GARA Board welcomes donations; weighs expansion for disability services; approves lighting repairs

GARA

The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) board covered a wide range of community issues at its Monday meeting, blending gratitude, financial planning, and tough decisions about future projects. Board members opened the session by recognizing Front Runner Construction for donating labor and materials to improve the park’s football storage building and press box. Company representatives

Weekend sports wrap

U.S. Sports Recap — Weekend Highlights Baseball Little League World Series (Championship Game)The championship of the 2025 Little League World Series concluded with Chinese Taipei claiming the world title, delivering a shutout victory over Nevada (Summerlin South Little League) by a final score of 7-0 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This marks the first time an

Trump seeks $2 billion for D.C. cleanup

President Donald Trump announced plans to seek $2 billion from Congress to fund a sweeping cleanup and beautification campaign in Washington, D.C., marking the latest move in his effort to reshape the capital. The proposal includes improvements to lighting, roads, and parks within three miles of the Capitol and White House. Trump has suggested the

PennDOT plans Hunterstown-Hampton Bridge replacement project

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a planned bridge replacement and rehabilitation project along Route 394 (Hunterstown Hampton Road) in Adams County. The project, located over Conewago Creek in Reading and Straban townships, will replace the existing bridge superstructure, reconstruct beam seats, and install rock scour protection around the abutments and

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ expands from Netflix hit to theatrical sing-alongs

Netflix’s animated feature KPop Demon Hunters has quickly become a global sensation and is now heading to theaters with a sing-along version, signaling the streamer’s growing ambitions in family entertainment. Since debuting in mid-June, the film about a K-pop girl group who battle demons has stayed in the top two of Netflix’s global movie rankings

Pennsylvania reports late-summer rise in COVID-19 cases

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is warning of a late-summer surge in COVID-19 activity, with cases and hospital visits climbing in recent weeks. State surveillance data show test positivity rates rising sharply over the past three weeks, alongside an increase in emergency department visits linked to COVID-19. The uptick is most noticeable among young children

ESPN’s new streaming service starts today

ESPN is entering a new era today with the debut of its long-awaited all-in-one streaming service, designed to bring the network’s full slate of sports content directly to viewers without a cable subscription. The standalone service, branded “ESPN,” will cost $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually. A lower-priced version with a more limited catalog will

Bubble about to burst?

Tech stocks tumbled again on Wednesday as mounting fears of an artificial intelligence bubble fueled a sell-off across some of the market’s biggest names. The retreat marked the second straight day of declines for the sector, which has powered much of the stock market’s gains this year. Investors shifted away from high-flying technology shares amid

Newsmax settles with Dominion for $67 million

Newsmax has agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit tied to false claims about the 2020 presidential election. The deal, announced this week, follows a court ruling that determined the conservative media outlet broadcast false and damaging statements regarding Dominion’s role in election technology. The settlement ends a years-long

Online plans display for Red Bridge Road (Route 1017) bridge superstructure replacement and rehabilitation project in Adams County

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to an online plans display regarding the Route 1017 Section 006 bridge (Red Bridge Road) bridge superstructure replacement and rehabilitation over Conewago Creek in Straban and Tyrone townships, Adams County. The purpose of this project is to provide a continued safe and efficient crossing on Route

Shapiro says Trump’s anti-mail voting order won’t affect Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s plan to ban mail-in ballots would have no impact on elections in the state, calling the move unconstitutional and unenforceable. The remarks came a day after Trump announced during an event with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that his attorneys were preparing an executive order to

Your check is not in the mail

Online rumors suggesting that new stimulus checks are coming to taxpayers this summer are false, the Internal Revenue Service confirmed Friday. Despite social media claims, no legislation has been passed to authorize additional payments. The false reports claimed the IRS and Treasury Department would distribute $1,390 checks to low- and middle-income Americans by the end

No mifepristone available at Costco

Costco confirmed this week it will not stock the abortion pill mifepristone at its pharmacies, citing limited demand from customers and the prevalence of distribution through health providers. In a statement to CBS News, the retail giant said most patients already receive the medication directly from their doctors or clinics, making pharmacy sales unnecessary. The

