First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Sept. 18, 2023

Special election on Tuesday … Nine escape from juvenile detention following riot … SEPTA’s contract negotiations … and more.

Capitol Beat

Policy

Gov. Josh Shapiro wants you to text him

Pennsylvania’s chief executive has joined Community to send and receive text messages directly from constituents

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Sept. 15, 2023

McCormick expected to announce Senate bid … Philadelphia City Council approves ban on safe-injection sites … Rockey announces jobs plan … and more

Philadelphia

Policy

Proposed supervised-injection legislation roils Philadelphia City Council

The bill would ban supervised injection sites from every district except one covering West and Southwest Philadelphia.

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Sept. 14, 2023

Cavalcante captured … Man sentenced for stealing Scanlon’s car … Joyce comments on Biden impeachment probe … and more.

Education

Policy

Lawmakers hear from parents, school leaders on school choice policies

The hearing comes as another legislative body plans to hold a statewide tour on education funding.

Campaigns & Elections

Politics

Five for Friday: Summer Storylines

Revisiting the most significant storylines from the summer season

Capitol Beat

Policy

PA lawmakers begin discussions on data privacy legislation

House Bill 1201 would establish consumer rights related to the use of their digital data.

Business

Personality

Grub Hubs: Where PA politicos drink and dine

Wanna hang out with legislators after they gavel out? Check out these favorite watering holes.

Interviews & Profiles

Personality

Let’s talk about IT: A Q&A with Pennsylvania’s new CIO, Amaya Capellán

The former Comcast executive talks about the state’s biggest digital challenges – and opportunities.

Philadelphia

Politics

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw resigns

Outlaw’s departure comes just months before the city elects a new mayor

Campaigns & Elections

Opinion

Opinion: PA’s 2023 election provides a chance to protect abortion for years to come

Planned Parenthood PA PAC Executive Director Signe Espinoza writes that 2023 is not an off-year election.

Gun Control

Policy

Mary Gay Scanlon joins Philly advocates in calling for assault weapons ban

The Democratic congresswoman met with gun control and public school advocates in Philadelphia Thursday

Campaigns & Elections

Policy

Lawmakers take step to give Pa. voters a bigger voice in presidential primaries

“As the fifth-largest state in the country, we should have a stronger role in this election,” state Sen. David Argall said.

Energy

Policy

With billions in clean energy grants on the way, states get a leg up on applications

To help school districts come up with the rest of the money they’ll need to take advantage of the federal funds, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler is proposing setting aside enough state money to pay half of the cost of solar panels

News & Politics

Policy

Understanding Pennsylvania’s ongoing debate over skill games

Lawmakers are weighing the benefits and drawbacks of regulating so-called games of skill.