Anna Ginelli
(She/Her)
- Editorial Associate and News Aggregation, State Affairs
- Editorial Associate and News Aggregation, Capitolwire
Harrisburg
Articles by Anna Ginelli
Residential property sales fall
Residential property sales across Pennsylvania declined 15% over the past six years, while the average home sale price rose 58%, a new report from the Independent Fiscal Office found. Pennsylvania's statewide median home sale price reached $300,000 in 2025, up 62% from 2019. The average sale price rose 58% over the same period, reaching $356,087. Both measures increased by roughly 8% annually.
Pennsylvania lawmakers pushing for childcare safety bill
A House committee advanced legislation Wednesday that would increase oversight and safety requirements for Pennsylvania childcare facilities, with lawmakers seeking to pass the bill before the 2025-26 legislative session ends Nov. 30. The House Children and Youth Committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 1372, sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Mercer, which would require greater transparency, oversight and reporting of taxpayer-funded childcare programs in Pennsylvania.
Protesters demand legislative action on data centers
With the November midterm elections approaching, environmental and community advocates gathered at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg Tuesday to protest the impacts of hyperscale artificial intelligence data centers and urge their fellow Pennsylvanians to become more civically engaged.
Pa. economy stays resilient, but workers feel strain
Signs of strain are emerging in Pennsylvania's economy as job growth slows, unemployment and underemployment rise among minority workers and high household costs continue to squeeze family budgets despite recent gains in real wages, according to a new report from the Keystone Research Center (KRC). The report comes ahead of Labor Day -- a holiday honoring workers and the American labor movement -- offering a snapshot of the state's workforce and the economic pressures facing families.
Pa. continues to grapple with teacher shortage
As the 2026-27 school year begins, Pennsylvania continues to grapple with a long-term teacher shortage, driven in part by a steep decline in the number of new educators entering the profession. The state has seen a 67% decrease in the number of individuals obtaining initial teacher certification, emphasizing the growing challenge of maintaining a sufficient teacher pipeline, according to data from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
Pa. secures $516M in Meta settlement
Pennsylvania will receive $516 million as part of a nationwide settlement with Meta, the technology company that owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced at a Harrisburg press conference Wednesday. "This settlement will bring the following: a complete transformation of young users' experience on those platforms, and hundreds of millions of dollars to the Commonwealth over the course of the next nine years," Sunday said.
Lawmakers look to reduce disability support turnover
Low reimbursement rates are contributing to high turnover and staffing shortages at agencies employing direct support professionals, forcing families of those with intellectual disabilities and autism to scramble for service or deal with the strain of providing care by themselves.
Pennsylvania sues TikTok over youth use
Attorney General Dave Sunday is suing the social media platform TikTok, alleging the company violated Pennsylvania's Consumer Protection Law by failing to protect children from accessing adult-themed content and employing tactics designed to promote addictive use of its app. "This suit seeks to put in place effective barriers and safeguards that will consider the child consumer's well-being and safety," Sunday said at a Tuesday press conference at the state Capitol in Harrisburg.
Legislators, ag leaders tout industry at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days
Legislators and agricultural leaders gathered in Centre County on Wednesday to discuss the challenges facing Pennsylvania's farming industry and ways to strengthen it for the future as part of Penn State's Ag Progress Days. The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee held a joint hearing examining the industry's successes and the challenges facing farmers as they look to the next generation of Pennsylvania agriculture.
New Pennsylvania Public School Code allows later start times
Pennsylvania's Public School Code, which was updated as part of the 2026-27 budget deal, adds a provision allowing school districts to use existing state education funding to implement later school start times. The School Code, amended by House Bill 1505, permits school districts to use basic education, transportation and special education funding, among other state education dollars, to cover the costs of adopting later start times.
Number of SNAP recipients continues to decrease in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation continues to decline a year after H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, took effect, reflecting a nationwide reduction in food assistance. Since President Donald Trump signed the legislation into law in July 2025, Pennsylvania's SNAP enrollment has fallen 11%, from 1.96 million recipients to 1.74 million, according to recent data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).
