Policy
Education
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
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.
Politics
It’s elementary: Restrict use of mobile devices at school
Limiting students’ access to cell phones and similar tech is crucial to their development.
News & Politics
In Harrisburg, RFK Jr. kicked off his “Take Back Your Health” Tour
While the federal health czar touted new dietary guidelines and pared-back vaccine recommendations, state Democrats shot back with measures to bolster vaccine access
Politics
Your energy bill keeps rising – here’s what we can do about it
The majority chair of the state House Energy Committee lays out the commonwealth’s looming energy affordability crisis – and why she’s supporting new legislation to address the situation.
Politics
Preventing another Bristol is essential – and achievable
There is a legislative way to avoid tragedies like the one that occurred at a Bucks County nursing home – but it will require bipartisan support.
Policy
City & State's 5 for 2025: For PA immigrants, uncertainty, fear and resilience are the order of the day
As the year comes to an end, we look back at some staff and reader favorites from our reporting over the past 12 months.
Healthcare
Proposed reproductive rights legislation would tackle decades-old state mandates
Lawmakers and advocates are debating which of the commonwealth’s web of abortion requirements are hindrances – or safeguards.
Education
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
Politics
Why expanding eligibility for compassionate release is just and necessary
For elderly, sick people behind bars, new legislation could be life-changing.
Politics
How MontCo plus AI can equal better public services
Montgomery County is trying to set the pace for how to deploy artificial intelligence to best serve both local government and constituents.
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.
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.
Politics
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is under assault – via budget negotiations
The chair of the state House Environmental Committee makes the case to keep RGGI on the books – and out of budget talks.
Politics
Loss of SNAP benefits will hit PA’s food economy where it hurts most
With the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding less than a day away, the potential damage to the state would be enormous.
Interviews & Profiles
Ask The Experts: Philadelphia’s imperiled research ecosystem
Amid federal defunding of scientific research and radical shifts in vaccine and health policy, City & State surveyed Philadelphia’s top vaccine experts to discuss what’s at stake.
Technology
At heated City Council hearing, Philly tech officials “failed” their first AI test
At a contentious hearing on artificial intelligence in government, lawmakers and community advocates expressed grave concerns about the city’s preparedness for the AI era
Education
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.
Politics
Feeling the heat: How temperature-specific legislation could keep workers and businesses cool
Two members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are proposing legislation that would protect employees and business owners from tragedy during periods of extreme heat.
