Author Archive

Justin Sweitzer

Managing editor, City & State Pennsylvania

Justin Sweitzer is managing editor of City & State Pennsylvania.

General Assembly

Policy

Junk fees, corporate taxes and boot camps: 5 bills advanced by PA lawmakers this week

City & State rounds up some of the major proposals considered in Harrisburg to close out June.

Technology

Policy

As Amazon moves in, lawmakers weigh innovation vs. oversight in AI policy

The efforts to make the commonwealth into an artificial intelligence powerhouse have plenty of upside and risk to go around.

News & Politics

Politics

The bus stops here: A nationwide effort to oppose the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ rolls into Harrisburg

Democratic lawmakers and advocates fear the GOP-led legislation will hurt the most vulnerable.

Technology

Policy

‘All in on AI’: Shapiro, Amazon announce $20B AI investment in Pennsylvania

Gov. Josh Shapiro said the investment is the largest private-sector investment in the history of the commonwealth.

News & Politics

Politics

With an eye on judicial elections, conservative activist Scott Presler leads voter training in PA

Presler talked about the importance of registering more GOP voters and winning elections in 2025 and 2026.

News & Politics

Policy

PA senators approve bill banning TikTok from state devices

The bill would prohibit TikTok and other successor apps from being installed on electronic devices bought with state dollars.

Policy

Policy

New investigation shows the ivory trade is alive and well in PA

Following the investigation, state lawmakers are looking to ban the sale of ivory and similar animal products in the commonwealth.

News & Politics

Politics

Stocking the cabinet: Tracking the Trump nominees with Pennsylvania ties

The latest update to City & State's tracker chronicles the "rapid unscheduled disassembly" of Jared Isaacman’s NASA nomination.

Budget

Policy

5 things to know about Pennsylvania’s budget timeline

City & State’s primer on the timeline for passing a state budget in Harrisburg.

News & Politics

Personality

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick talks term limits, tariffs and Trump

Pennsylvania’s junior senator spoke with City & State about his first months in Washington, his top policy priorities and President Donald Trump’s second term.

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Health Care

Policy

Pennsylvania caregivers sound the alarm on a worsening workforce crisis

Potential cuts to Medicaid could further complicate an already dire situation.

Campaigns & Elections

Politics

Mayoral primaries across PA: Nail-biters, blowouts and upsets

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey lost the Democratic primary to Corey O'Connor, while incumbents in Harrisburg, Allentown and Scranton are poised for victory.

Interviews & Profiles

Politics

‘There’s so much potential’: Thomas West makes his case for mayor of Pittsburgh

The GOP mayoral candidate and business owner spoke with City & State about his goals for the Steel City.

News & Politics

Politics

‘We have the ability to start rebuilding our city’: Pittsburgh mayoral candidate Corey O’Connor discusses his bid

O’Connor talked with City & State about his motivation for running, Pittsburgh’s finances and improving the city’s business climate.

News & Politics

Politics

‘We have to stand up for our city’: Ed Gainey outlines his vision for a second term

The mayor of Pittsburgh spoke with City & State about his first term in office and what he plans to do if elected for another four years.

Education

Policy

School voucher debate returns to Harrisburg

The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee advanced a bill on Tuesday that would create a private school scholarship program.

Capitol Beat

Policy

Cannabis legalization bill advances in Pennsylvania House

Lawmakers on the House Health Committee voted 14-12 to advance the bill.

News & Politics

Politics

‘We have to seize this moment’: Sanders, Deluzio bring ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour to Harrisburg

The lawmakers spoke out against President Donald Trump and the influence of money in politics.

Interviews & Profiles

Personality

A Q&A with State Rep. Tarik Khan

Khan, a registered nurse and nurse practitioner, spoke with City & State about how his nursing background informs his work as a legislator.