PA News

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — After years of research, a proposed plan, and a vote to table it, returning the American marten to the woods of Pennsylvania has been postponed — indefinitely. An American marten, which the Pennsylvania Game Commission proposes to reintroduce into the commonwealth.T. Graziano | Pennsylvania Game

by Lauren Jessup (The Center Square) – Pennsylvania could be the second state in the nation to pass legislation that would generate revenue by imposing a fee on international wire transfers sent by undocumented immigrants back to relatives and friends in their home countries.  Senators Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg, and Chris Gebhard, R-Lebanon, said they will

The one constant in Harrisburg no matter the dominant political party is a reflexive inclination to shield information from the public. by Christopher Baxter Politicians in Harrisburg come and go, and political majorities shift over time. But one enduring constant, no matter who’s in power, is a reflexive inclination to shield information from the very

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — Republican lawmakers tend to emphasize public safety more, but House Democrats say it’s them who are dragging their feet on legislation that addresses the issue. “We’ve sent over 230 substantive pieces of public policy in the form of legislation to the Senate and they have

by John Cole Republican U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick said “the America we know is slipping away” during an appearance Friday at the 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.  David McCormick, who is running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, is shown speaking to supporters during a

Pennsylvania has lost nearly 300 years of election official experience since 2019. The state’s top voting official says this loss is “one of the biggest dangers” to elections. by Carter Walker of Votebeat A poll worker holds voting stickers for community members on Nov. 7, 2023, at Central Elementary School in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — Legislators from rural Pennsylvania have been wary of expansion by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, concerned that more land under its ownership cuts into development and tax revenues.  Jim Hale | Pennsylvania Game Commission via Facebook During a Senate Game & Fisheries Committee on Thursday, they

Billions of dollars are coming to states to help them respond to the opioid epidemic, but Pennsylvania’s drug paraphernalia law is creating conflict. by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA and Sarah Boden of WESA Kim Botteicher, executive director of a nonprofit service provider in Westmoreland County, wants Pennsylvania lawmakers to allow syringe services. “It’s right.

Pennsylvanians can get abortions up to 24 weeks. But access advocates say there are still too many restrictions, like waiting periods, parental consent rules, and insufficient funding. by Katie Meyer Public officials and members of Planned Parenthood at a 2022 press conference about the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an

Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering significant changes to the way charter schools are funded as they undertake a monumental overhaul

by John Cole, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJanuary 11, 2024 U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Wednesday that the USDA is investing $26 million in Pennsylvania agriculture under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. Gov. Josh Shapiro (center) joins Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack (right) and PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding (left) to announce a $26

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — When the pandemic hit, state and federal governments upped financial aid to the public with more welfare benefits, stimulus checks, and loans. That aid is still high in some cases, with no signs of changing. In Pennsylvania, total monthly SNAP benefits are up 76% compared

by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJanuary 5, 2024 WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Reflecting on the fight to establish America as a democracy and the events that nearly toppled it three years ago, President Joe Biden warned of the danger he believes former President Donald Trump poses to American ideals.  President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign

Four officials share the concrete changes they say would shore up Pennsylvania’s system against frivolous fraud allegations as the 2024 election approaches. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA Voter registration worker Sharon Schoemaker sorts mail ballots at Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Nov. 7, 2023. Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA Spotlight

by Cassie Miller, Pennsylvania Capital-Star The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to support the Commonwealth’s 800,000 veterans and their families through several statewide programs this year.  Soldiers lining up for the annual New York City Veterans Day Parade (Getty Images) “By supporting one of these programs, you are letting

By Christina Lengyel | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – Families will see a boost in their tax returns in 2024 after the state expanded its Child and Dependent Care tax credit. The expansion – part of a wider series of bills that direct state spending on programs for schools, the criminal justice system,

Pa. lawmakers have a lot of work left before a state budget is finalized. They have only a week until construction closes the state House for the winter. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA The interior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit

By Christen Smith | The Center Square (The Center Square) – A new analysis from the CATO Institute found that Pennsylvania ranks 18th nationwide for “personal and economic freedom.” The commonwealth rated higher than all of its neighbors, according to the report, based on laws and regulations that impact personal, regulatory, and financial liberties. Pennsylvania ranks fifth

State capitols are the testing grounds for the future of our country. New policies and novel legal theories on everything from abortion to education to election administration are being shaped at the state level. And the decisions made in Harrisburg have a far greater effect on your life than the little done in Washington, D.C.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection policy now recognizes 1,965 environmental justice areas in Pennsylvania. More than 200 are in rural counties. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College A map of Pennsylvania’s 2023 environmental justice areas highlighted in red. Screenshot via Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection This story was produced by the State College

