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

First Read

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.

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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

Education

Policy

Advocates who won education lawsuit call for $2B ‘down payment’ on fair funding

‘We are prepared to go back to court to uphold the rights of those communities,’ Deborah Gordon Klehr of the Education Law Center said

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First Read

First Read – Jan. 5, 2024

Legal battle waged over Farm Show milkshake … Education funding advocates are ready to return to court … D.C. police officer Michael Fanone visits Harrisburg … and more

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First Read – Jan. 4, 2024

Innamorato announces wage increases for county employees… Violent crime drops in Philadelphia… Solomon picks up endorsements in AG race … and more

Capitol Beat

Politics

Midstate PA Senate seats draw attention from Democrats and Republicans alike

Republicans John DiSanto and Mike Regan both say they won’t run for reelection in 2024.

Cherelle Parker

Politics

Sign truck drives around inauguration, thanks Mayor Parker for support of Israel

The digital billboard mirrors one seen outside Pennsylvania Society last month thanking John Fetterman

Cherelle Parker

Politics

Cherelle Parker sworn in as Philadelphia Mayor

Philadelphia kicks off 2024 by welcoming its 100th and first female mayor

Philadelphia City Council

Politics

Kenyatta Johnson elected president of new-look Philadelphia City Council

Philadelphia City Council welcomed a diverse group of first-term lawmakers and new leadership

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First Read

First Read – Jan. 2, 2024

Parker to be inaugurated as Philadelphia’s 100th and first female mayor… Fetterman says he worried depression treatment would end political career … Shapiro administration returns electric dog door … and more