Shapiro’s budget boosts public education funding
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a $50.8 billion state budget bill into law on Sunday, including a record $11.8 billion for public schools across the Commonwealth -- roughly a 6% increase from last year's budget. But school choice advocates saw a budget that preserved existing programs and offered little expansion.
Budget includes SNAP fraud funds
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a $50.8 billion budget Sunday that allocates $7 million in funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud prevention measures. Proponents say the financial benefit of the change will far outstrip the price tag. More than $15 million in SNAP benefits were stolen through skimming in 2024, according to the Office of State Inspector General.
Anna Ginelli
Harm-reduction strategies have helped push the overdose death rate down, signaling a promising shift in the battle against the opioid epidemic in New York. But the fight is far from over.
The modern plague
Corridor Living Harm-reduction strategies have helped push the overdose death rate down, signaling a promising shift in the battle against the opioid epidemic in New York. But the fight is far from over. Dennis Gregg hadn’t heard from his stepdaughter in days. Holland Townsend had just gotten kicked out of her second addiction treatment facility, and for all Gregg knew, she was on the streets of Syracuse.
Refill retail: A new shop in Eastwood is selling household soaps and supplies by the ounce
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Imagine a place where you could bring an empty detergent or hand soap container and walk out with it refilled. That’s the promise of a new store in Syracuse, the Eastwood Refillery, the city’s first shop dedicated to sellingsustainable and nontoxic household products and refills.It opened its doors in mid-April. A refillery is a retail store where customers can fill empty bottles with various household items, from cosmetics to laundry detergent.
Refill retail: A new shop in Eastwood is selling household soaps and supplies by the ounce
Syracuse, N.Y. — Imagine a place where you could bring an empty detergent or hand soap container and walk out with it refilled. That’s the promise of a new store in Syracuse, the Eastwood Refillery, the city’s first shop dedicated to sellingsustainable and nontoxic household products and refills.It opened its doors in mid-April. A refillery is a retail store where customers can fill empty bottles with various household items, from cosmetics to laundry detergent.
Opioid deaths in Onondaga County are at lowest since 2017, data show
Syracuse, N.Y. – Onondaga County opioid overdose deaths are the lowest since 2017, new health department data show. But the overwhelming cause for last year’s deaths was fentanyl, a continuing trend that shows the synthetic opioid is the driver of most drug-related fatalities. In 2024, 90 people died of opioid-related deaths, with 81 of those deaths being fentanyl-related. That’s the fewest deaths since 2017, when 91 people died of overdoses. Of those, 39 were fentanyl-related.
Onondaga County has one of the highest rates of measles vaccinations in NY
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Onondaga County has one of the highest measles vaccination rates in New York state. The county’s vaccination rate among those 2 years and older stands at 89.2%. That’s just a hair lower than 89.3% in Niagara County, the highest. But eliminating the chance of a measles outbreak relies on a vaccination rate , according to the National Institutes of Health.
Upstate mobile breast cancer screening van begins 20 stops across Central NY
Syracuse, NY -- Upstate University Hospital’s mobile mammography van will begin its tour of 17 locations throughout Central New York starting Tuesday and continuing through the end of summer. The program, which started in June 2019, has screened 4,790 women and made 20 diagnoses of breast cancer. Women 40 years or older can get a mammogram, whether or not they have insurance.
Upstate mobile breast cancer screening van begins 20 stops across Central NY
Syracuse, NY -- Upstate University Hospital’s mobile mammography van will begin its tour of 20 locations throughout Central New York starting Tuesday and continuing through the end of summer. The program, which started in June 2019, has screened 4,790 women and made 20 diagnoses of breast cancer. Women 40 years or older can get a mammogram, whether or not they have insurance.
Super lice are a thing. Treating them can mean more than nit-picking
Syracuse, N.Y. -- “Super lice,” as too many parents likely know, have become the most common headache in the battle to keep scalps and hair critter-free. But hope exists for removing the mutant pests. Super lice look no different from regular lice but are simply more challenging to get rid of because they are resistant to traditional over-the-counter treatments, according to Dr. Robert Dracker of Summerwood Pediatrics.
