Policy
Capitol Beat
PA Senate passes permitting transparency bill
The bill, which would require state agencies to create public permit tracking systems, received bipartisan support in the state Senate.
Education
State Senate studies ‘bell-to-bell’ cell phone ban in schools
Cell phone usage in schools is a hot-button issue in Harrisburg
Technology
At heated City Council hearing, Philly tech officials “failed” their first AI test
At a contentious hearing on artificial intelligence in government, lawmakers and community advocates expressed grave concerns about the city’s preparedness for the AI era
Capitol Beat
Bry Pardoe is Pennsylvania’s acting CIO following IT staff changes
The Office of Administration also confirmed that James Sipe is serving as the state’s acting executive deputy secretary for IT.
Education
Citing out-of-control expenses and expenditures, school districts and state Democrats push for new cyber charter funding formula
Both sides of the statewide debate agree an overhaul of the funding system is in order – but disagree on the way forward.
Capitol Beat
Gun control bills receive mixed response in tight PA House votes
Lawmakers passed a bill to expand background checks, but two other gun-related bills failed to advance.
Education
Commonwealth school districts are still working on improving buildings and environments
Schools across the state have long dealt with mold, asbestos and other environmental hazards inside their walls.
Policy
PA lawmakers advance gun control bills following York police shooting
House Democrats advanced four gun control bills out of the state House Judiciary Committee on Monday despite opposition from Republicans.
News & Politics
Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund, explained
State officials have deposited several billion dollars into the commonwealth budgetary reserves in recent years. Is it time to use it?
Transportation
SEPTA’s short-term funding fix: How we got here and what’s next
The Shapiro administration and PennDOT are moving forward with the transit agency’s request to use up to $394 million in capital assistance funds for daily operations
News & Politics
For more PA cities, hard fiscal choices are leading to home rule
The need for revenue is driving more Pennsylvania local governments to consider home rule charters.
News & Politics
Phillies, MLB leadership emphasize need for 2026 All-Star Game to invest in youth baseball, North Philadelphia
A panel discussion at Temple University outlined how the 2026 event can leave a lasting impact and community investment.
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Law Enforcement
‘No Secret Police’ legislation seeks to unmask, identify ICE officers
PA Senate Democrats have introduced a bill that would require law enforcement to identify themselves and remain maskless
Policy
PA Senate advances $47.7B budget, transit spending plan
Amid an ongoing state budget impasse, state Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward called the proposal ‘the answer for the moment.’
Policy
Amid budget impasse, school officials fear critical funding shortfalls
With state money frozen and deadlines looming for obligations like pension payments, districts will soon face tough fiscal choices.
News & Politics
PA House passes public transit funding bill after Gov. Shapiro's latest call to action
The vote took place less than a day after the governor again pushed for more public transit funding in the state budget.
Capitol Beat
Kim Ward suggests ‘six-month budget’ amid ongoing PA budget impasse
The Pennsylvania Senate president said school choice policies and mass transit funding remain sticking points.
Josh Shapiro
A recent history of efforts to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage
Lawmakers have attempted to raise the minimum wage in the commonwealth, with little success over the last 20 years.
Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, temporarily banning cars has become a new economic driver
The city’s Open Streets program has become successful and popular enough that key figures are looking into how to make permanent road closures a reality.
Health Care
Rural hospitals brace for Medicaid cuts
State healthcare experts fear what the fallout from the One Big Beautiful Bill will mean for Pennsylvania’s smaller hospitals – and the insurance coverage that keeps them running.
