This week’s biggest Winners & Losers

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a law mandating the return of cursive writing to Pennsylvania classrooms, joining a growing movement among states – 18 at last count. The bill’s bipartisan supporters cite evidence linking handwriting to cognitive and learning benefits, as well as the ability of students to understand historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence…and their grandparents’ postcards.

The company’s plans for a $1 billion cell therapy plant in Montgomery County represent the latest major pharmaceutical investment in the commonwealth. Johnson & Johnson’s announcement comes on the heels of Eli Lilly’s plans for a $3.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in the Lehigh Valley. 

Owners of unclaimed property in Pennsylvania received a record haul in 2025, with the Pennsylvania Treasury doling out $334.1 million in unclaimed property to recipients across the state – the most in state history. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity said she's incredibly proud of Treasury staff: “Their efforts resulted in more property being returned last year than ever before,” she said.

The state’s Office of Open Records has largely sided with the Shapiro administration in its decision to shield employees’ prompts and conversations with AI chatbots, according to a WITF investigation showing a potential gap in the state’s public records law. Some transparency advocates fear it could prevent state employees from being held accountable in how they use AI tools.

Monetary miscues gained currency this week. Pittsburgh-based Alcoa has agreed to pay Australia $36 million in a settlement after regulators said the company cleared endangered forests for years without approval. Closer to home, the Woodland Hills School District board president has quit amid charges she inappropriately spent $10,000 when she was a borough manager, and the former Beech Creek Township secretary has been accused of stealing more than $150,000. 

It’s Brad vs. the Chocolate Factory: The grandson of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups creator is calling out Hershey for allegedly doing away with real peanut butter and milk chocolate and switching to cheaper ingredients. Brad Reese’s allegations have led to a family feud, with his cousin, whose daughter works for Hershey, saying the viral claims have created a “nightmare for our family and the company.”