Pa.-based Surfside cocktail brand defies industry slowdown

A Philadelphia-area canned cocktail company has emerged as one of the alcohol industry’s biggest success stories, recording rapid growth even as overall alcohol consumption declines across the United States. Stateside Vodka, founded in 2015 by local entrepreneurs Clement Pappas, Matt Quigley, Zach Pappas and Bryan Quigley, has seen extraordinary success with its Surfside line of

Algae returns to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Just days after reopening following a $14.2 million renovation, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., is once again battling a familiar problem: algae. The restoration project, ordered by President Donald Trump as part of preparations for the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration, included draining, resurfacing, and repainting the iconic pool in what administration

Apple plans price hikes as chip costs surge

Apple is preparing to raise prices on some of its products as soaring costs and tightening supplies of memory and storage chips put pressure on the company’s manufacturing expenses, according to a report published Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal. The company has not announced how much prices will increase or which products will be

Pa. House advances bill to add security chips to SNAP cards

Pennsylvania lawmakers are moving to strengthen protections for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients after the state House unanimously approved legislation that would replace traditional magnetic-stripe EBT cards with more secure chip-enabled cards. Supporters of House Bill 2540 say the upgrade would help combat a growing problem of benefit theft through card skimming and cloning,

U.S., Iran announce tentative agreement to end war

The United States and Iran have announced a tentative agreement aimed at ending their recent conflict, with a formal memorandum of understanding expected to be signed Friday in Switzerland. President Donald Trump said the agreement includes reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. Iranian officials also indicated

Strong storms leave thousands without power across central Pennsylvania

Strong thunderstorms that swept across central Pennsylvania Sunday evening left thousands of residents without electricity, downed trees and power lines, and brought an end to last week’s stretch of hot and humid weather. Utility crews worked overnight and into Monday morning to restore service to affected communities across the region. According to utility reports, nearly

Judge orders restoration of National Park exhibits altered under Trump directive

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore exhibits, signs and other interpretive materials that were altered or removed from national parks and historic sites under an executive order aimed at eliminating what the administration described as inappropriate portrayals of American history. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley issued a preliminary injunction Friday requiring

West Nile virus detected in Pennsylvania mosquitoes as summer season begins

Pennsylvania health officials are reminding residents to take routine precautions against mosquito bites after the first West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools of 2026 were detected in nine counties across the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that mosquito samples collected in Allegheny, Beaver, Bucks, Lycoming, Monroe, Northumberland, Pike, Tioga and York counties tested positive

Pennsylvania invests $8.8 million to preserve 22 farms, 1,775 acres

The Shapiro administration announced that Pennsylvania will invest nearly $8.8 million to purchase development rights for 1,775 acres on 22 farms in 16 counties, ensuring the land remains in agricultural use and is protected from future residential or commercial development. The funding, approved by the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board, supports farms in Berks, Bucks,

Lawmakers urge Pa. Senate to split up public, private high school school playoffs

Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre)’s bill would authorize the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to split up playoffs for public and private high schools. (Photo by Emily Scolnick/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) House lawmakers are calling on the state Senate to pass legislation that would allow Pennsylvania’s high school athletics governing body to split up playoff competition for public and

San Francisco voters reject ‘Overpaid CEO’ tax

San Francisco voters have rejected a union-backed ballot measure that sought to raise taxes on large corporations with highly paid executives, dealing a significant setback to organized labor’s efforts to address the city’s budget challenges. Proposition D, known as the Overpaid CEO Act, was defeated by 53.6% of voters, according to the latest election results.

