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

News & Politics

Policy

On the Agenda 2024: State and local issues to watch

Here are the biggest challenges state and local government leaders will confront in the new year.

Policy

Policy

Two recent cyberattacks on water systems highlight vulnerability of critical infrastructure

Pro-Iran hackers allegedly hit a system near Pittsburgh, causing it to replace its Israeli-made equipment as a precaution

Business

Policy

Pennsylvania stands alone on clarifying BEAD plan

States will have to adhere to existing law to meet the $42.5 billion broadband program requirements

Ethics

Politics

Pa. Supreme Court will consider whether officials’ Facebook posts are public records

A Crawford County lawyer sought school board members’ posts about an LGBTQ+ book display

Business

Policy

PA officials react to feds easing capital requirement for broadband funding

The rule, which required internet companies to put down millions of dollars upfront, would have excluded all but the biggest providers

Technology

Personality

A Q&A with PA Secretary of State Al Schmidt

The commonwealth’s chief elections officer discusses AI and its impact on election operations, among other concerns.

Special Reports

Personality

A Q&A with state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick

The Communications & Technology Committee chair speaks about the future of AI in the government space

Special Reports

Personality

Bob Casey talks ‘robot bosses’ and the need to regulate AI

Pennsylvania’s senior senator discusses the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and who should be responsible for regulating it.

Special Reports

Policy

How AI is poised to impact government – and vice versa

The future is now – and the public and private sector are both working together and at cross-purposes to meet the moment

Special Reports

Policy

The battle to deep-six the deepfake threat to elections levels up

Officials are racing to outflank misinformation agents and their metastasizing use of artificial intelligence.

News & Politics

Policy

Inconvenience fee: Rutter’s will pay PA $1 million, bolster security measures after data breach

The chain – a competitor of Wawa and Sheetz – first notified consumers of the data breach in February 2020.

Philadelphia

Policy

Philadelphia attempts to put accessibility at the forefront of disability data

The city’s disability map can help policymakers deliver more inclusive and accessible services for those living with disabilities

Special Reports

Policy

The race to ensure PA remains an innovation hub

With other states fast encroaching on its turf, a new commitment to being business- and workforce development-friendly is the order of the day across the commonwealth.

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

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.

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.

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

Education

Personality

A Q&A with Kyle Kopko

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Executive Director discusses the state and future of rural education