Hard to believe that this is the last Monday edition of the Keystone newsletter we’ll be sending in 2025. ICYMI, we’re altering our publishing schedule to allow for some much-needed downtime over the holidays. Following today, we’ll be in your inbox twice more before the calendar flips to 2026: Tomorrow, and next Tuesday, Dec. 30.

We’ll resume our regular weekday publishing schedule on Monday, Jan. 5.

Speaking of 2026, several new state laws are set to go into effect early next year, from laws that offer new tax credits to low- and middle-income workers to laws that ban discrimination based on hairstyles and require schools to be more transparent about weapons incidents.

More on these and other new state laws taking effect in 2026 below.

Amish craftsmen from Central Pa. traveled to Boone, NC, to build 12 tiny homes for Hurricane victims. (Photo: Sherrie Norris/High Country Press)

The news felt pretty heavy at times in 2025. But even when it seems like the world is on fire, someone is always out there choosing to do good.

As beloved Pennsylvanian Fred Rogers reminds us, when tragedy strikes, “Always look for the helpers.” There are always people, perhaps on the sidelines or behind the scenes, working to make things better. “If you look for the helpers,” Rogers said, “you’ll know there’s hope.”

With the words of Mister Rogers in mind, our Kalena Thomhave is highlighting the stories of ordinary people and groups across Pennsylvania whose kindness in 2025 offered exactly that hope. Whether they saved lives or simply inspired others to be kinder, these are some of the helpers Mister Rogers was talking about.

• Labor unions from around Pennsylvania continue lining up behind firefighter Bob Brooks’ bid to unseat freshman US House Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) in next year’s midterm elections. Our Sean Kitchen has the story.

• Both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance visited Pennsylvania recently to tout the success of the administration’s economic agenda. But in Allentown, residents said they are experiencing a different economic reality. Find out more here.

• A new mental health urgent care facility has opened in Honesdale, the first of its kind in Wayne County. Learn about it here.

• State officials are asking Presque Isle visitors for their input on potential upgrades to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Erie Bluffs State Park. Get the details here.

Northern York County Regional Police officers are handing out $10,000 in $100 bills, along with this note, to show their appreciation to the community for its support after three of its detectives were killed in September. (USA Today Network)

Santa isn’t due to arrive for another couple of days, but the Northern York County Regional Police Department is doing its part to make the holiday season merry and bright for locals.

They’re handing out $100 bills throughout the area with a note that reads, in part, “You matter. You are valued. This gesture is simply our way of sharing a little holiday cheer and thanking the community we are proud to serve. We wish you peace, safety, and warmth this holiday season!”

The campaign started with an anonymous $10,000 donation, in $100 bills, to the police department, after three of its detectives were killed in September. The benefactor gave the department the cash with the directive to hand it out for the holidays, which patrol officers will be doing through the end of the day on Tuesday.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave, Sean Kitchen, The Associated Press, and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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