Scientists are wary of the blob

An unusual patch of cold water in the North Atlantic Ocean is drawing increased attention from climate scientists, who say it could offer clues about the future of one of the world’s most important ocean current systems. The area of cooler-than-normal water, located east of Newfoundland, has persisted for roughly a year despite record warmth

Saturday’s Upper Adams celebration will include a parade shuttle service

Residents and visitors planning to attend the Upper Adams Communities’ America 250 celebration on Saturday are encouraged to take advantage of a free shuttle service designed to ease parking and traffic during the day’s festivities. The June 13 event will commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and feature a parade through Biglerville Borough, followed by a

Hersheypark to retire Tidal Force after 32 years

One of Hersheypark’s most recognizable water attractions will make its final splash this summer. Hersheypark announced that Tidal Force, the park’s towering flume ride, will close permanently after Sept. 7, ending a 32-year run that began in 1994. The park revealed the closure on its website, noting that the ride has delivered some of the

Sports Wrap

Basketball fans will turn their attention tonight to Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks lead the San Antonio Spurs 2-0 after the first two games. It marks the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999 and will be played under heightened security as President Donald

As Pa. cracks down on AI, multiple chatbots continue to pose as doctors

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. Chatbots on five different websites claimed to be licensed to practice medicine in the commonwealth when prompted by Spotlight PA — the same kind

Reach for Tylenol or Advil?

When a headache, fever, or muscle ache strikes, many Americans turn to over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, sold under the brand name Tylenol, or ibuprofen, found in products like Advil and Motrin. While both medications can reduce pain and fever, health experts say choosing the right one depends on the source of the discomfort.

Tony Awards spread honors across Broadway as ‘Death of a Salesman’ leads winners

A revival of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” emerged as the biggest winner at Sunday night’s 79th Annual Tony Awards, taking six honors and leading a ceremony that celebrated both Broadway’s classic revivals and new productions. The acclaimed production won best revival of a play, while Laurie Metcalf earned featured actress in a play

McCormick defends Trump lawsuit, restitution fund proposal

Two Pennsylvania Republicans are defending President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service and a controversial $1.8 billion restitution fund that has drawn criticism from Democrats and some members of the GOP. U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser voiced support for the concept behind the fund during separate television appearances Wednesday,

House approves symbolic rebuke of Trump over Iran war

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to approve a Democratic-led resolution expressing disapproval of President Donald Trump’s military conflict with Iran, marking a rare bipartisan rebuke of the president’s war policy. The measure passed 215-208, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support. Among those voting in favor was Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, along

On Spotify, oldies are still goodies

The hottest songs on Spotify are increasingly coming from decades gone by, as listeners of all ages turn to older music in what streaming analysts describe as a growing wave of nostalgia. According to new data from music analytics firm Luminate and Spotify, 2026 is shaping up to be the most nostalgia-driven year in the

Efforts grow to restore monuments removed during 2020 protests

Six years after nationwide protests led to the removal of hundreds of public monuments, a growing movement is seeking to return some of those statues to public view, reigniting debates over how communities should remember their history. Across the country, lawsuits, legislative proposals, and local advocacy campaigns are pushing for the restoration of monuments honoring

Scott Pelley fired amid escalating turmoil at CBS News

Veteran journalist Scott Pelley, one of the most recognizable faces in television news, was fired Tuesday from CBS News’ flagship program “60 Minutes,” intensifying a growing internal conflict that has shaken the network in recent months. Pelley’s dismissal came one day after a contentious staff meeting in which he reportedly criticized network leadership and questioned

Sports Wrap

June arrives with four regional Major League Baseball clubs still very much in the playoff conversation, though each enters the summer with a different storyline. The Philadelphia Phillies continue to search for offensive consistency after dropping a 9-1 decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. Philadelphia managed just five hits and remains a team

How to negate a $1.8 billion compensation fund

Leaders in several states are exploring an unusual strategy to block payments from a proposed $1.8 billion federal compensation fund created by the Trump administration: taxing the payouts at 100%. The effort comes in response to a fund established this month for people who claim they were wrongly investigated or prosecuted by the federal government.

