Pennsylvania
Hospital Closures Renew Push to Limit Private Equity in Health Care
The closure of Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, resulting in over 2,600 job losses, has prompted Pennsylvania legislators to push for bills prohibiting for-profit entities from owning hospitals. Governor Josh Shapiro (D) supports legislative action to curb private equity’s influence in health care, with the goal of preventing further shutdowns and ensuring regional access to care. KYW has more.
PHARE Funding Increase Passes State House
Last week, the state House passed a bill to raise the Pennsylvania Housing & Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) fund cap from $100 million to $110 million starting in 2028, aiming to enhance affordable housing options for vulnerable groups. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
Bill to Exempt Farmers from Migrant Unemployment Tax Advances
A bill that would exempt farmers from paying unemployment taxes for migrant workers with H-2A visas passed the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee with broad bipartisan support last week. The bill aims to save farmers thousands of dollars annually, in turn allowing them to invest more in their operations and the local economy. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
Dems Argue SCOTUS Lacks Jurisdiction in PA Ballots Case
Democratic party leaders contend that the U.S. Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to hear a Republican appeal regarding provisional ballots in a Butler County case, asserting that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the ultimate authority in the matter. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
Funding Cuts Threaten PA’s Health, Research Sectors
The Trump administration’s funding cuts and freezes are jeopardizing Pennsylvania’s higher education and public health sectors, potentially causing significant economic and research setbacks. Local institutions and stakeholders are advocating against these changes to protect jobs and maintain progress in health sciences. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
PA Coal Plant Sites Gain Value Amid Big Tech’s Energy Needs
Rising energy demands from Big Tech are making retired coal-fired power plant sites in Pennsylvania attractive for new energy projects, leveraging their existing high-voltage grid connections. The Associated Press has more.
Philadelphia
School Board Meeting Addresses Building Conditions, Teacher Shortages
Parents and students urged the Philadelphia School Board to prioritize funding for libraries and address deteriorating school buildings and staffing shortages during a meeting last Thursday. WHYY has more.
City Council Approves Speed Cameras in School Zones
The Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed legislation to install automated speed cameras in school zones to enhance student safety by ticketing speeding drivers during school hours. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.
TGR Learning Lab Offers Exciting Opportunities for Local Kids
Tiger Woods’ TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek Golf Course offers Philadelphia students free, year-round access to cutting-edge educational programs and facilities, aiming to inspire and empower them through hands-on experiences. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Pittsburgh
Gainey Leads Pittsburgh Mayoral Race According to Internal Poll
Mayor Ed Gainey’s (D) campaign released an internal poll showing him with a 7-point lead over challenger Corey O’Connor among likely Democratic voters, citing strong support from younger, progressive, and Black voters. The poll contrasts with O’Connor’s camp’s surveys, which show a tighter race. WESA has more.
Miscellaneous Pay Rises 39% Due to Police Reinstatements, Retirements
Pittsburgh’s extra pay for City employees increased by 39% in 2024, largely due to back pay, longevity pay for retiring first responders, and other benefit payments, totaling over $12 million. PublicSource has more.
Pittsburgh Water Awards $19M for System Overhaul
Pittsburgh Water has allocated $193 million in contracts for the next phase of its $470 million overhaul of the city's pumping and distribution system, with construction set to begin this fall and completion expected by 2029. WESA has more.
Federal
PA Lawmakers Divided Over President Trump’s Proposal to Defund NPR, PBS
Pennsylvania Democrats have vowed to fight President Donald Trump’s plan to eliminate federal funding for NPR and PBS, while most Republicans support the move, citing concerns over alleged biased content. The proposed cuts could significantly impact local public media stations, particularly in rural areas. WHYY has more.
Rep. Perry Calls for Impeachment, Defunding of Federal Judges Over Anti-Trump Rulings
U.S. Representative Scott Perry (R-PA-10) urged House Republicans to impeach and defund federal judges issuing nationwide injunctions that hinder President Trump’s agenda, arguing these actions are necessary to curb judicial overreach. The Keystone has more.
PA Exporters Face Challenges Amid Retaliatory Tariffs
Pennsylvania exporters are struggling with increased costs and reduced market access due to retaliatory tariffs imposed during President Trump’s trade war, impacting their ability to sell products abroad. WHYY has more.