General Assembly

Policy

The search to solve the cannabis conviction conundrum continues

Why cannabis advocates say social equity needs to be front-and-center in the legalization conversation.

Policy

Politics

As another neighboring state moves forward on recreational marijuana, Pennsylvania remains stuck in neutral

With Ohio joining the ranks of sales-friendly states, advocates for doing the same in Pennsylvania are ramping up efforts.

Education

Opinion

Opinion: A report card shows improvement is needed on education options

A new report by the Heritage Foundation makes the argument for improving school choice in Pennsylvania.

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Nov. 22, 2023

Shapiro to appeal court decision on RGGI … Federal judge says improperly dated ballots should be counted … Meet Philadelphia’s incoming police commissioner … and more

General Assembly

Policy

Shapiro administration will appeal court decision on RGGI

A spokesperson said the governor is open to developing alternatives to the regional carbon-pricing initiative.

Environment

Opinion

Opinion: To save our climate, the fight tor RGGI must continue

Gov. Josh Shapiro must pull out all the stops to preserve this essential tool to fight global warming.

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Nov. 21, 2023

Lafayette College to host 2024 presidential debate … Pittsburgh could connect homeless encampments with services … Lawmakers get a raise … and more

Capitol Beat

Politics

Shapiro’s first press club luncheon address: working with a divided legislature, RGGI, school funding and more

The governor said his ‘get stuff done’ attitude helped his administration hit the ground running

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Nov. 20, 2023

The latest in John Dougherty’s embezzlement trial … Oh keeps door open for another run for public office … Major discusses new bill package … and more

News & Politics

Politics

Penn, Lafayette among schools under federal hate probe

The U.S. Department of Education has launched investigations into seven schools over alleged incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Nov. 17, 2023

Kat Copeland expected to join AG race … Public records law expanded to state-relateds … Saucon School District to pay $200,000 for denying After School Satan Club … and more

Campaigns & Elections

Politics

Pennsylvania’s election audit starts with a roll of the dice

Department of State officials rolled ten-sided dice to generate a seed number needed for a post-election audit.

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Nov. 16, 2023

Senate approves funding for state-related universities … Abortion drove spending in judicial races … House passes shield law to protect out-of-staters seeking abortions … and more

General Assembly

Policy

PA Senate approves university funding, omnibus school code bill

Lawmakers also passed a bill that would require state-related universities to release more information about their finances and operations.

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Nov. 15, 2023

Female senators join forces on bills to combat sexual harassment … Court rules on township’s ‘thin blue line’ flag prohibition … Dougherty case brings in family members … and more

General Assembly

Policy

Female senators join forces on bills to combat sexual harassment

A bipartisan group of senators is seeking to change how sexual harassment cases are handled in Harrisburg.

Energy

Policy

House panel considers how hydrogen hubs can help meet climate goals

‘Without strong standards, Pennsylvania’s hydrogen hubs will increase carbon emissions and air pollution,’ Rachel Fakhry of the National Resource Defense Council said

First Read

First Read

First Read PA - Nov. 14, 2023

Gainey unveils 2024 budget in Pittsburgh … House moves on stricter gun laws amid calls for Senate action … Delco Democrats must appoint a Republican to help them run 2024 election … and more