Nvidia unveils new generation of AI-ready personal computers

Nvidia has introduced a new line of personal computers designed specifically for the next wave of artificial intelligence, announcing laptops and desktops capable of running advanced AI assistants directly on users’ devices. The technology company unveiled the systems during the Computex technology conference in Taipei, Taiwan, describing them as the first PCs built for AI

Mental health training series planned in Gettysburg this summer

A series of free educational programs designed to help community members better understand trauma, conflict resolution and mental health challenges will be offered this summer in Gettysburg through a partnership between WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital and Healthy Adams County. The three trainings, scheduled for June and July, are intended for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge

America 250 celebration faces controversy

What was intended to be a nationwide celebration of America’s 250th birthday has become embroiled in controversy as performers withdraw from a major anniversary event and critics question the role of a nonprofit organization closely tied to President Donald Trump’s administration. At the center of the debate is Freedom 250, a nonprofit established through a

Army will return remains of 12 Carlisle Indian School students to tribes

The U.S. Army will return the remains of 12 Native American children who died while attending the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, continuing a years-long effort to reunite former students with their families and tribal communities. The Office of Army Cemeteries announced that disinterment operations will begin Sept. 1 at the cemetery located on Carlisle Barracks.

Rollins signs disaster declaration to provide relief for Pa. fruit growers following freeze

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins signed a federal disaster declaration for 17 Pennsylvania counties to assist growers affected by last month’s spring freeze that decimated fruit blossoms. The catastrophic late freeze from April 19-21 caused widespread damage to blooming crops including apple, peach and pear orchards. “Our farmers cannot control the weather, but Washington can

Master Farmers coming to Gettysburg

Gettysburg will host the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers celebration this summer, bringing agricultural leaders from across the region to Adams County as the nation marks America’s 250th anniversary. The annual banquet honoring this year’s Master Farmers will take place on July 17 at the Beyond the Battle Museum. Organizers say the event will celebrate excellence,

Pope warns that AI threatens human connection and dignity

Pope Leo XIV is calling for greater moral and human responsibility in the development of artificial intelligence, warning that rapidly advancing technology risks damaging human relationships, critical thinking and even the foundations of civilization itself. In a sweeping message released for the 2026 World Communications Day, the pope described artificial intelligence not simply as a

People Project seeks artists, storytellers, and musicians

The Adams County Arts Council is seeking artists, storytellers and musicians to participate in the seventh edition of The PEOPLE Project, a community-based arts initiative centered on personal stories and local connections. The theme for the 2026 project is “Generations & Crossroads,” tying into the upcoming America 250 and Pennsylvania 250 commemorations. Organizers say the

Pakistan pushes for progress as U.S.-Iran tensions remain high

Diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed fighting between the United States and Iran intensified Thursday as Pakistan stepped up mediation attempts aimed at restarting stalled peace talks between the two countries. According to Reuters, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir was expected to decide whether to travel to Tehran as part of the negotiations, while Pakistan’s interior

Trump administration preparing AI safety executive order

The White House is expected to release a new executive order on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity as early as this week, according to reports from Axios. The proposed order would establish new cybersecurity measures surrounding advanced artificial intelligence systems while creating a voluntary framework for major AI developers to notify the federal government about powerful

Totem Pole Playhouse announces 2026 summer theatre camps — creative, affordable, and led by professional artists

Totem Pole Playhouse is excited to offer a dynamic lineup of 2026 Summer Theatre Camps, designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and give young performers a hands-on experience in the world of live theatre. With options for a range of ages and experience levels, this year’s camps feature shorter time commitments and more affordable pricing,

Adams County Community Foundation announces grants, scholarships and a national honor

The Adams County Community Foundation is celebrating a season of major community investments, awarding grants and scholarships totaling more than $423,000 while also earning national recognition for its leadership. The Community Foundation recently announced $137,500 in grants to seven Adams County nonprofits working in areas including affordable housing, mental health care, workforce development and family

Stelson-Perry rematch headlines Pennsylvania primary results

Pennsylvania voters set the stage Tuesday for several closely watched fall contests, including a rematch in the state’s competitive 10th Congressional District between Democrat Janelle Stelson and Republican Scott Perry. Stelson, a former television journalist, easily defeated Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas in the Democratic primary and will again face Perry in November after narrowly

