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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Altoona Area High School commencement rescheduled due to weather concerns
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Families planning to celebrate graduation in Altoona this weekend will need to adjust their schedules. The 149th Altoona Area High School Commencement has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 31, at 6 p.m. due to predicted inclement weather. Originally scheduled for Friday, the ceremony will now take place at Mansion Park Stadium, with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. The district cited forecasts calling for rain and wind that would make outdoor conditions uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. The district acknowledged that the sudden shift may cause difficulties for some families but emphasized the importance of a positive and smooth ceremony for students and guests. Officials plan to monitor the weather and say any further changes will be announced by noon Saturday. Parking for families and guests will be available in the Amtran Lot next to the Sheetz Training Center, the baseball and Little League outfields, and other nearby designated areas. Accessible parking will be provided at the Sheetz Training Center and in marked areas outside the stadium. Accessible seating will be located on the Home Side track and select areas in the stands. Guests requiring accessible access are encouraged to enter through the scoreboard end zone gate. All other attendees are asked to use general stadium seating. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be broadcast live by MLTV starting at 3:55 p.m. The event is open to the public, and the district extended its congratulations to the Class of 2025 and their families. More details and updates can be found on the district's official website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Senators look to protect worker gender identity, expression in workplace
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Two Pennsylvania Senators announced legislation that aims to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Senators Steven Santarsiero (D-Bucks) and Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) argued in their new bill that in Pennsylvania, no one should be fired from a job, or denied housing or excluded from public spaces because of who they are. Their bill is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 150, which was co-sponsored by over 10 Senators. In Pennsylvania, the Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations based on an individual's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, education status, handicap or disability. However, the act does not cover sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. 'Pennsylvania should be seen as a place that welcomes any individual who wants to work hard, succeed, and contribute to our economy without the fear of being fired, refused services or denied something as basic as a place to live because of who they are,' The legislation reads. 'Surveys repeatedly show that over 70% of Pennsylvanians agree.' The Senators argued that while there has been an increase in the number of Pennsylvania municipalities that have passed non-discrimination ordinances, without a statewide law, there are individuals across the Commonwealth who risk not being protected. The legislation noted that other states have already passed similar bills safeguarding an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Mac's Law: New bill would prohibit insurance discrimination against dog breeds
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A proposed law, named after a dog, will soon be introduced in the Pennsylvania House and will work to prevent discrimination against different breeds. Mac's Law would prevent homeowners from being discriminated against solely based on the breed of dog they own. In a memo, Representative Kathleen Tomlinson shared that a constituent in her area spoke up on issues that they had with getting homeowners insurance due to the fact that they owned a pitbull. ''Mac' the pit bull never had a history of being aggressive, and to be perfectly clear, he wouldn't hurt a fly. He was judged by an insurer purely because of his breed,' Tomlinson wrote. Pennsylvania parking ticket fines could change under new bill The proposed legislation would prohibit this type of discrimination. The stereotype against pitbulls isn't something that's new as it's estimated that nearly 800 cities and towns have Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL). Things like breed discriminatory legislation are the result of misinformation, stereotypes and irresponsible ownership that can reinforce it. BSL most often impacts Pitbulls, Staffordshire Terriers, English Bull Terriers, but it's been known in other areas to include Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers. It can also affect mutts or other dogs that resemble them. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are 4.7 million dog bites each year and 800,000 will require medical attention. It's also worth noting that critics argue that 100% of locations that have BSL will continue to see reports of bites as 'safety is not a breed-specific issue.' Tomlinson goes on to argue in her memo that while prohibiting discrimination, her legislation would also take into account if a dog has an aggressive history. You can read the full memo here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Showcase for Commerce returns to Johnstown convention center
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — Showcase for Commerce returned for its 34th year at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference in Johnstown. The three-day conference started on Wednesday. 'Johnstown is very well equipped to be a leader in the defense industrial base. We have been growing over a period of time over these 34 years,' Linda Thomson, President & CEO of JARI, said. Thomson is the outgoing president at JARI. This year will be her last showcase. She said JARI has helped Johnstown stay competitive by working with other businesses. Somerset teacher shortage, leaders warn of worsening child care crisis The 2025 Showcase for Commerce has even more exhibitions on a national and regional level. 'I think one of the things that JARI's been able to do over the years is to be, sort of a catalyst for bringing information and help to any of the companies that we work with. Everyone here works together. And I think the real lesson learned for me over these years is collaboration works. And if we all pull together, we actually succeed,' Thomson said. Thursday's Keynote speaker was Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson. He shared some ideas on how he believes the government acquisition process is in need of reform going forward. He also thanked all the companies and employees who provide great manufacturing for national security. He also said that being a great listener is key for government acquisitions. 'For government leaders, I mean, I think that's the most important skill that we come to the table, those elected officials, at whatever level of government. And that is, as I like to say it very simply, use what God has given us two ears, one mouth,' Thompson said. Showcase for Commerce ends at the Cambria County War Memorial on Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Somerset teacher shortage, leaders warn of worsening child care crisis
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A growing shortage of child care teachers is shutting down classrooms and straining working families across Pennsylvania, prompting Somerset County leaders to call for urgent state investment. At a press conference Thursday hosted at The Learning Lamp Center for Children, lawmakers, business advocates and child care experts detailed the economic fallout of the staffing crises, pointing to recent state and local surveys. According to a statewide survey of child care providers, 92% reported difficulty recruiting staff, while 85% cited ongoing shortages. In Somerset County alone, 17 positions remain unfilled, leaving more than 200 children without care. Dr. Leah Spangler, CEO of The Learning Lamp, said the Somerset location is down seven teachers. If fully staffed, it could serve an additional 63 children. Across six locations in Somerset, Cambria, Fayette and Westmoreland counties, 48 open jobs translate into nearly 300 children unable to access care. Business leaders also shared the results of a Pennsylvania Chamber Survey, which found that 81% of employers are struggling with recruitment and retention due to limited child care options. Another 69% said helping employees meet child care needs is 'extremely or very important.' The economic toll is staggering. A ReadyNation and PA Early Learning Investment Commission report estimates the child care crisis is costing the state $6.65 billion annually in lost earnings, productivity and tax revenue. State Senator Pat Stefano (R-32), who attended the press conference, emphasized the broader implications. 'For every teacher that we're missing, we're missing those students that could be filling those spots,' Stefano said. 'Which means there are mothers and fathers who can't go to work. Creating a workforce crisis.' The event also pointed out the United Way's latest Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) report, which shows 45% of Somerset County households earn below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they struggle to afford basic needs despite being employed. The average child care teacher salary, $29,480, sites just $764 above the minimum survival budget for a single adult in Somerset County. Poll results released by the Early Learning PA Coalition showed overwhelming public support for action. Among 700 likely voters surveyed, 98% agreed early childhood education is vital, and 83% supported more state funding for child care teacher recruitment and retention. Advocates are now urging lawmakers to back Governor Josh Shapiro proposed $55 million budget item that would provide licensed child care centers an extra $1,000 per educator to fill vacancies and stabilize the workforce. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
