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.
News & Politics
Politics
Casey, Fetterman skeptical of $14.9B sale of U.S. Steel
Fetterman vowed to use his position and platform to block the sale.
Business
Policy
Pennsylvania stands alone on clarifying BEAD plan
States will have to adhere to existing law to meet the $42.5 billion broadband program requirements
Business
Policy
PA officials react to feds easing capital requirement for broadband funding
The rule, which required internet companies to put down millions of dollars upfront, would have excluded all but the biggest providers
Economic Development
Opinion
Opinion: Invent Penn State should get the funding it needs to reinvigorate innovation in the state
Harrisburg needs to recognize the importance of the university’s LaunchBox and Innovation Network – and invest in it.
Education
Policy
Report: Student loan repayments will likely crimp tax revenue
States and cities will likely get less in sales tax revenue. Because borrowers will have less discretionary income, states and cities will likely see less tax revenue, a recent Pew report says.
News & Politics
Policy
Inconvenience fee: Rutter’s will pay PA $1 million, bolster security measures after data breach
The chain – a competitor of Wawa and Sheetz – first notified consumers of the data breach in February 2020.
Economic Development
Policy
Do opportunity zones work? Erie is beginning to find out
The jury is still out, but recent research has provided new insights into the tax incentive meant to lure investment to distressed areas
Business
Personality
Grub Hubs: Where PA politicos drink and dine
Wanna hang out with legislators after they gavel out? Check out these favorite watering holes.
Philadelphia
Policy
Philly officials introduce Rental Improvement Fund for small landlords to repair properties
The program provides forgivable and 0%-interest loans to small landlords in exchange for rent stability
Business
Policy
Steel city startups are set to send new tech to the moon
Local and state officials want to play a key part in the future of America’s space exploration
Budget
Policy
State budget passes after Senate return and Shapiro signature
The budget was signed into law more than a month after the June 30 deadline
Economic Development
Opinion
Opinion: Investing in clean energy will benefit communities and the climate
Pennsylvania is set to benefit environmentally from two major bills approved by Congress.
Economic Development
Policy
Shapiro announces $400M workforce training program
The initiative will dole out grants to companies that commit to training new employees.
Capitol Beat
Policy
Five for Friday: Legislators’ fall focus
What issues Harrisburg lawmakers left on the table for the fall
Business
Policy
Fetterman introduces bill to allow striking workers to collect SNAP benefits
The bill comes amid ongoing strikes from the locomotive industry to entertainment
Economic Development
Opinion
It’s time to blow up the minority contract status quo
The shortcomings of the current models spotlight the need for a new approach.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
A Q&A with Chad Dion Lassiter
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Executive Director, who will be a panelist at City & State’s 3rd Annual Diversity Summit, talks about how DEI can impact individual companies and the economy at all levels.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
A Q&A with Delaware County DEI Director Lauren Footman
We spoke with Delaware County’s first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, who will be moderating at City & State’s 3rd Annual Diversity Summit
General Assembly
Opinion