News & Politics
Criminal Justice
A matter of life and death: Understanding the debate over second-degree murder sentencing in PA
City & State examines the ongoing debate over second-degree murder sentencing and what comes next as lawmakers struggle to reach a consensus on how to reform the state’s felony sentencing statute.
News & Politics
PA’s lack of contribution limits has led to a ‘Wild West’ of campaign fundraising
Pennsylvania has no limits on how much money can be donated to political campaigns – and there doesn’t seem to be much appetite to provide a fix.
Campaigns & Elections
Shapiro and Garrity release dueling attack ads as Pennsylvania governor’s race intensifies
Gov. Josh Shapiro is looking to link GOP nominee Stacy Garrity to President Donald Trump, while Garrity is criticizing Shapiro over data center development.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s forgotten baseball stars helped make America’s pastime an international game
The Philadelphia Royal Giants barnstorming team were the first all-Black team to play in Japan
News & Politics
Addition by subtraction: Philly schools’ controversial closure plan has many ways to fail
The School District of Philadelphia has a $3 billion “right-sizing” plan to improve hundreds of city schools by closing 17 of them – but not everyone is buying it.
Dave McCormick
The City & State Q&A: Dave McCormick
An in-depth interview with the U.S. senator reveals how he approaches everything from bipartisanship to data centers.
Technology
What the Flock? 8 things to know about automated license plate readers in Pennsylvania
ALPRs have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and civil liberties groups, while proponents tout them as an important law enforcement tool.
Philadelphia
Talking trash: Philly neighborhood organizers seek to scale illegal dumping mapping, prevention
The Clean Philadelphia NOW initiative, started in 2023, is working to eliminate litter and dumping by 2028
News & Politics
$10B in investments, the evolving nature of war – and other takeaways from Dave McCormick’s 2026 defense summit
The two-day summit was headlined by an appearance from President Donald Trump.
Policy
Updated
City & State’s 2026-27 Pennsylvania state budget tracker
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a $50.8 billion budget into law on July 12.
Donald Trump
One year later, PA’s congressional delegation is still split on the Big Beautiful Bill
President Donald Trump’s signature domestic policy bill continues to polarize members of Congress.
News & Politics
Pennsylvania’s tourism lead says 2026 events have been an astounding success
Anne Ryan spoke with City & State about the commonwealth’s hosting abilities thus far
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News & Politics
Dead on arrival: How PA coroners stonewall records requests and flout the law
A routine records request ultimately uncovered widespread disregard for the rule of law among the vast majority of Pennsylvania’s county coroners.
U.S. Congress
Sens. McCormick and Fetterman tout ‘Trump accounts’ for kids during Philadelphia stop
The two U.S. Senators told youth basketball participants to take advantage of the federal child savings accounts
Capitol Beat
In bipartisan fashion, PA lawmakers vote to repeal tax incentives for data centers
House lawmakers voted 197-5 on Thursday to pass a bill that would repeal sales tax incentives for data center owners and operators.
Capitol Beat
In wake of high court ruling, Pennsylvanians rally for a skill games solution
Lawmakers, business owners and veterans called for the General Assembly to regulate games of skill.
News & Politics
PA pols react to President Trump nixing bipartisan housing legislation
Congress overwhelmingly passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, part of which mirrors Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs program, this week in bipartisan fashion
Capitol Beat
6 bills passed by PA lawmakers this week
This week, lawmakers voted on legislation related to AI-generated content, campaign finance and even the Golden Girls.
Economic Development
Gov. Josh Shapiro touts Canada-Pennsylvania relationship in Toronto
The governor signed a memo in Canada’s most populous province on Wednesday, focused on strengthening economic ties between the commonwealth and Ontario
Capitol Beat
‘We want ICE out’: Pennsylvania Democrats look to combat Trump’s immigration policies
Democratic lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Senate introduced an “ICE OUT” bill package aimed at combating immigration enforcement
