeply important this year. It feels like a moment in time where you want to be demonstrating what's important to you. And just being here is really important.' An overcast morning might've deterred some parade goers, but Friedman Park was filled by noon. Even when those sitting on the lawn were forced to rotate between umbrellas and sunglasses — the rain stopped and started at least three times — the crowd only grew larger. They weren't discouraged by the weather, or by a string of vandalism Friday in State College. According to multiple accounts, the Pride flag hanging over the entrance to Faith UCC on East College Avenue was partially burned Friday and Pride decorations were torn down from Cafe 210. The State College Police Department issued an alert Friday, seeking a male suspect for 'criminal mischief and harassment.' And Chief John Gardner told the CDT on Saturday morning that the suspect has already been identified with the help of the Patton Township Police Department, and charges could be filed Monday. A handful of protesters also gathered at the park Saturday with large signs and a life-sized wooden cross. But about a dozen LGBTQ+ supporters surrounded them, keeping their distance but lifting their own signs and Pride flags so those by the protesters couldn't be seen. When one man with a megaphone began preaching fire and brimstone, some began drowning him out with chants of 'God is love!' The number of Christian churches and Jewish groups that took part in the Pride parade appeared to outnumber the protesting individuals. One of the participating drag queens said they walked over to say hello, before being met with shouts that they were going to hell. But, if heaven was filled with people like that, the drag queen quipped to attendees that they'd be happy to be left off the guest list. 'I've been blown away by all the energy,' added another drag queen, who went by the name Aurora and was named Mx. State College Pride 2025. 'Not that I didn't expect there to be people — it's been busy — but people are still going. It's been really great.' The exact attendance Saturday won't be known for at least another week or two. Anecdotally, some believed the parade wasn't as packed due to the morning's gloomy weather, but Centre LGBT+ executive director Cat Cook found Friedman Park to be more crowded than last year. She believed, in spite of the weather, the total attendance could've surpassed last year's mark of 5,000. Either way, organizers lauded the community for a strong showing. The number of tables this year, such as 'Free Mom Hugs,' doubled to about 70 on South Allen Street. More than 100 volunteers took part, and eight food trucks were set up near State High's Memorial Field. After the parade, where candy was thrown and bubbles blown, the festival kicked off after words from a half-dozen speakers. Grand Marshal Jacob Kelley, a non-binary drag queen whose alter ego is known as Trixy Valentine, might've best summed up the purpose of Pride. 'Take a moment right now and look around because you're seeing love,' they said. 'You're seeing resilience. You're seeing hope. You're seeing power. Pride is more than a celebration. ... Pride is a declaration that we are here. 'It's not revolutionary that we exist. We've always been here. We're just tired of being ignored. We want to be seen, authentically, for who we are. We want to be heard loud and proud, beautiful and colorful, without changing who we have to be.' Many have felt disenfranchised and/or unseen by the current presidential administration, which has rescinded anti-discrimination protections and has erased LGBTQ+ data collections. Earlier this month, it was even announced the U.S. Navy was forced to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship named for a slain gay rights leader. Lee Garrett, one of Saturday's speakers, acknowledged to the crowd that this is a difficult time for the LGBTQ+ community. And that's why Pride has never been more important. 'While it is difficult to celebrate these days, it feels like celebration is also an act of resistance. Joy is an act of resistance,' she said. 'Anti-queer forces would like nothing more than festivals like this to go away, and we're not going to let that happen. Queer joy is a radical, life-affirming act in a world that tells you that you are disgusting and should not exist. To take joy in yourself, and to take joy in your community, is transformative.' State College Pride 2025 was organized by Centre LGBT+ with help from State College Borough, the Downtown State College Improvement District, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and dozens of other sponsors.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Under the baobab: Devoted volunteers ensure fallen heroes are honored