Nearly 200 kids in NY went to ERs after exposure to cannabis last year, Upstate poison center says Original
Syracuse, N.Y. — Nearly 200 children under the age of 6 ended up in emergency rooms last year after ingesting or being exposed to cannabis, according to the Upstate New York Poison Center. Of those, 103 calls to the poison center were from emergency room staff. The other 86 calls came from homes where children had consumed cannabis. Those kids were also referred to the closest emergency room, the center said.
Nearly 200 kids in NY went to ERs after exposure to cannabis last year, Upstate poison center says
Syracuse, N.Y. — Nearly 200 children under the age of 6 ended up in emergency rooms last year after ingesting or being exposed to cannabis, according to the Upstate New York Poison Center. Of those, 103 calls to the poison center were from emergency room staff. The other 86 calls came from homes where children had consumed cannabis. Those kids were also referred to the closest emergency room, the center said.
Students fill their pints at Green Beer Sunday
Syracuse’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities kicked off with the local tradition at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub Thousands of people– SU students included–headed to Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub in Tipperary Hill to celebrate the 62nd annual Green Beer Sunday on Feb. 23. Many Syracusans regard the event as the unofficial start of the St. Patrick’s Day season, marked by bagpipers, Irish dancers and, of course, light beer dyed with emerald green food coloring.
It’s National Donor Day. Here’s how to register as an organ donor in New York
Syracuse, N.Y. -- In honor of National Donor Day, the state Health Department is urging all New Yorkers 16 and older to register as organ donors to help save someone’s life. National Donor Day, observed on Feb. 14, is a reminder that there are nearly 8,000 people on New York’s transplant waiting list. The majority are waiting for a kidney. According to the health department, some people wait years before getting a call that an organ is available for them. For others, that call never comes.
Syracuse firefighters will install free carbon monoxide and smoke detectors Here’s how to sign up
Syracuse, N.Y. -- City residents can now get free carbon monoxide detectors installed by Syracuse firefighters, in addition to the department’s free smoke detector program. “We’re really trying to get out there and get into the homes that don’t have this protection at all,” said Capt. Phillip Vogt, a spokesperson for the department. From 2023 to 2024, the fire department installed free smoke detectors in over 400 homes, averaging six to seven detectors per home.
UU Comedy Knockout Showcase
SU senior Macy Aiken brings her signature blend of comedic timing and fearless charm to host the University Union Comedy Knockout show. As Macy Aiken walks onto the stage, the crowd lights up. A sea of familiar faces eagerly awaits the comedian’s first joke of the night. She’s made a name for herself in the Syracuse comedy community with her “honest, vulgar and intuitive” performances.
How to get free breast, cervical and colon cancer screening in Onondaga County
Syracuse, N.Y. -- In the past five years, Onondaga County has done more than 900 cancer screenings for people without health insurance or who have other barriers to testing. The program has reached more than 150 people each year since 2020. Last year, 181 people were screened, with 156 for breast cancer, 79 for colorectal cancer and 23 for cervical cancer. “People without health insurance are less likely to get cancer screenings,” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County’s health commissioner.
Montgomery County voters' perspective: Jenna and David Breznicky
Pennsylvania Elections Updated: Oct. 29, 2024, 4:17 p.m. |Published: Oct. 29, 2024, 4:17 p.m. Daughter-father duo Jenna and David Breznicky both are strong supporters of Kamala Harris. Photo by Anna Ginelli, Syracuse UniversityAnna Ginelli, Syracuse University By Anna Ginelli and Sophia Leone | Syracuse University County: Montgomery Montgomery County, or “Montco,” as it is colloquially referenced, is the third most populous county in Pennsylvania at roughly 856,000 people.
