Author Archive

Justin Sweitzer

Managing editor, City & State Pennsylvania

Justin Sweitzer is managing editor of City & State Pennsylvania.

Policy

Updated Policy

City & State’s 2026-27 Pennsylvania state budget tracker

Legislative leaders passed a budget bill in April, though negotiations on a final product are ongoing.

Artificial Intelligence

Policy

Pennsylvania sues Character.AI developer, alleging chatbots claimed to be medical professionals

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration says a controversial AI chatbot developer is violating the state’s Medical Practice Act.

Energy

Policy

Burgum, Perry tout importance of nuclear energy in visit to Three Mile Island

The U.S. Secretary of the Interior said the Trump administration’s policies have led to a “renaissance” for nuclear energy.

Capitol Beat

Policy

House passes bill that would enshrine LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in state law

Tuesday’s vote is the latest attempt to advance LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in Pennsylvania.

News & Politics

Policy

The City & State Q&A: Attorney General Dave Sunday

The state’s chief law enforcement officer talks with City & State about how artificial intelligence tools are affecting children, teens and vulnerable populations.

News & Politics

Politics

New poll shows growing number of Pennsylvanians think vaccines cause autism

A new health poll from Muhlenberg College also examined healthcare affordability and trust in AI chatbots for medical advice.

News & Politics

Politics

Stelson, Cognetti and Perry are among PA’s top congressional fundraisers in 2026

PA-10 Democratic candidate Janelle Stelson raised $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2026, more than any other congressional candidate in Pennsylvania.

News & Politics

Politics

Shapiro raises $10M – and other takeaways from Pennsylvania’s newest campaign finance reports

Shapiro ended the period with $36 million in the bank, while Garrity finished the quarter with $1.5 million in cash on hand.

News & Politics

Politics

Justin Douglas picks up 3 endorsements in PA-10 Democratic primary race

The Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance, One Pennsylvania and CASA In Action endorsed Douglas on Tuesday.

Janelle Stelson

Politics

Janelle Stelson calls out DC Republicans for spiking gas prices

Stelson said at a press conference on Monday that the high cost of living is crushing Central Pennsylvania residents.

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Capitol Beat

Politics

Pennsylvania faith leaders denounce violence one year after governor’s residence attack

Gov. Josh Shapiro convened leaders from across religions one year after an attack against his family.

Technology

Policy

Power plays: The battle over data centers in PA

Inside the $100 billion rush to turn Pennsylvania into the nation’s AI engine – and the local efforts trying to stop it.

General Assembly

Policy

PA House passes minimum wage, paid family leave bills

House lawmakers voted on several high-profile bills to close out March.

Technology

Policy

PA lawmakers advance SAFECHAT Act to protect children from AI chatbot interactions

The bill would require AI companion operators to take steps to prevent harmful interactions with chatbots.

News & Politics

Updated Politics

What to know about Pennsylvania’s 2026 special elections

Several seats in the state House of Representatives have been decided through special elections in 2026.

Policy

Policy

Harrisburg leaders celebrate two new grants for downtown revitalization efforts

The state Department of Community and Economic Development is awarding more than 400,000 in grants to two local organizations.

Capitol Beat

Policy

PA House committee advances data center bills

Two data center bills were reported out of the House Energy Committee along party lines.