Memorial Day is a sacred time when we honor our fallen heroes and sheroes. Last Saturday morning, Terry McGrory rose at the crack of dawn, as he has for the last 40 years. He gathered the flags he had gotten from the Veterans Association. He called his family to meet him at the Centre County Memorial Cemetery. Then he called a dozen or so volunteers with the same message. Rob Brown, a Vietnam vet, wasn't feeling well. His wife Linda asked if she could go instead. When the sun came up and they could read the tombstones, they fanned out over the cemetery. They erected 2,000 flags before 9 a.m. 'We want to get them in place before their families came to visit,' Terry said. The CCMC was the first of several cemeteries the team would service that morning. One of them, the Marysville African Methodist Episcopal resting place, had been abandoned years before. The church that cared for it has also disappeared. Only one grave site could still be recognized, Aaron Delige. Terry located Aaron's grave through info from the VA. He had graciously called to ask if I would like to place the flag on his grave. I was honored. Two other members of Aaron's family are listed among the U.S. Colored Troops from the Civil War on the monument in front of the Centre County Courthouse. They are among the 200,000 African Americans who enlisted in the Union Army. One of these was my great-great grandfather, Curtis McKenzie. My dad, also a vet, served during World War II in the segregated American Army. He later served in Korea and Vietnam. Behind the scenes Terry, Rob, Linda and the rest are heroes, paying tribute to our veteran ancestors who defended our country with their last measure of devotion. We thank all of them for their unheralded efforts. As part of the weekend, The Boalsburg Village Conservancy presented the 161st Memorial Day Service. Boalsburg is arguably the birthplace of Memorial Day, which began in 1864 when three women — Emma Hunter, Sophie Keller and Elizabeth Myers — decorated the graves of their loved ones. On Saturday, Jeff Brown acted as Master of Ceremonies. Pastor Jody Reese gave the invocation and benediction. The Level Best Quartet sang the national anthem. A presentation of stories about Boalsburg Civil War vets was given by Daughters of Union Veterans, Tent 62 which included Rebecca Crossley and Karen Hazel. The traditional firing of the cannons was conducted by Battery B. John Leskowicz played taps and Tracey Moriarty played 'Amazing Grace' on the pipes. Local political leaders including state Rep. Paul Takac and County Commissioner Mark Higgins were present. Other Happy Valley happenings Penn State music professor Tony Leach's spirit cascaded through the hundreds of people who overflowed Pasquerilla Spiritual Center for his 'Celebration of Life Through Song' tribute. The program lifted our hearts as we celebrated Tony's life, work and grace. Rev. Tabitha P. Lewis was officiant and gave the eulogy. Members of Tony's family, Bishop Myron Leach, Makayla Leach, Cynthia Leach and Neal Holter offered remarks and songs. A 200-voice choir, conducted by Eric Williamson, included many former Essence members including Orieyama Linebarger, Alfie Parker, Melanie Gerald, Kiena Williams, Sean Lynch, Fran Bettyow, Cori Avery, Christyn Geary, Ron Johnson. Clergy and dignitaries also included: Rev Elizabeth Eckman, Rev. Herbert Jones, Rev. Viola Bradford and Robert Drafall. Centre Safe Executive Director Jennifer Pencek welcomed folks to their 50th anniversary awards luncheon. Gina and John Ikenberry were recognized as Philanthropists of the Year. Douglas Hearn received the Community Service Award; Corporate Partner of the Year was Mount Nittany Health. The Bellefonte and Penns Valley area school districts shared the Partners in Prevention Award. Also present were Sue Paterno and County Commissioner Amber Concepcion. Après la pluie le beau temps. Charles Dumas is a lifetime political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party's nominee for U.S. Congress in 2012. He lives with his partner and wife of 50 years in State College.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Centre County, State College accused by Trump admin of defying immigration law
Both Centre County and State College were listed by the federal government Thursday as being among the more than 500 'sanctuary jurisdictions' accused of defying federal immigration law — although it is unclear why. Neither the county nor the borough received formal notification of its alleged noncompliance, both entities said Friday in separate written statements to the CDT. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) noted in a news release that such notification is forthcoming. Until then, although the community has largely billed itself as welcoming to all, it's unclear exactly why Centre County and State College were targeted. 'Centre County Government just became aware of this as well,' County Administrator John Franek said in an email. 