Transportation
Politics
SEPTA’s tumultuous 2025: Part I
Philadelphia’s public transit system had its share of twists and turns this calendar year
Philadelphia
Policy
Philly City Council ends the year pushing back against Mayor Parker
Council moved forward with new bond language for Parker’s ambitious housing plan
Law Enforcement
Politics
Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office unveils report touting transparency, efficiency
Sheriff Rochelle Bilal used the occasion to note the agency’s numerous areas of improvement.
Business
Policy
Private acquisition of municipal water system is under a new spotlight as utility giants plan to merge
As the systems that handle the commonwealth’s water continue to age, the answer to how to maintain them increasingly seems to be found in the private sector.
Transportation
Politics
Gov. Shapiro directs additional capital funds to SEPTA to address urgent safety issues
The transit agency will receive $219.9 million in funds to meet federal safety orders
News & Politics
Politics
Anti-ICE protesters demand better protection for immigrants at Philly courthouse
The group No ICE Philly called out people being detained while attending non-immigration court proceedings and asked officials, including Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, for more.
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
Working Families Party pledges to support a John Fetterman primary challenger
The progressive third party group is launching a portal to recruit and train potential candidates to challenge Fetterman in 2028
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
Campaign finance reports show David Oxman has financial backing despite his outsider status
The physician-turned-congressional candidate has support from a PAC focused on getting STEM-educated Democrats in higher office
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner wins, beats Pat Dugan for second time in 2025
The rematch of May’s Democratic primary for Philadelphia District Attorney proved to be a replay on Election Day as Krasner cruised to a third term.
News & Politics
Politics
What to know as Pennsylvania braces for loss of SNAP benefits
Gov. Josh Shapiro took executive action Friday to try and lessen the impacts of the suspension of SNAP benefits.
Analysis
Politics
Share tactics: How PA cities deal with changing balance of power dynamics
Cities large and small face a constantly evolving mayor-versus-council relationship.
Transportation
Policy
Shapiro, feds, continue chirping over SEPTA
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called out the transit agency over safety concerns
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
Transportation
Politics
Pennsylvania airports decline to show video blaming government shutdown on Democrats
Transportation authorities have shelved the message out of concern it violates the Hatch Act
Philadelphia
Politics
Andrew Yang’s Forward Party endorses Pat Dugan in Philadelphia district attorney race
Dugan, who lost to the incumbent Larry Krasner in the Democratic primary, is running again in the general election
Analysis
Politics
Report names PA’s most and least effective lawmakers – and how partisan divide impacts Harrisburg
The Center for Effective Lawmaking found that Pennsylvania’s partisan divide is narrowing after years of gridlock
Transportation
Politics
SEPTA to keep aging fleet despite warning from national safety bureau
After five fires this year, the NTSB is recommending SEPTA suspend its Silverliner IV fleet
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.
Philadelphia
Politics
Philadelphia pushes back against scrubbing of slavery from National Park signs
City history runs up against the White House’s order to restore “truth and sanity” to historic sites.
Energy
Politics