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – An organization that ranks the fiscal health of all states said Pennsylvania scored a D after records showed the government lacked enough money to pay the bills in 2022. Grace David | The Center Square The recently released 14th annual Financial State of the States report by

Pennsylvanians will see candidates for state Supreme Court, municipal races, and more on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds the power to account and drives positive change in

The state House has sent the upper chamber a bill to change the date of the 2024 presidential primary to April 2. It’s unclear how the state Senate will respond. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Carter Walker of Votebeat A sign that reads House of Representatives inside the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Amanda

Pennsylvania’s latest budget gives $112 million to parks and forests, but the infrastructure backlog is $1.4 billion. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College Commonwealth Media Services This story first appeared in Talk of the Town, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA’s State College regional bureau featuring the most important news and happenings in

By Christen Smith | The Center Square Eric Glenn | Shutterstock (The Center Square) – Residents receiving or renewing driver’s licenses and state ID cards will be automatically registered to vote. Gov. Josh Shapiro made the announcement early Tuesday, joining Pennsylvania to a list of 23 other states — including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Georgia,

Join Spotlight PA on Oct. 12 to learn more about the candidates running for state Supreme Court and more, and what these elections will mean for you. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds the powerful to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our

One of the biggest-ever classes of new lawmakers joined the Pa. legislature this year. Spotlight PA followed 3 of them as they navigated a freshman year full of power struggle and scandal. Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA In order from left, Representatives Dallas Kephart, Justin Fleming, and Tarik Khan.

Advocates say allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to outsource management could improve public services while saving taxpayers money. by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our regional newsletter, Talk of

Local government officials, whether elected or appointed, shape residents’ lives in a range of ways. Here’s how to become involved in your municipality and what to do when problems arise. by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom

The rebate program had not seen a full update since 2006 despite repeated bipartisan efforts to stem enrollment declines. by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA The Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public

The governor signed a $45.5 billion appropriations bill after a month-plus dispute over a private school voucher program. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his first budget proposal to the legislature inside the Capitol building in Harrisburg, PA, in March. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is

In seven states, Trump allies sent electoral votes for him to Congress despite his loss. Some are facing investigations and criminal charges, but the saga has a twist in the Keystone State. by Carter Walker of Votebeat This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and

by Kim Lyons, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJuly 31, 2023 PITTSBURGH – On Saturday, Democrats in Allegheny County selected Pittsburgh-area nonprofit director Lindsay Powell to be their nominee in a special election that will determine the balance of power in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.  Pittsburgh’s City/County Building (Pittsburgh City Paper photo) Powell, who is director of workforce

The Biden administration wants states to invest in hydrogen production to fight climate change, but regulating the industry is an emerging conflict in PA. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA The dome of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with

Delaware Valley Journal, an Inside Sources Publication Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) (CREDIT: Flickr/AFGE) Pennsylvania Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman are among the Democrats who are sponsoring the re-introduction of the so-called “Freedom to Vote Act,” a sweeping federal law that would override the Keystone State’s election rules. From requiring early voting to preventing voter

by Kim Lyons, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJuly 23, 2023 BRADDOCK, Pa. — By now, most people are aware that U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has been through a difficult time over the past year, to put it mildly. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman talked about his support of reproductive rights to his admiration for Pennsylvania’s senior Sen. Bob Casey,

The group running the attack ads, Commonwealth Action, is not required to disclose its donors. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. A screenshot from an ad against state House Majority Leader Matt Bradford paid

Shutterstock photo (The Center Square) — A boom year from natural gas impact fees in 2022 could be followed by a dramatic drop in payments, according to a recent analysis. The data suggests that, rather than setting a new floor and bringing in steady funding in the future, recent record-setting payments are a blip. The analysis,

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. In the past 20 years, PA has passed 13 late budgets, including four impasses that went over 100 days. The Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg. Commonwealth Media Services

by Danielle E. Gaines, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJuly 12, 2023 A settlement agreement has been finalized in a lawsuit that alleged federal officials weren’t doing enough to stop Chesapeake Bay pollution originating in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, environmental groups and state governments filed a notice in U.S. District Court on Wednesday, dismissing the 2020 lawsuit.

