Pennsylvania
Gov. Shapiro Signs Executive Order to Hire Fired Federal Workers
Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order giving hiring preference to federal employees laid off by the Trump administration, aiming to fill 5,600 Commonwealth job openings. The move is in line with similar announcements from the governors of Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Hawaii. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
PA Lawmakers Cover Medicaid Cuts, SNAP Benefits, Prison Closures
During this week's budget hearings, Pennsylvania lawmakers tackled a wide range of issues, including potential prison closures and cost-saving measures, the impact of proposed carbon tax programs on utility bills, the future of SNAP benefits, and the impact of proposed $880 billion cuts to Medicaid. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity also discussed the long-term fiscal outlook, highlighting a projected $3.5 billion deficit and the importance of maintaining the Commonwealth's financial health.
Forum Focuses on Potential Improvements to PA’s Election Systems
State and county officials, including Secretary of State Al Schmidt, discussed potential improvements for state election systems—including allowing more time for pre-canvassing mail-in ballots, creating uniform rules for ballot curing, and implementing early voting to enhance efficiency and accuracy—during a forum at Dickinson College on Wednesday. The Department of State recently selected a contractor to update the state’s 22-year-old voter registration system. PennLive has more.
Key Mayoral Races to Watch in 2025
Voters in cities across the Commonwealth will elect mayors in 2025, with significant races testing incumbents and focusing on issues like public safety, economic development, housing affordability, and fiscal responsibility. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
Dems Target Special Election in Lancaster County’s SD-36
Democrats are aiming to make a statement in the upcoming special election in Lancaster County’s 36th Senate District, which is seeing Democratic East Petersburg Borough Mayor James Andrew Malone and Republican candidate Josh Parsons in a close race. LancasterOnline has more.
State Commission Advocates Reviving Rural PA Via Local Governments
In a report released last month, the Rural Population Revitalization Commission recommended removing barriers to state and federal funding for Pennsylvania’s rural communities to support development and revitalization projects. The group emphasized the need for technical support and equitable grant distribution. Spotlight PA has more.
Calls for Cyber Charter Reform Intensify After Audit Reveals Financial Issues
An audit by state Auditor General Tim DeFoor found significant revenue increases and questionable spending in cyber charter schools, prompting renewed calls for reforming their funding and oversight. Spotlight PA has more.
Businesses, Veterans’ Groups Concerned Over Proposed Skills Game Tax
Businesses and veterans' groups express concerns that Gov. Shapiro's proposed 52% tax on skills game gross receipts could harm small businesses and fraternal clubs, potentially leading to closures and economic impacts on local communities. The Williamsport Sun-Gazette has more.
Philadelphia
State Officials Tour SEPTA Amid Budget Talks to Address Funding Needs
State representatives toured SEPTA's command center and discussed the agency's financial needs and preparations for major 2026 events, emphasizing the urgency of securing state funding to avoid service cuts and fare increases. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
Research Shows Reduced Police Stops for Minor Infractions
Three years after Philadelphia limited police stops for minor infractions, research indicates a significant decrease in traffic stops, particularly among Black drivers, though racial disparities in stops persist. WHYY has more.
Pittsburgh
Gainey, O'Connor Clash Over Campaign Contributions
In the Pittsburgh mayoral primary, incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor exchanged criticisms over campaign contributions from Republican donors, each accusing the other of being influenced by GOP interests. Both candidates defended their fundraising practices and called for transparency. WESA has more.
Reps. Deluzio, Lee Discuss NIH Funding Cuts with Pitt Researchers
On Monday, U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio and Summer Lee of Western Pennsylvania participated in a roundtable discussion with Pitt researchers and union leaders, highlighting the potential negative impacts of proposed NIH funding cuts on critical medical research and the local economy, urging continued advocacy and legal action to prevent the reductions. WESA has more.
Federal
Gov. Shapiro Criticizes President Trump’s Tariff Plan
Gov. Shapiro criticized President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, warning that they will lead to higher prices for Pennsylvanians and negatively impact key industries like dairy farming and vehicle manufacturing. An analysis by international trade and economic research firm Trade Partnership Worldwide estimates that the tariffs could cost Pennsylvania businesses $5.3 billion. President Trump announced in a reversal Thursday that new tariffs on both countries will be delayed until April.
PA Voters Divided on President Trump’s Address
A CNN focus group conducted in the Philadelphia suburbs found that President Donald Trump’s Tuesday evening address to a joint session of Congress was well-received by his supporters but criticized by Democratic voters, underscoring the sharp divide in opinions on his policies and rhetoric. CNN has more.
DOGE Announces Closures of Government Offices in Central PA
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is closing several government offices in Central Pennsylvania, including Internal Revenue Service and Fish and Wildlife offices, to save an estimated $105 billion. PoliticsPA has more.