'The county has not received any type of correspondence from the federal government regarding this matter.' According to the DHS, both State College and Centre County were listed among the 'sanctuary jurisdictions' — states, counties and cities — that 'protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril.' The DHS said it determined the 'sanctuary jurisdictions' based on factors like compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions and legal protections for immigrants who entered the country illegally. Again, it's unknown exactly how that applies to Centre County and State College. Borough leadership clarified in January 2017 that it was not a sanctuary city, noting a previous council resolution simply made value statements about immigration. Meanwhile, the county government never passed anything related to 'sanctuary jurisdictions,' a point also made by the Centre County Democratic Committee. 'This is merely a distraction by the current administration from their attacks on the poor, veterans and our communities,' the committee added in a written statement. Neither the borough nor the county offered any clues as to why they might be included on the DHS' list. They largely declined to answer questions from the CDT, including whether the federal government requested help with immigration enforcement so far this calendar year. The DHS, which has received pushback across the country, said the extensive list it created was not static and that the status of jurisdictions could change. 'Note that the list can be reviewed and changed at any time and will be updated regularly,' its website read. 'No one should act on this information without conducting their own evaluation of the information.' In Pennsylvania, five cities and 11 counties were placed on the list, which was created as a direct result of Executive Order 14287, signed on April 28. The primary risk of being on the list is the potential loss of federal funding, which would have a significant economic impact on the communities involved. Among the five cities on the list are Gettysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College and York. The 11 counties are Adams, Allegheny, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Dauphin, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Montour and Northampton. Immigration was a key campaign issue for President Donald Trump, and his administration has promised to annually deport more than a million immigrants. However, based on the current numbers, Trump is on pace to deport less than a quarter of that — and needs a significant boost to approach his goal. Former President Barack Obama carried out 432,000 deportations in 2013, an average of 36,000 per month, the highest annual total since records were kept. Trump carried out 17,200 deportations this past April.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wonder what the State College Area Connector could look like? Take a look
Newly released video simulations of the state's preferred route for the State College Area Connector offer one of the most detailed looks yet at the major highway project set to reshape travel through Centre County. The proposed route — unveiled by the state Department of Transportation earlier this month — would stretch about eight miles and connect U.S. Route 322 at Potters Mills to the Mount Nittany Expressway near Boalsburg. Flyover videos show how the recommended four-lane highway would wind through rural parts of Centre County, cutting through homes, farms, wetlands and an athletic complex. The project's estimated cost is $600 million to $900 million, a PennDOT spokesman told the Centre Daily Times. It's aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion in one of the county's busiest corridors. Sixteen residences would be displaced by construction, the fewest of the final three options PennDOT considered. Nineteen farms and 163 acres of farmland would also be affected. The agency also said its suggested route would have the smallest total effect on agricultural land and historic properties. It would avoid the Tusseyville historic district. More than a dozen bridges would be needed to mitigate impacts to wetlands and streams, the only drawback listed by PennDOT. Fifteen were listed among the other two potential routes. The agency cast the potential for encountering sinkholes as moderate. The central alignment was most preferred by those who responded to a public survey. PennDOT said 36% of respondents preferred the central route, compared to 35% who preferred the south alternative. Eighteen percent preferred the north alternative and 11% sought a combination or other alternative. The south alternative would have cut through the fewest farms, but also the most streams and wooded habitats by far. There would have also been a high potential for encountering acid-producing rock — something that can be harmful to plants and animals if left unchecked. The north alternative, meanwhile, would have displaced the most residences and cut through the most farms and farmland. PennDOT said there was a high potential for encountering sinkholes. In order to gain final approval, the Federal Highway Administration must sign off on certain environmental aspects of the project. From there, the project would head into a final engineering design phase that's expected to last from mid-2026 until the end of 2029. That phase would be followed by right-of-way acquisition. Construction is not expected to begin until 2030 and would take about six years to complete.
