Philadelphia
Politics
Four for Friday: Philadelphia weekly roundup
SEPTA gets a bump while “intoxicating substances” are on watch
Education
Policy
Advocates push to upgrade civics education standards
As the semiquincentennial commences, legislators, educators and nonprofit organizations are trying to seize the momentum to spotlight the subject.
Education
Policy
New documentary focuses on plight of early childhood educators in PA
“The Hands That Shape Tomorrow,” directed by Emmy-winner Kyra Knox, shows the positive impact of a guaranteed income initiative program on teachers – and the fallout when it ends.
Politics
Opinion
Before rehabbing Philly school buildings, we must rework the Separations Act
Without updating the century-old legislation dictating how work is done, the much-needed construction projects will be unnecessarily hindered and expensive.
Education
Personality
Save the dates: Make time to celebrate these notable non-250th milestones in 2026
America’s semiquincentennial year may be the main event, but there is no shortage of other anniversaries to mark in 2026.
Politics
Opinion
It’s elementary: Restrict use of mobile devices at school
Limiting students’ access to cell phones and similar tech is crucial to their development.
Capitol Beat
Personality
A Q&A with Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa
The Democratic leader in the Senate discusses lessons learned from last year and 2026 priorities
Education
Policy
City & State's 5 for 2025: As AI enters Pennsylvania classrooms, teachers and students face a learning curve
As the year comes to an end, we look back at some staff and reader favorites from our reporting over the past 12 months.
Education
Policy
Trump administration efforts to end DOE get failing grade from PA educators
Teachers say commonwealth classrooms will suffer if the Trump administration guts the federal Department of Education, which funds numerous key programs as well as student loans, while conservatives say the move will return resources to the states
Technology
Policy
As AI enters Pennsylvania classrooms, teachers and students face a learning curve
Pennsylvania schools are racing to determine the role artificial intelligence should play in education – and when.
Education
Policy
State Senate studies ‘bell-to-bell’ cell phone ban in schools
Cell phone usage in schools is a hot-button issue in Harrisburg
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.
News & Politics
Politics
Study shows just 2% of Gen Z students in PA trust government and elected leaders
However, more than 50% of students said they would be motivated to take political action if they felt it would make a difference.
Education
Personality
Pop Quiz
With the school year in full swing, City & State has put together a Pennsylvania-centric pop quiz to test your knowledge about the Keystone State.
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.
Education
Politics
Officials’ field trip to Philly high school spotlights the future of vocational education
Gov. Shapiro, Mayor Parker and other officials discussed the importance of investment in such programs
Philadelphia
Politics
Students, commuters, businesses bear brunt of budget-driven SEPTA service cuts
The transit agency, facing a budget shortfall, began implementing service reductions just before the first day of the school year
Education
Politics
Study: PA schools plagued by widespread lead, mold, radon and other environmental hazards
A report on the environmental health of commonwealth schools found threats and harmful substances exist across the board
Events
Transportation
Politics