U. of Michigan fined $30 million in sign-stealing caper

The NCAA on Friday handed down sweeping penalties to the University of Michigan football program for its sign-stealing scandal, levying fines that could surpass $30 million while sparing the Wolverines a postseason ban or loss of past victories. The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions imposed four years of probation, recruiting restrictions, and heavy financial

Trump-Zelensky II set for today

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House today, just days after his controversial summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The meetings mark a high-stakes moment in Trump’s push for a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. The last joint gathering of Trump, Zelensky,

The latest on Hurricane Erin

Hurricane Erin regained Category 4 strength late Sunday, churning north of the Caribbean with sustained winds of 130 mph and threatening to expand further in size as it moves toward the western Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center said the storm re-intensified after completing an eyewall replacement cycle, a process that often precedes a strengthening phase.

Expanded help in living with mental health challenges

NAMI Central PA is expanding its free educational programs and support groups this fall, offering resources for both individuals living with mental health conditions and the families who support them. The nonprofit chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness announced a slate of evidence-based courses beginning this September, all designed to reduce isolation, build

Recognizing and easing school-year anxiety

For some parents, the end of the summer feels like, as a certain school supplies commercial suggests, “the most wonderful time of year,” when schedules and routine replace the occasional sloppy chaos of summer days. For some kids, it triggers an escalation of anxiety and fear. “Going back to school often results in butterflies and

Shippensburg teachers will demonstrate today

Teachers in the Shippensburg Area School District plan to demonstrate today as contract talks with the district remain unresolved just days before students return to classrooms. More than 250 teachers and educators, represented by the Shippensburg Area Education Association, have been working without a contract since June 30. Negotiations for a new agreement began in

How refreshing is next year’s COLA?

Social Security recipients are getting their first glimpse of what next year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) might look like — and early indicators suggest a modest increase in 2026. The key measure used to calculate annual COLAs, the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), rose 2.5 percent in July compared with

Sport Wrap

MLB Little League Classic Lights Up Williamsport In a heartwarming spectacle at Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the New York Mets topped the Seattle Mariners 7–3 during Sunday evening’s special Little League Classic, held alongside the Little League World Series. The stadium overflowed with enthusiasm as young fans cheered on MLB stars in a one-of-a-kind

Pennsylvania budget talks stall

Pennsylvania’s budget impasse deepened Wednesday as the state House voted down two Senate-passed measures for the 2025-26 fiscal year, leaving funding for schools, counties, and public transit in limbo just one day before the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) deadline to avoid major service cuts. The rejected bills included a $47.6 billion flat-funding budget and

Adams County Historical Society marks 150th birthday of ‘Gettysburg Eddie’ Plank

The Adams County Historical Society is honoring one of Gettysburg’s most celebrated native sons, Hall of Fame pitcher Eddie Plank, with a weekend of events marking the 150th anniversary of his birth. Known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” Plank remains a towering figure in baseball history and local heritage, celebrated both for his legendary left arm and

UPMC and Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania announce new strategic partnership

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In a move that strengthens and improves access to high-quality orthopaedic care across central Pennsylvania, UPMC and the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) have formalized a new strategic partnership. Building upon decades of collaboration between the two leaders in musculoskeletal health, the partnership is designed to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care closer to home while also

These are the Good Old Days in Littlestown

The Littlestown Area Historical Society is inviting residents and visitors to step back in time for its annual Good Old Days celebration beginning today, August 14th, and running through Saturday, the 16th. This year’s festivities promise a mix of nostalgia, community spirit, and family fun. The event kicks off Thursday evening with the Good Old

Main Street Gettysburg awarded $10,000 grant from Adams County Community Foundation’s Forward Fund

Main Street Gettysburg has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Adams County Community Foundation’s Forward Fund to support critical infrastructure stabilization beneath the future Gettysburg Welcome Center site. The funds will be used for the interim stabilization and permanent blocking of the historic Winebrenner Culvert, an underground channel dating to Gettysburg’s pre-Civil War era.

