Capitol Beat
News & Politics
What to know about Pennsylvania’s upcoming special elections
Four seats in the state House of Representatives will be up for grabs in February and March.
Capitol Beat
PA Senate lawmakers reelect Kim Ward as president pro tempore
Ward was praised by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as she was reelected to lead the upper chamber.
News & Politics
Written in the stars: What astrology can tell us about 2026 races
In a Q&A with City & State, renowned astrologer Susan Miller examines the birth charts of Pennsylvania politicians running in 2026.
Energy
Year-end Q&A with Senate Pro Tempore Kim Ward
Ward discussed significant policy wins, legislation left on the table and what Harrisburg will be focused on heading into 2026.
Capitol Beat
A history of high-profile Harrisburg fires
Pennsylvania’s Capital City has experienced more than a few high-profile fires over the last 150-plus years.
Analysis
City & State's 5 for 2025: Report names PA’s most and least effective lawmakers – and how partisan divide impacts Harrisburg
As the year comes to an end, we look back at some staff and reader favorites from our reporting over the past 12 months.
Analysis
City & State's 5 for 2025: Winging it: How government agencies are fighting bird flu
As the year comes to an end, we look back at some staff and reader favorites from our reporting over the past 12 months.
News & Politics
City & State’s 2025 Year In Review
A look back at the year that was – and wasn’t – in politics.
Transportation
SEPTA’s tumultuous 2025: Part II
Philadelphia’s public transit system had its share of twists and turns this calendar year.
Transportation
SEPTA’s tumultuous 2025: Part I
Philadelphia’s public transit system had its share of twists and turns this calendar year
Capitol Beat
Lawmakers subpoena information about security improvements at Shapiro’s home
Democrats claimed the GOP-led subpoenas are part of a fishing expedition against the governor.
Capitol Beat
GOP demands probe into how suspected terrorist got a Pennsylvania commercial license
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said a recently arrested Uzbek national had a commercial driver’s license from Pennsylvania.
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Opinion
Opinion: New clarity on energy policy will supercharge Pennsylvania’s economy
Ending Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative sends a clear signal that the commonwealth is done with uncertainty and ready for prosperity.
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.
Policy
City & State’s 2025-26 Pennsylvania state budget tracker
After a budget impasse that stretched more than 130 days, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a $50B budget into law on Nov. 12, 2025.
Capitol Beat
Party of 7: A guide to the ideological balance of the PA Supreme Court
Five justices on the court were elected as Democrats, while two were elected as Republicans.
Capitol Beat
Pennsylvania voters retain 3 state Supreme Court justices
The high-stakes judicial retention elections attracted national attention and millions of dollars in spending.
Capitol Beat
PA Secretary of State Al Schmidt talks voting issues in Chester, Dauphin counties
Schmidt said pollbook issues in Chester County were caused by a pollbook extraction error.
Capitol Beat
An injudicious process: What would have happened if PA Supreme Court justices didn't get retained
Gov. Josh Shapiro could appoint temporary replacements, with the next judicial elections slated for 2027.
Capitol Beat
Retention roundup: Your last-minute guide to Pennsylvania’s 2025 judicial elections
City & State examines the state of play in Pennsylvanians’ judicial contests.
