Pennsylvania
Bill Proposed to Tax Political Ads in PA
Pennsylvania Representative Robert Matzie (D-Beaver) proposed a bill to subject all political advertising to state sales tax, aiming to generate revenue for public services and inform residents about the financial contributions of political ads. WHTM has more.
Bill Proposes Looser Education Rules for PA Caregivers
A bill introduced by State Senator Dave Argall (R-Carbon/Luzerne/Schuylkill) proposes eliminating the high school diploma requirement for direct care workers in Pennsylvania, replacing it with a competency exam to address workforce shortages, though advocates argue higher wages would better solve the issue. Spotlight PA has more.
PA to Host Largest Gas-Powered AI Data Center in the U.S.
The site of Pennsylvania’s largest former coal plant will be transformed into a $10 billion natural-gas powered data center campus, creating thousands of jobs and supporting AI and high-performance computing demands. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
Delaware County Bans Ghost Guns, Gun Converters
Delaware County has become the first Philadelphia suburb to ban ghost guns and devices that convert firearms into automatic weapons, with the ordinance taking effect in 10 days. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
PA Aims to Employ Laid-Off Federal Workers
Pennsylvania has launched an initiative to help over 700 laid-off federal workers find state jobs following significant federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration. The program includes targeted advertising, a dedicated landing page, and support for navigating the state hiring process. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
PA Counties Take Millions in Foster Kids’ Social Security Benefits
An investigation by Resolve Philly and Spotlight PA found that nearly every county in Pennsylvania took Social Security money meant for foster children, with over a quarter of the agencies failing to prove the funds were spent on the intended children. Additionally, only five counties directly notified the children or their families about taking the money. Spotlight PA has more.
Musk Sued for Unpaid Voter Incentives in PA
A Bucks County resident filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and America PAC, claiming they failed to pay over $20,000 promised for canvassing and soliciting signatures in Pennsylvania ahead of the 2024 election. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Philadelphia
Council Member Proposes Fund to Save Free Transit Passes
Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke (At Large) plans to introduce legislation to create the Philadelphia Transit Access Fund, ensuring permanent funding for the Zero Fare program that provides free SEPTA passes to low-income residents. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Franklin Square PATCO Station Reopens After 46 Years
The Franklin Square PATCO station in Philadelphia has reopened after a $29.3 million renovation, marking its first operation since 1979 and adding a new stop to the line. WHYY has more.
Philly-Area Schools Resist President Trump’s DEI Ban
Despite President Donald Trump’s orders to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, some Philadelphia-area schools, like Phoenixville, are defying the mandate, citing reliance on local funding and state antidiscrimination laws. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Pittsburgh
Gainey, O’Connor Discuss Visions for Pittsburgh at Jewish Community Forum
At a forum hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, Mayor Ed Gainey and challenger Corey O’Connor shared their plans for Downtown revitalization, affordable housing, and support for the Jewish community, while addressing concerns about antisemitism and the city’s future. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.
Federal
Gov. Shapiro Criticizes President Trump’s Tariffs as Harmful to PA
Governor Josh Shapiro condemned President Trump’s newest tariff proposal, calling it a “disastrous, reckless policy” that would drive up costs for Pennsylvania’s consumers and businesses, particularly impacting industries like craft brewing and timber. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
Gov. Shapiro Joins Multistate Lawsuit to Protect PA Public Health
Gov. Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit to challenge the Trump administration’s abrupt cancellation of over half a billion dollars in public health grants for Pennsylvania, which support critical services like infectious disease prevention and mental health care. PoliticsPA has more.
PA Faces Service Gaps from Federal Cuts, Says Union Rep
At a policy hearing on Wednesday, officials expressed concerns that Pennsylvania will need to fill service gaps left by federal layoffs, which could have significant economic impacts on the state. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Bucks County Commissioner Enters Race for PA-08
Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie (D) announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, currently represented by U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R), with the goal of tackling economic issues and federal funding impacts. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Poll Shows PA Strongly Opposed to Elimination of Education Department
A recent poll reveals that nearly 60% of Pennsylvanians oppose eliminating the federal Department of Education and taxpayer-funded tuition vouchers, with many citing inadequate funding and resources as the primary threat to public schools. PoliticsPA has more.