Pennsylvania
Gov. Shapiro, State Leaders Condemn Weekend Arson Attack
Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated after a suspected arson attack on their residence early Sunday morning, prompting state and local leaders to condemn the violence and express relief for their safety. The suspect faces multiple charges, including attempted criminal homicide and arson, and authorities are investigating the possibility of a hate crime.
New Bill Package to Target Hate Crimes
State Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) proposed a bill package to strengthen laws against hate crimes, citing the 2018 Pittsburgh attack as a key reason. The package includes measures like diversity classes for offenders, improved reporting systems, and a hate groups database. WHTM has more.
Increasing Rejections of Provisional Ballots in PA Due to Technical Errors
Provisional ballots in Pennsylvania are increasingly being rejected due to technical errors, largely because of inconsistent poll worker training and complex envelope designs. Election officials suggest that clearer instructions and better envelope design could reduce these errors. Votebeat Pennsylvania has more.
Federal Staff Cuts Threaten Utility Bill Assistance Programs Like LIHEAP
Advocates warn that federal staff cuts will severely impact the effectiveness of state-run utility bill assistance programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which are crucial for low-income households. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
New Chrome Manufacturing Plant Coming to PA
AMG Critical Materials N.V. is investing $15 million to build a chrome metal manufacturing plant in New Castle, Pennsylvania, expected to create 25 jobs and debut in early 2026. WHTM has more.
Philadelphia
Lawmakers Rally Against SEPTA Service Cuts
Democratic lawmakers are urging more state support to prevent significant service cuts and fare increases for SEPTA, which faces a $213 million budget deficit. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
Pittsburgh
PA Supreme Court Weighs Constitutionality of Pittsburgh’s “Jock Tax”
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is deliberating the constitutionality of Pittsburgh's 3% Sports Facility Usage Fee, which could generate over $6 million annually, with arguments focusing on its fairness to nonresident athletes. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.
Federal
Beltway Briefing—The State of Play on Tariffs, Taxes
President Donald Trump is leveraging bold strategies to pursue his economic and fiscal agenda. With Republican control of the executive and legislative branches, the party is pursuing symbiotic priorities: tariffs and tax cuts. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson here.
PA Swing Voters Seek Clarity on President Trump’s Tariff Strategy
Recent focus groups of Pennsylvania swing voters revealed general confusion about President Trump’s tariff strategy and a desire for clearer explanations, though many voters still support him for addressing what they consider to be long-ignored issues. Axios has more.
Sen. McCormick, Rep. Fitzpatrick Advocate for Congressional Term Limits
U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) and U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) proposed a resolution to impose 12-year term limits on Congress members, aiming to reduce “careerism” and bring new perspectives to Washington. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.
Rep. Mackenzie Balances MAGA Support with Independent Stances
U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-7) supports many of President Trump’s policies, but he recently signaled breaks from the administration on issues like tariffs and Medicaid cuts, emphasizing a results-oriented approach. LehighValleyNews has more.
Gov. Shapiro Sues Trump Admin Over Revoked School Funding
Gov. Shapiro joined 15 states in suing the Trump administration over $185 million in revoked COVID-19 relief funds for Pennsylvania schools, emphasizing the urgent need to honor commitments made to students and taxpayers. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.