Montgomery County voter’s perspective: Elaine Seal
Updated: Oct. 29, 2024, 4:20 p.m. |Published: Oct. 29, 2024, 4:15 p.m. Elaine Seal, a retired horticulturist from Montgomery County, said she is passionate about protecting women's reproductive rights. Photo by Anna Ginelli, Syracuse UniversityAnna Ginelli, Syracuse University By Anna Ginelli and Sophia Leone | Syracuse University County: Montgomery Montgomery County, or “Montco,” as it is colloquially referenced, is the third most populous county in Pennsylvania at roughly 856,000 people.
Montgomery County voter’s perspective: Stephen Perry
Updated: Oct. 29, 2024, 4:17 p.m. |Published: Oct. 29, 2024, 4:13 p.m. Stephen Perry says both candidates are unpopular, but he still believes everyone needs to vote. Photo by Anna Ginelli, Syracuse UniversityAnna Ginelli, Syracuse University By Anna Ginelli and Sophia Leone | Syracuse University County: Montgomery Montgomery County, or “Montco,” as it is colloquially referenced, is the third most populous county in Pennsylvania at roughly 856,000 people.
Why John Mannion sat out the DNC as NY-22 takes center stage among Dems
CHICAGO – As Democrats gathered in Chicago this week to officially choose their candidate for president, party representatives from New York repeatedly directed their attention to the race for the 22nd Congressional District. The district was the talk of the New York delegation, as its members stressed its importance to winning control of the House of Representatives. But its central player, John Mannion, was watching from his home turf in Central New York.
At DNC, Dems put spotlight on Upstate NY as America’s ‘semiconductor superhighway’
CHICAGO — Leading New York officials, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, shined a spotlight on Syracuse and Central New York at a state delegation breakfast Tuesday morning. “Because of the infrastructure law, New York has the biggest public works project ever in the country, the great gateway,” Schumer said.
At DNC, Dems put spotlight on Upstate NY as America’s ‘semiconductor superhighway’
CHICAGO — Leading New York officials, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, shined a spotlight on Syracuse and Central New York at a state delegation breakfast Tuesday morning. “Because of the infrastructure law, New York has the biggest public works project ever in the country, the great gateway,” Schumer said.
At DNC, Dems put spotlight on Upstate NY as America’s ‘semiconductor superhighway’
CHICAGO – Leading New York officials, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, shined a spotlight on Syracuse and Central New York at a state delegation breakfast Tuesday morning. “Because of the infrastructure law, New York has the biggest public works project ever in the country, the great gateway,” Schumer said.
Top House Democrat singles out NY22 as key race at DNC: ‘We’re in the Red Zone’
CHICAGO – The New York delegation celebrated the start of the Democratic National Convention on Monday with a breakfast marked by top elected officials on the schedule. A main point of discussion among the gathered Democrats was turning New York’s 22nd Congressional District blue. “[One seat] in the New York City suburbs, one in the upper Hudson Valley and of course, one in Syracuse, New York,” said U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “We can win the House back with New York alone.
See the 307 New York delegates to the DNC (including 6 from Central NY)
CHICAGO — The Democratic National Convention kicked off Monday morning in Chicago. Thousands of delegates from across the country are gathered this week to nominate Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for president and vice president. Below is a primer on local delegates to the convention, and a list of all the delegates from New York. How many delegates are there from New York State? There are 307 delegates from New York State attending the DNC.
What New York federal and state officials are up for reelection, and what have they done for you?
1) This map shows the New York State Senate districts in Chenango County. District 51 is currently represented by Senator Peter Oberacker (R) and District 53 is currently represented by Senator Joseph Griffo (R). The two senators will be up for reelection on November 5, 2024. (Chenango County Department of Planning and Development), 2) This map shows the New York State Assembly districts in Chenango County.
Mount Upton man accepts plea deal for felony drug charge
MOUNT UPTON – A Mount Upton man pled guilty in Chenango County Court this week for a felony drug charge. Nicholas A. Marte, 44, of Mount Upton pled guilty to the third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, the top count, and agreed to two years incarceration and two years post-release supervision.
