Technology
Policy
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
Policy
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.
Education
Policy
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
Policy
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
Policy
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
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
Policy
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
Policy
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
Policy
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
Policy
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.
Law Enforcement
Policy
‘No Secret Police’ legislation seeks to unmask, identify ICE officers
PA Senate Democrats have introduced a bill that would require law enforcement to identify themselves and remain maskless
Policy
Policy
PA Senate advances $47.7B budget, transit spending plan
Amid an ongoing state budget impasse, state Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward called the proposal ‘the answer for the moment.’
Policy
Policy
Amid budget impasse, school officials fear critical funding shortfalls
With state money frozen and deadlines looming for obligations like pension payments, districts will soon face tough fiscal choices.
News & Politics
Policy
PA House passes public transit funding bill after Gov. Shapiro's latest call to action
The vote took place less than a day after the governor again pushed for more public transit funding in the state budget.
Capitol Beat
Policy
Kim Ward suggests ‘six-month budget’ amid ongoing PA budget impasse
The Pennsylvania Senate president said school choice policies and mass transit funding remain sticking points.
Josh Shapiro
Policy
A recent history of efforts to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage
Lawmakers have attempted to raise the minimum wage in the commonwealth, with little success over the last 20 years.
Philadelphia
Policy
In Philadelphia, temporarily banning cars has become a new economic driver
The city’s Open Streets program has become successful and popular enough that key figures are looking into how to make permanent road closures a reality.
Healthcare
Policy
Rural hospitals brace for Medicaid cuts
State healthcare experts fear what the fallout from the One Big Beautiful Bill will mean for Pennsylvania’s smaller hospitals – and the insurance coverage that keeps them running.
Housing
Policy
Allegheny County housing plan has a 500/500 chance of success
The initiative to create 500 units in 500 days is producing tangible benefits – and could be a model for other regions in the state and nation.
Economic Development
Policy