Josh Shapiro

Policy

Pennsylvania among the states vying for leadership role on AI

The commonwealth is taking significant steps toward investment in artificial intelligence

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Jan. 18, 2024

More primary challengers join U.S. Senate and Congressional races … Another special election for control of the state house … Temple faces federal probe over antisemitism … and more

Capitol Beat

Politics

A quick guide to PA’s House District 140 special election

Voters in Bucks County will head to the polls in February to elect a new state representative in an election that will determine control of the state House.

First Read

First Read

First Read – Jan. 17, 2024

A divided legislature continues at the state house … Multiple candidates seek the 10th congressional district seat … Bicameral, bipartisan tax proposals from Congress … and more

News & Politics

Politics

Eight Democrats looking to unseat Perry meet in first candidates’ forum

The candidates mostly agreed on voting, abortion rights and health care.

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First Read

First Read – Jan. 16, 2024

Funding increase to emergency services still isn’t enough … Biden’s third visit to the Commonwealth in a month … Trump wins Iowa, Desantis second place … and more

Philadelphia

Opinion

Federal funds are needed for Philly to become our nation’s biggest green city

Urban forestry initiatives have begun benefitting underserved communities

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First Read

First Read – Jan. 12, 2024

Philadelphia DA Krasner files suit … Basic Education Funding Commission releases report … New year, new Fetterman? Depends on who you ask … and more

Capitol Beat

Policy

State panel advances Dem-backed report with school funding recommendations

The report suggests that $5.4 billion is needed to close a statewide education adequacy gap.

News & Politics

Policy

Larry Krasner files suit against law seeking to appoint special prosecutor in Philadelphia

Act 40 requires a special prosecutor be appointed to oversee criminal activity taking place near SEPTA

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First Read

First Read – Jan. 11, 2024

Shakeup among Philadelphia City Commissioners … Biden edges Trump in new PA poll … Capitol escalators to be replaced … and more

Philadelphia

Politics

Omar Sabir replaces Lisa Deeley as chair of Philly City Commissioners

Sabir now leads the three-member board in charge of the city’s elections and voter registration

Capitol Beat

Policy

A step in the right direction: PA Capitol’s infamous escalators to be replaced

The Department of General Services announced a renovation project for the Capitol’s East Wing that is set to be completed by August 2025.

First Read

First Read

First Read PA – Jan. 10, 2024

Shapiro admin partners with OpenAI … Edu funding pits east versus west … Biden to visit Allentown on Friday … and more

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

Philadelphia

Politics

A sustainability-focused VC founder just took over Penn’s board of trustees

Five things to know about Ramanan Raghavendran, a University of Pennsylvania alumnus who cofounded investment firm Amasia.

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First Read

First Read – Jan. 9, 2024

William Penn statue will not be removed … Biden’s Valley Forge speech focuses on democracy … Astrobotic attempts to go to the moon … and more

Healthcare

Policy

States hope doulas can deliver better maternal health outcomes

The Department of Human Services is working with the nonprofit Pennsylvania Doula Commission to increase the number of licensed doulas by offering subsidies for the commission’s certification fee