Capitol Beat
General Assembly
‘AI is not the future; it is current’: Lawmakers examine how to make Pennsylvania an AI powerhouse
GOP lawmakers traveled to Pittsburgh for a hearing focused on all things artificial intelligence.
Capitol Beat
3 things to watch in the aftermath of arson attack on Shapiro, family
Cody Balmer, 38, of Harrisburg, was arraigned Monday evening and is charged with attempted murder and setting fire to the governor’s residence.
News & Politics
Horror, relief and support: Social media reactions to arson attack on Gov. Shapiro and family
Social media condemnation of the arson attack that could have claimed the lives of Shapiro and his family was widespread and bipartisan, both across the commonwealth and the nation.
Capitol Beat
PA House passes bill creating criminal offense for tracking device-based stalking
The legislation heads to the Senate after passing with a 201-2 vote.
Capitol Beat
Experts: PA’s permitting reforms could serve as efficiency model nationwide
Efforts to expedite efficiently offer a blueprint for other states looking to streamline operations and improve service delivery, according to a fellow at the Institute for Responsive Government.
Campaigns & Elections
GOP appeals federal judge’s mail-in ballot decision
A federal judge ruled this week that Pennsylvania’s date requirement for mail ballots ‘does not pass constitutional muster.’
Politics
Democrats pick up state Senate seat as they win 2 special elections in PA
Pennsylvania Democrats flipped a state Senate seat and retained their state House majority.
Policy
‘We’re fighting back’: PA House Dems celebrate passage of Affordable Care Act protections
The bipartisan votes now put the onus on state Senate Republicans to advance the four bills and send them to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.
Technology
Shapiro says AI has ‘real promise’ as he unveils pilot program results
The governor said the state will be providing more employees with AI training and tools.
Capitol Beat
Bipartisan paid family leave bill advances in Pennsylvania House
The legislation, known as the Family Care Act, would provide eligible residents with between 12 and 20 weeks of paid leave.
Transportation
Ride along: State reps tour SEPTA amid budget talks
SEPTA’s financial needs are front-and-center ahead of 2026 events
Capitol Beat
4 takeaways from Pennsylvania’s latest bird flu briefing
Experts said the threat from avian flu is unlikely to dissipate in the near future.
MagazineShow All
Josh Shapiro
New revenue sources – and longstanding debates – dominate state budget talks
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address provides an early glimpse of what to expect from negotiations over the next four months.
Policy
Treasurer Stacy Garrity bans DeepSeek AI platform from Pennsylvania Treasury devices
The state treasurer said the move is necessary to safeguard the data and sensitive information of Pennsylvanians.
Capitol Beat
Constellation says restart of Three Mile Island reactor is ahead of schedule
The leader of a regional business group said Wednesday that the effort will be an ‘economic development boon’ for the region.
Capitol Beat
Opinion: Paid leave for Pennsylvanians is an opportunity to put politics aside
A bipartisan duo makes the case for the General Assembly to pass the Family Care Act.
News & Politics
4 ways federal government actions are impacting Pennsylvania
This week, Gov. Josh Shapiro sued President Donald Trump’s administration and Elon Musk set his sights on a limestone mine in Western Pennsylvania.
Budget
3 takeaways from the IFO’s new Pennsylvania budget projections
The IFO predicts the state’s budget deficit could grow to $6 billion by the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Capitol Beat
What to know about the plan to close 2 Pennsylvania prisons
The Shapiro administration estimates the closures could save the state $100 million annually.
Criminal Justice
Opinion: Investing in public defenders is essential for justice to be served
Providing additional resources to represent indigent people is a cost-effective way to improve lives and communities.