School bus driver sex crime trial ends in mistrial
NORWICH – The week-long trial of a former Sherburne-Earlville school bus driver, who testified in his own defense, ended in a mistrial on Friday after the jury could not reach a verdict, according to court officials. Deliberation lasted several hours, beginning early Thursday afternoon and continuing into Friday. Douglas C. Webb, 64, of Sherburne, was indicted in early 2022 after he allegedly groped three female teenage students while on the job.
Jury to decide fate of former S-E bus driver accused of touching students
SHERBURNE – The trial of a former Sherburne-Earlville bus driver indicted on sex crimes approaches the end as witnesses finish testimony. Prosecutors alleged Douglas C. Webb, 64, of Sherburne, groped three teenage students while on the job. It was later revealed by state police that Webb had failed to disclose a previous conviction to his employers on his bus driver application.
Trial begins for former school bus driver indicted on sex abuse charges
SHERBURNE – A former Sherburne-Earville school bus driver began trial this week after being charged with multiple sex crimes against students as well as failing to disclose a previous sex crime conviction on his job application. Douglas C. Webb, 64, of Sherburne, was initially charged in early 2022 after students complained of Webb touching a number of students’ thighs and buttocks. The New York State Police then launched an investigation into the accusations.
Upcoming deputy sheriff civil service exam gives an opportunity to do good in the community
CHENANGO COUNTY – On September 28, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office will offer a civil service examination for those interested in pursuing a career as a deputy sheriff. The exam is the first of several tests one must pass to become a deputy sheriff in the county.
Costly water filter plant sees more use after being offline
NORWICH – After being offline for the majority of 2023, the City of Norwich’s water filter treatment plant has been operating more consistently on an as-needed basis, according to Department of Public Works Superintendent Edward Pepe. The water filter plant faced setbacks since it was built in 2018, primarily due to aluminum exceedances in the filter’s backwash.
Worldwide Microsoft outage hits Chenango County causing county offices to close
CHENANGO COUNTY – Friday morning, a Microsoft outage impacted computer systems worldwide. In the United States, 911 services are down across the country and major airlines like Delta, United and American have grounded planes and delayed flights. In Chenango County, county offices were forced to close for the day as IT professionals work diligently to rectify the situation.
Oxford Academy and Central School District undergoes changes in top leadership
OXFORD – Oxford Academy and Central School District is undergoing several leadership shifts ahead of the 2024 to 2025 academic year. Oxford’s new superintendent, Nicholas Colosi, began his tenure in early July. He replaces the district’s interim superintendent, Terrance Dougherty. Colosi previously served as the superintendent of Afton Central School District for two years. He also participated in a development program through the New York State Council of School Superintendents.
Chemical leak at New Berlin Dollar General causes health scare
NEW BERLIN – On the afternoon of Friday, July 12, the refrigerant R-410A leaked in the New Berlin Dollar General, causing the Chenango County Public Health Department to deem the store unsafe and close it until further notice, according to Public Health Director Isaiah Sutton. On the day of the incident, the New Berlin Fire Department responded to a 911 call at the Dollar General in New Berlin, reporting that some people within the building had fallen ill.
Oxford Primary School principal offered superintendent job at Otselic Valley
SOUTH OTSELIC – On July 2, Otselic Valley Board of Education (BOE) offered the role of Superintendent of Schools to longtime Oxford Primary School Principal Brian Collier. Collier began his career in education as a high school social studies teacher and boys varsity basketball coach at Norwich City School District before becoming the primary school principal at Oxford.
Oxford man arrested after leading county sheriff on road pursuit
OXFORD – On Wednesday, July 3, Christopher Fuller of Oxford, 30, was charged with multiple misdemeanors and felonies after leading a sheriff’s deputy on a vehicle pursuit, reported Chenango County Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr. “On July 3, 2024, a Chenango County deputy was in the area of North Plaza in the Town of Norwich. The deputy observed a dark blue pick-up truck pass him as he was leaving a business and recognized the operator, Christopher Fuller, and knew he did not have a valid license.
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