This week’s biggest Winners & Losers

Bucking the federal backlash against civil rights, Philadelphia tourism officials recently unveiled the Philly Pride Visitor Center, one of America’s first LGBTQ-focused visitor centers, in that city’s Gayborhood district. As he cut the ribbon on the facility, which highlights cultural attractions and Philadelphia’s history of progressive activism, Gov. Josh Shapiro lauded it as the latest example of Pennsylvania’s tradition of inclusion, dating back to founder William Penn.

Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle scene is getting a boost. The statewide electric vehicle charging network is expanding, thanks in part to federal National EV Infrastructure Program funding, with 29 operational chargers up and running and another 54 planned for the state’s major roads. The commonwealth is also set to award $100 million for community chargers to be installed in public spaces.

Democrats went two-for-two in special elections for the state House of Representatives to fill vacant seats in the chamber. In Lehigh County, Democrat Ana Tiburcio beat GOP candidate Robert Smith in the 22nd House District, while in Allegheny County, Dormont Borough Councilmember Jennifer Mazzocco beat Republican nominee Joseph Leckenby in House District 42.

Pennsylvanians unnerved by this winter’s sky-high utility bills won’t be surprised to learn that PECO, the Philadelphia-based Exelon affiliate, has seen its profits shoot up nearly 50%, thanks in large part to 2025 rate hikes for electricity and natural gas. The windfall has renewed criticism from Gov. Josh Shapiro about the lack of transparency and accountability at PECO, a state-regulated utility monopoly. While customers have been feeling the pinch, PECO saw its 2025 earnings nearly double – and Exelon stock is up, too.

The Steel City’s fiscal cliff may be closer than it appears. Year-end figures show the City of Pittsburgh’s finances were “more dire” than officials realized, revealing an $8.6 million operating deficit. The spending and new numbers represent a “dangerous trend,” according to City Controller Rachael Heisler, who said the previous mayor’s budget was “from the beginning, unrealistic.”

Pennsylvania State Police say Harrisburg’s Khaled Yaye, the owner and operator of Yeni Auto Sales on South Cameron Street, is facing forgery charges and is accused of 130-plus violations of the state’s Vehicle Code after police say he improperly handled and processed vehicle titles, according to several reports. Yaye allegedly misrepresented facts in vehicle sales and failed to display his dealership license; he’s due back in court next month.