Adams County Treasurer’s Office Launches New Online Hotel Tax Filing Platform

Gettysburg, PA – Kierstyn Green, Chief Deputy Treasurer of Adams County, is pleased to announce the official launch of a new online hotel tax filing system through OpenGov’ s Tax and Revenue platform. This modern, self-service solution will streamline how local lodging establishments report and remit hotel taxes, bringing greater efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy to

Trump, Putin, Alaska

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet on August 15 in Alaska for their first in-person talks since Trump’s return to the White House — and their first face-to-face session since before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The summit, announced by Trump on Truth Social, comes as the president presses

Apollo 13’s Jim Lovell dies at 97

Jim Lovell, the Apollo 13 commander whose calm leadership helped avert disaster on one of NASA’s most perilous missions, died Thursday in Illinois. He was 97. A veteran of four spaceflights — Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13 — Lovell was among NASA’s “Next Nine” astronauts selected in 1962, a group that

AOL dumps dial-up

After more than three decades, AOL’s dial-up internet is finally going silent. The company announced this week that it will discontinue the service on September 30, ending an era that many assumed had already passed. Launched in 1991, AOL’s dial-up was once a gateway to the internet for millions, complete with its distinctive connection tones

Weekend sports roundup

Phillies sweep Rangers The Philadelphia Phillies completed a three-game interleague sweep of the Texas Rangers, defeating them 4–2. Edmundo Sosa tied the game with a solo homer in the fifth, and Bryson Stott’s smart baserunning set up the go-ahead run on Weston Wilson’s single. Bryce Harper added an RBI double, and Brandon Marsh contributed a

An afternoon with author Anne Lamott

Best-selling author Anne Lamott will visit Gettysburg on Thursday, Sept. 11, for an afternoon event centered on her latest book, Somehow. The program will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the United Lutheran Seminary Chapel, 61 Seminary Ridge, and will also be available virtually for those unable to attend in person. Lamott, widely known

OpenAI rolls out GPT-5

OpenAI has unveiled GPT-5, the newest and most capable version of its artificial intelligence technology, making it available to all ChatGPT users — including those on the free tier — as of Thursday. The company says GPT-5 is smarter, faster, and more broadly useful than its predecessors, with particular strengths in writing, coding, and health

Openings for Gettysburg Licensed Town Guides

Because of an increased interest in visitors taking historic town tours, the Gettysburg Licensed Town Guides are expanding their guide force. Individuals who have an interest in history, who like interacting with visitors, and who have good speaking skills should consider becoming a candidate. Letters of interest should be sent by August 25, 2025, to

Climate change poses growing risk to U.S. housing market, study finds

A new analysis warns that climate change could significantly disrupt the U.S. housing market, triggering a sharp rise in foreclosures and billions in losses for lenders over the next decade. The study, conducted by research firm First Street, highlights the escalating financial toll of extreme weather events such as flooding, hurricanes, and windstorms. According to

Petition calls for resignation of Adams County sheriff

A growing number of Adams County residents are demanding the resignation of Sheriff James Muller following a controversial social media post that critics say appeared to condone political violence. An online petition surfaced this week, citing a Facebook meme Muller shared in mid-June during the nationwide “No Kings” protests, including a demonstration in Gettysburg on

Emmitsburg Road bridge repairs are underway

Permanent repairs to the Emmitsburg Road (Route 3001) bridge over Route 15 began Monday, August 4, in Freedom Township, Adams County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The bridge, located near the Bus 15/Steinwehr Avenue Exit just south of Gettysburg, will remain closed for about a month, with reopening scheduled on or before

Americans skeptical of Trump’s “big beautiful bill”

A majority of Americans view President Trump’s newly signed tax-and-spending law—dubbed the “one big, beautiful bill”—as favoring the wealthy and large corporations at the expense of low-income groups, according to a new Wall Street Journal poll. Despite Republican efforts to showcase the law as a win for middle-class Americans, 52% of voters oppose the legislation,