By Christen Smith | The Center Square  Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro unveils his budget proposal on March 7, 2023.Commonwealth Media Services | Contributed photo Editor’s Note: The story has been updated since initial publication to include a statement from Senate President Kim Ward, R-Greensburg. (The Center Square) – Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro blamed legislators, namely

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributor Jun 30, 2023 (The Center Square) – A new political party wants to bridge the partisan divide and give voters more sway over the election process. Democratic Sens. Lisa Boscola and Tony Williams speak at an event in support of the Forward political party in Harrisburg, Pa. Provided

by Capital-Star Guest Contributor, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJune 29, 2023 By Patrick Beaty The Guardian, or Authority of Law, created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, rests on the side of the U.S. Supreme Court on September 28, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Al Drago/Getty Images). On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down an important decision with major

by Tim Henderson, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJune 28, 2023 The median age rose in almost every state last year, census estimates show, continuing a long-term trend that is pushing states to prepare for aging populations. Seventeen states had median ages over 40 in 2022, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates of the age at which half

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributor  Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico: Hundreds of Venezuelan migrants crossed the Rio Bravo after the judge announced the suspension of Title 42 to request humanitarian asylum in the United States.David Peinado Romero | Shutterstock (The Center Square) – To be, or not to be, a sanctuary state – that is

by John L. Micek, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJune 19, 2023 Commonwealth Court Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer’s February order declaring Pennsylvania’s public school funding system unconstitutional did far more than set a precedent. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on May 30, 2023. (Photo by Amanda Berg for the Capital-Star) She handed Pennsylvania policymakers perhaps the greatest challenge they will ever

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA At the moment, Pennsylvania’s wage floor is $7.25 an hour — the same as the federal minimum. The legislature last increased the state’s minimum wage in 2006. The dome of the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg. Tom Gralish / Philadelphia Inquirer This story first appeared in The Investigator, a weekly

By Christina Lengyel | The Center Square contributor Jun 8, 2023  (The Center Square) – Long a priority for Democratic lawmakers, a plan to create a paid family leave tax cleared its first legislative hurdle this week. Following an impassioned debate between lawmakers on the House Labor and Industry Committee, a proposal to establish statewide family and

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square May 31, 2023  (The Center Square) – Despite the proliferation of anti-overdose drugs and fentanyl test strips in recent years, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle believe involuntary commitment may be the next step necessary to ease the opioid crisis. Trash, including discarded syringes and other rubbish, in an

The Democratic governor’s decision to withhold details about who he meets behind the scenes is legally sound, though experts said he could choose to reveal more. Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has proposed legislation that would allow Pa. to automatically return some unclaimed money to people with no action required on their part. Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. For decades, Pa. school board candidates have been able to run in both parties. But as races get more partisan, some lawmakers want to change that.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed a tax credit for new teachers, nurses, and cops. Republicans are skeptical. Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA Tom Gralish / Philadelphia Inquirer Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our

by Casey Quinlan, Pennsylvania Capital-StarApril 27, 2023 Higher temperatures. Higher gas prices.  (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Drivers across the country have seen that seasonal given play out in recent weeks. The national average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.64 on April 26, up 21 cents over the previous month, according to AAA. 

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — Pennsylvania’s gambling industry has seen major growth in recent years, bringing billions of dollars in tax revenue to the state budget – but also addiction problems and demands for subsidies. Nationally, the commonwealth is near the top for gambling. A ranking from WalletHub, a personal-finance site,

Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our regional newsletter, Talk of the Town. Despite a funding boost, Pennsylvania’s state-related universities may still raise what is already

Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA and Kate Giammarise of WESA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Opioid overdoses kill thousands of people each year in Pennsylvania, and settlement money is meant to

Ashad Hajela of Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our regional newsletter, Talk of the Town. Nate Smallwood / For Spotlight PA STATE COLLEGE — At least 38 elementary

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square Apr 4, 2023  The Homer City Power Generation Plant in Homer City, Pennsylvania, 50 miles east of Pittsburgh. By A. L. Spangler | The Center Square (The Center Square) – Pennsylvania’s largest coal-fired power plant will shut down in July, leaving the commonwealth with only coal refuse-burning facilities.  Decommissioning at the

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — In May, Democrats and Republicans will choose their parties’ candidates for three vacant

by Kim Lyons, Pennsylvania Capital-StarMarch 29, 2023 PITTSBURGH — U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., will return to the Senate on April 17, after spending several weeks in the hospital for treatment of clinical depression, a source close to the senator confirmed to the Capital-Star on Wednesday.  Fetterman checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical