First Read
First Read
First Read – Jan. 16, 2024
Funding increase to emergency services still isn’t enough … Biden’s third visit to the Commonwealth in a month … Trump wins Iowa, Desantis second place … and more
Philadelphia
Opinion
Federal funds are needed for Philly to become our nation’s biggest green city
Urban forestry initiatives have begun benefitting underserved communities
First Read
First Read
First Read – Jan. 12, 2024
Philadelphia DA Krasner files suit … Basic Education Funding Commission releases report … New year, new Fetterman? Depends on who you ask … and more
Capitol Beat
Policy
State panel advances Dem-backed report with school funding recommendations
The report suggests that $5.4 billion is needed to close a statewide education adequacy gap.
Winners & Losers
News & Politics
Policy
Larry Krasner files suit against law seeking to appoint special prosecutor in Philadelphia
Act 40 requires a special prosecutor be appointed to oversee criminal activity taking place near SEPTA
First Read
First Read
First Read – Jan. 11, 2024
Shakeup among Philadelphia City Commissioners … Biden edges Trump in new PA poll … Capitol escalators to be replaced … and more
Philadelphia
Politics
Omar Sabir replaces Lisa Deeley as chair of Philly City Commissioners
Sabir now leads the three-member board in charge of the city’s elections and voter registration
Capitol Beat
Policy
A step in the right direction: PA Capitol’s infamous escalators to be replaced
The Department of General Services announced a renovation project for the Capitol’s East Wing that is set to be completed by August 2025.
First Read
First Read
First Read PA – Jan. 10, 2024
Shapiro admin partners with OpenAI … Edu funding pits east versus west … Biden to visit Allentown on Friday … and more
Capitol Beat
Politics
PA becomes first state to partner with OpenAI on AI pilot program
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the state will participate in a generative AI pilot program with OpenAI
Philadelphia
Politics
A sustainability-focused VC founder just took over Penn’s board of trustees
Five things to know about Ramanan Raghavendran, a University of Pennsylvania alumnus who cofounded investment firm Amasia.
Philadelphia
Personality
Boom or bust - Our picks to replace Philly’s controversial public carvings
Famous Philadelphians who might be deserving of a city sculpture
First Read
First Read
First Read – Jan. 9, 2024
William Penn statue will not be removed … Biden’s Valley Forge speech focuses on democracy … Astrobotic attempts to go to the moon … and more
Health Care
Policy
States hope doulas can deliver better maternal health outcomes
The Department of Human Services is working with the nonprofit Pennsylvania Doula Commission to increase the number of licensed doulas by offering subsidies for the commission’s certification fee
Education
Policy
Advocates who won education lawsuit call for $2B ‘down payment’ on fair funding
‘We are prepared to go back to court to uphold the rights of those communities,’ Deborah Gordon Klehr of the Education Law Center said
First Read
First Read
First Read – Jan. 5, 2024
Legal battle waged over Farm Show milkshake … Education funding advocates are ready to return to court … D.C. police officer Michael Fanone visits Harrisburg … and more
First Read
First Read
First Read – Jan. 4, 2024
Innamorato announces wage increases for county employees… Violent crime drops in Philadelphia… Solomon picks up endorsements in AG race … and more
Winners & Losers
Capitol Beat
Politics