Adams County 2026 Memorial Day Weekend events

Field of American Flags on Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend in Gettysburg and Adams County will offer residents and visitors a mix of remembrance ceremonies, patriotic music, historic tours, and community celebration. The weekend begins Saturday, May 23, with the 2nd annual SummerFest at Gettysburg Rec Park, where live music, food vendors, and family activities will kick off the holiday weekend beginning

Low primary election turnout produces few surprises

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Voter turnout in today’s Adams County’s General Primary Election was modest, with 10,551 ballots cast out of 76,245 registered voters, for an overall turnout of 13.84 percent, according to unofficial results. Republican turnout reached 17.74 percent, while 14.39 percent of registered Democrats voted. At the state level, Adams County Democrats backed the uncontested incumbent tickets,

FASD advances budget with 1% tax increase amid calls for academic improvement

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Fairfield Area School District directors moved forward Monday with a proposed $24.8 million budget for 2026-27 that includes a 1 percent property tax increase, while residents pressed the board to focus on academic performance and student safety. The proposed spending plan calls for $24,793,807 in expenditures, with revenues of $24,094,807 generated through a millage increase

LASD wrestles with budget deficit as residents press for athletics, fiscal changes

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The Littlestown Area School Board faced public criticism Monday over its proposed 2026-27 budget, while students and parents urged the district to expand athletic opportunities. At the center of the meeting was a proposed budget projecting $44.8 million in spending against $42.16 million in revenue, creating a structural deficit of about $2.64 million. District officials

Weekend Sports Wrap

Rivalries took center stage across Major League Baseball over the weekend as the Philadelphia Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, leaving both Pennsylvania clubs with identical 24-23 records. Philadelphia capped the sweep with a 6-0 victory behind another strong pitching performance from Zack Wheeler, who outdueled Pirates ace Paul Skenes

Pennsylvania is tracking a growing red meat allergy linked to tick bites

Pennsylvania health officials are stepping up efforts to monitor a growing tick-related illness that can trigger dangerous allergic reactions to red meat. The condition, known as alpha-gal syndrome, is most commonly associated with bites from the lone star tick. Health officials say about 600 Pennsylvanians have tested positive for the condition over the past two

FDA blocked publication of vaccine safety studies

Officials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration blocked the publication of several studies supporting the safety of COVID-19 and shingles vaccines, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An HHS spokesperson said the studies were withdrawn because regulators believed the authors reached conclusions that were not fully supported by the underlying

Bipartisan bill targets online gambling ads aimed at minors

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is pushing new legislation aimed at limiting gambling advertisements directed at children and teenagers online amid growing concerns about youth betting addiction. Katie Britt and Richard Blumenthal have introduced the Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement Act, which would ban digital gambling ads targeting anyone under age 18 on platforms

Spring housing market remains sluggish

The nation’s spring housing market is off to another disappointing start, as existing-home sales in April posted only a slight increase despite hopes for a stronger recovery. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing-home sales rose just 0.2% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million homes, far below economists’ expectations

Gettysburg History announces lineup of events for 163rd battle anniversary

Gettysburg History has announced a wide-ranging schedule of programs and special events to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg this summer. The organization’s anniversary programming will blend battlefield history, interactive experiences, live performances and film-related events as Gettysburg also prepares for the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration in 2026. Among the featured

Adams County Community Foundation awards $137,500 to support local families, housing, mental health, and workforce development

The Adams County Community Foundation today announced $137,500 in grants to seven local nonprofits working to meet some of the biggest challenges facing Adams County residents, from affordable housing and mental health care to job training and family support services. “These grants are about helping our neighbors,” said Matt Thomas, Grants Officer for the Adams

Shipping company, employee charged in deadly Baltimore bridge collapse

Federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the operator of the cargo ship involved in the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, accusing company officials of cutting safety corners that led to the deadly disaster. The indictment, announced Tuesday, charges Singapore-based Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd. of India, and senior

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