Policy

Capitol Beat

5 things to know about Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 state budget

Big changes are coming for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, public education funding, tax credits and more.

Capitol Beat

Boxing legend Mike Tyson fights for cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania

The former heavyweight champion, now a cannabis entrepreneur, met with state officials to advocate for legal, recreational cannabis in the commonwealth.

Interviews & Profiles

Ask The Experts: Philadelphia’s imperiled research ecosystem

Amid federal defunding of scientific research and radical shifts in vaccine and health policy, City & State surveyed Philadelphia’s top vaccine experts to discuss what’s at stake.

Capitol Beat

PA senators introduce bipartisan proposal to regulate skill games

The duo says the bill will help address illegal gaming and nuisance businesses across the state.

Transportation

Shapiro, feds, continue chirping over SEPTA

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called out the transit agency over safety concerns

Capitol Beat

PA Senate passes permitting transparency bill

The bill, which would require state agencies to create public permit tracking systems, received bipartisan support in the state Senate.

Education

State Senate studies ‘bell-to-bell’ cell phone ban in schools

Cell phone usage in schools is a hot-button issue in Harrisburg

Technology

At heated City Council hearing, Philly tech officials “failed” their first AI test

At a contentious hearing on artificial intelligence in government, lawmakers and community advocates expressed grave concerns about the city’s preparedness for the AI era

Capitol Beat

Bry Pardoe is Pennsylvania’s acting CIO following IT staff changes

The Office of Administration also confirmed that James Sipe is serving as the state’s acting executive deputy secretary for IT.

MagazineShow All

Education

Citing out-of-control expenses and expenditures, school districts and state Democrats push for new cyber charter funding formula

Both sides of the statewide debate agree an overhaul of the funding system is in order – but disagree on the way forward.

Capitol Beat

Gun control bills receive mixed response in tight PA House votes

Lawmakers passed a bill to expand background checks, but two other gun-related bills failed to advance.

Education

Commonwealth school districts are still working on improving buildings and environments

Schools across the state have long dealt with mold, asbestos and other environmental hazards inside their walls.

Policy

PA lawmakers advance gun control bills following York police shooting

House Democrats advanced four gun control bills out of the state House Judiciary Committee on Monday despite opposition from Republicans.

News & Politics

Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund, explained

State officials have deposited several billion dollars into the commonwealth budgetary reserves in recent years. Is it time to use it?

Transportation

SEPTA’s short-term funding fix: How we got here and what’s next

The Shapiro administration and PennDOT are moving forward with the transit agency’s request to use up to $394 million in capital assistance funds for daily operations

News & Politics

For more PA cities, hard fiscal choices are leading to home rule

The need for revenue is driving more Pennsylvania local governments to consider home rule charters.

News & Politics

Phillies, MLB leadership emphasize need for 2026 All-Star Game to invest in youth baseball, North Philadelphia

A panel discussion at Temple University outlined how the 2026 event can leave a lasting impact and community investment.