Vegetarian dinner tonight

The Gettysburg Vegetarian/Vegan Dinner Club is holding a free four-course dinner this evening at Gettysburg’s 7th Day Adventist Church, 1495 Biglerville Road. Included along with the four-course dinner will be a video presentation on prevention, cause, and natural healing related to diverticulitis. Seating is limited, so go to www.getsda.org to inquire about remaining space. Source:

HHS cuts funding for mRNA vaccine research

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is under fire from public health experts after announcing the cancellation of \$500 million in federal funding for mRNA vaccine research. The decision halts development of new vaccines based on the same technology used in Covid-19 shots, which a 2022 National Institutes of Health study estimated

PA budget stalemate drags on

As the calendar turned to August, the state budget in Pennsylvania is one month overdue. Gov. Josh Shapiro and leaders in the General Assembly have said they are continuing to make progress, but have not reached an agreement. “We all understand the issues that need to be resolved in order to reach a final agreement,”

Shingles takes a psychological toll on older adults

Shingles, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, carries not only physical effects but also significant psychological consequences, particularly for older adults. The illness often presents with severe, persistent pain that can affect mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Older patients struggling with shingles frequently experience anxiety, depression, and social

Pennsylvania lawmakers push for federal action against spotted lanternfly

A bipartisan effort in Congress aims to slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect threatening Pennsylvania’s agriculture and economy. The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, would designate the insect as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and

Wellspan hosts camp aimed at exploring careers in healthcare

In partnership with Gettysburg High School, WellSpan Health proudly hosted the Healthcare Career Exploration Camp recently at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. This immersive experience was designed for incoming junior and senior students, offering them a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of health care careers across both clinical and non-clinical settings. Throughout the week, students

School cellphone ban picks up steam

Lawmakers at the State Capitol are advancing a bipartisan effort to ban cellphones in schools across Pennsylvania, citing concerns over classroom distractions, bullying, and student mental health. The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny), would prohibit the use of cellphones on school grounds from arrival until dismissal. Individual school districts would have the authority

Weekend sports wrap

Phillies 2, Tigers 0 Cristopher Sánchez delivered a masterful performance, pitching eight shutout innings—allowing just five hits, with six strikeouts—to lead Philadelphia to a 2–0 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Jhoan Durán closed things out with his newly acquired high‑velocity 102 mph fastball for his 18th save. Kyle Schwarber provided the lone power on offense, launching

Texas Republicans are quick on the re-draw

Republicans on Wednesday introduced a redistricting plan that could significantly reshape the state’s political map and strengthen GOP control in next year’s midterm elections. The proposed maps, filed by state Rep. Todd Hunter (R) during a special legislative session, are projected to add five new congressional districts that former President Donald Trump carried by double

Education advocates relieved as Trump administration releases $230 million for Pa. schools

Hundreds of school districts across the commonwealth are breathing a sigh of relief this week, after the Trump administration said Friday it had completed a review of several programs and would soon release $230 million in congressionally approved spending. The administration had frozen billions in funding last month for the most vulnerable students across the

With deadline looming, MLB trading gets brisk

As Major League Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline approaches at 6 p.m. ET tonight, teams squeezed in several high-profile deals in the past 24 hours and remain engaged in last-minute negotiations. The Seattle Mariners landed perhaps the most significant blockbuster, re-acquiring veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Suárez, a two-time All-Star, has blasted 36

No, vodka is not an energy drink

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall of High Noon Beach Variety Packs after some cans of Celsius Astro Vibe Sparkling Blue Razz energy drinks were mistakenly filled with alcoholic seltzer. The issue occurred when a packaging supplier shipped empty Celsius cans to High Noon’s production facility, where they were inadvertently filled

Tsunami fears ease

Evacuation orders and tsunami advisories were lifted on Wednesday as fears eased following the arrival of tsunami waves generated by a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of eastern Russia. The earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded, triggered warnings that sent residents in Hawaii, Alaska, and along the U.S. West Coast scrambling to

Bendersville Fire Co. carnival starts today

The Bendersville Community Fire Company’s annual carnival kicks off tonight at 144 Park Street, promising three days of food, games, entertainment and cash prizes for all ages. Running through Saturday, the event features a full schedule of activities each day, including special bingo sessions starting at 4 p.m. and live entertainment beginning at 7 p.m.

