Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania lawmakers debate immigration crackdowns after Minneapolis shooting

Published

1 week ago

January 27, 2026

Pennsylvania lawmakers debate immigration crackdowns after Minneapolis shooting

(WHTM) — Days after federal agents killed a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, Pennsylvania State Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) stood outside an office for one of the Keystone State’s most prominent Democrats, arguing he’s not doing enough.

“It’s going to take people in the street really trying to make a difference, which is one of the reasons that I’m here today,” Kearney said Wednesday while protesting outside U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s Philadelphia office. Fetterman did release a statement earlier in the day calling for President Donald Trump to fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

But State House and Senate Democrats have been pushing for several proposals that would limit what Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents can do in the state. One would ban them from wearing masks, another prohibits them from making arrests on state property, court houses, and schools, while a third would let residents sue the federal government if they violate constitutional rights.

“I would hope that my colleagues across the aisle would join us in calling for accountability and calling for common sense standards for these ICE operations that have clearly gone way out of hand,” said State Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia).

Republicans in Harrisburg and Washington mostly reject such initiatives, and Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, pushed back against the measures in a statement.

“ICE officers are facing a 1300% increase in assaults because of dangerous, untrue smears by elected Democrats,” she said. “Just the other day, an officer had his finger bitten off by a [radical] left-wing rioter. ICE officers act heroically to enforce the law and protect American communities, and local officials should work with them, not against them. Anyone pointing the finger at law enforcement officers instead of the criminals is simply doing the bidding of criminal illegal aliens.”

State Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman said safety is a top priority for the Senate Republican Caucus.

“Under the tenure of the Biden Administration, state and local officials across this country sounded the alarm regarding the straining of their resources, the scourge of fentanyl deaths, the tragedy of human trafficking, including children smuggled across the border, and the flow of illegal firearms and dangerous gang members,” he said in a statement. “Collaboration between state and federal government is critical as we work to recover from the disastrous border policies of the Biden Administration and seek to protect lawful citizens.”

Meanwhile, Kearny warned Republicans that insisting on resisting bills to rein in ICE may face voters in November.

“If this stuff doesn’t move, which it hasn’t moved so far, then that’s something we can campaign on,” he said.

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Pennsylvania

3 Pennsylvania universities named among best in the world by Time Magazine

Published

8 hours ago

February 3, 2026

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3 Pennsylvania universities named among best in the world by Time Magazine

Three schools in Pennsylvania were named among the best universities in the world for 2026 by Time Magazine.

The magazine released its list of “The World’s Top Universities of 2026,” highlighting the Top 500 schools across the world for the new year. The University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University and Pennsylvania State University were the only universities in Pennsylvania to make the Top 100.

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia

The Ivy League school in the city’s University City neighborhood came in at No. 10 in the ranking. It is the sixth-best private school, according to the magazine’s list.

Penn is a Philadelphia institution with a history as deep as the city it calls home. Many of the world’s most well-known public figures — including Elon Musk, President Trump and actress Elizabeth Banks — spent time on campus.

Founded by Benjamin Franklin, Penn is considered America’s first university.

Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh

The private school — whose campus sits in parts of Pittsburgh’s Oakland, Squirrel Hill and Shadyside neighborhoods — came in at No. 38, Time Magazine says.

It was founded in November 1900 by Andrew Carnegie, and has become a top university for people interested in business, artificial intelligence and drama. Famous alumni include artist Andy Warhol, businessman David Tepper, actor Billy Porter and actress Lola Tung.

Penn State in State College

Penn State came in at No. 81 in the ranking, rounding out Pennsylvanians’ inclusion in the top 100. When considering only public universities in the state, PSU is No. 1, according to Time Magazine.

While Penn State, the state’s only land-grant university, is known for its powerhouse athletic programs, the school’s academic rigor draws some of the world’s brightest minds. Actor Keegan-Michael Key, director Adam McKay and journalist Lara Spencer are proud PSU graduates.

Time Magazine’s methodology

The magazine said its ranking of the top universities in the world emphasized “the extent to which students achieve extraordinary success, for instance in patenting new inventions or rising to leadership roles in business.”

Time went on to say its rankings help “understand where students are likely to achieve the greatest success and contribute most to society as the world order shifts.”

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Police unveil advanced patrol vehicle upgrades

Published

20 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Press Room

Pennsylvania State Police unveil advanced patrol vehicle upgrades

WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) this week unveiled a series of enhancements to their patrol vehicles that significantly improve visibility during traffic stops and emergency responses, enhancing safety for both troopers and the public.

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Pennsylvania

Longtime owner of popular sports memorabilia shop in Delaware Co. dies

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

Press Room

Longtime owner of popular sports memorabilia shop in Delaware Co. dies

HAVERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — The owner of a popular sports memorabilia shop in Havertown, Delaware County, has died.

Carl Henderson, the longtime owner of Carl’s Cards & Collectibles, passed away this weekend.

His family made the announcement on social media, saying Carl was the best person they knew, with a love for Philly Sports that was “infectious.”

The store has long been a popular spot for finding unique Philadelphia sports memorabilia.

This year, the shop will celebrate 31 years in business.

It had hosted countless events with local athletes over the years, including an event that helped bring Philadelphia Eagles fans together ahead of last year’s Super Bowl.

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