Pennsylvania upgrades weather monitoring system

The Shapiro administration announced an upgraded statewide weather monitoring and alerting system, designed to enhance public safety while providing real-world science education for students. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), alongside Penn State University, the National Weather Service, and local school districts, introduced the Pennsylvania Integrated Flood Warning and Observation System (IFLOWS 2.0). The upgrade

Trump, EU agree to 15% tariff

The United States and European Union have reached a trade deal imposing a 15% tariff on European imports, a significantly lower rate than the 30% threatened earlier this month, but still among the highest duties in decades between the transatlantic partners. The agreement, announced Sunday, ends months of uncertainty that had threatened to escalate into

National Night Out will feature multiple Adams County locations

Adams County residents will have multiple opportunities to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, an annual event focused on strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community. National Night Out is observed nationwide on the first Tuesday of August and aims to promote safer neighborhoods through partnerships between police and the community.

Carlisle School District bans cell phones

The Carlisle Area School District has approved a new policy prohibiting cell phones and personal electronic devices during instructional time, a move aimed at reducing distractions and improving student focus. The school board voted unanimously last week to implement the change, effective with the upcoming school year. The policy allows students to bring phones and

Preparing to ‘Rage Against the Regime’

Thousands of demonstrators are expected to take to the streets next weekend for a coordinated National Day of Action aimed at President Donald Trump and his administration. Branded “Rage Against the Regime,” the effort is spearheaded by activist network 50 Protests, 50 States, One Movement—known as 50501—which has organized hundreds of demonstrations since Trump returned

EPA failed in lead paint oversight

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has failed to properly oversee state-run lead paint safety programs, according to a new report by the agency’s independent Office of Inspector General (OIG). The report found that the EPA has not consistently verified whether state programs meet regulatory requirements or effectively protect public health. Lead-based paint, banned in

Here’s the AI action plan

The Trump administration has released a sweeping AI Action Plan aimed at accelerating U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence, outlining more than 90 policy actions shaped by over 10,000 public comments. The 28-page document focuses on three key pillars: boosting innovation, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening U.S. diplomacy on AI, while also reducing regulatory hurdles. It frames

Take the Metro

Washington, D.C., now tops the list of U.S. cities with the worst traffic, overtaking Los Angeles, according to new research by ConsumerAffairs. The nation’s capital posted the longest average commute in the country at 33.4 minutes and more than six and a half hours of daily congestion, adding up to roughly 71 days per year

Trump will visit Fed today

President Donald Trump is set to visit the Federal Reserve headquarters in Washington on Thursday, days after suggesting Chair Jerome Powell’s handling of a costly building renovation could be grounds for dismissal. The visit comes amid heightened tensions between the White House and the central bank. Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell for keeping the Fed’s

The heat is back on

After a brief break from high humidity, oppressive summer heat is returning to much of the eastern United States this week. Forecasters say temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and 90s across major cities from Washington, D.C., to Boston, with heat index values expected to push conditions into uncomfortable territory. The return of high

ICE calls deportation story a hoax

Federal immigration officials are rejecting reports that an 82-year-old Allentown man was deported to Guatemala, calling the story a “hoax.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a statement Monday refuting claims that Luis Leon was detained in Philadelphia in June while attempting to replace a lost green card and then deported. The agency said Leon,

Chorus seeks singers

The Gettysburg Choral Society, Inc. is actively seeking singers, including paid professional singers, for the 2025 fall season. Auditions are being held by appointment on August 2nd (2-4 pm). The chorus is especially in need of sopranos, tenors, and basses. The chorus seeks to utilize the finest choral techniques to continually improve the quality of

Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76

Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering voice of heavy metal and one of rock’s most unpredictable icons, died Tuesday at age 76 after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His family said he died surrounded by loved ones. Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, rose to fame in 1969 as the frontman for Black Sabbath,