Josh Shapiro

A Philadelphia unions group that previously supported Stacy Garrity's reelection as state treasurer is now campaigning against her bid for governor. The council accused Garrity of breaking promises made to building-trades unions, specifically regarding running against Gov. Josh Shapiro. Consequently, the council, which represents more than 50 unions, withdrew its endorsement due to this alleged broken promise.

The DOJ conducted a sweeping anti-fraud bust of Medicaid scofflaws in Pennsylvania, which spends $8 billion on Medicaid home-care services. The busts targeted individuals who billed for services under dubious circumstances, including while driving or when they were incarcerated. These actions draw comparisons to fraud scandals that have occurred in Minnesota.

Data center proposals are increasing across Pennsylvania, generating public outcry and sparking a growing discourse documented by an activist-led Facebook group with over 41,000 members. A poll found that 74% of voters oppose having a data center built in their community, highlighting the issue's increased concern following announcements like Amazon's $20 billion investment.

A review of annual ethics disclosures on the Pennsylvania state website revealed financial interests of politicians. Specifically, it was noted that Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity leases land to two natural gas companies and profits from it. This raises ethical questions given his vow to 'fast-track permits for natural gas production' if elected.

Pennsylvania and other states are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block the Trump administration’s executive order requiring federal agencies to verify voter eligibility and handle mail ballots. The order, which states call legally indefensible, would force states to redesign election materials weeks before the midterm election, risking voter disenfranchisement.

Democratic state officials argue that President Trump's executive order requiring changes to mail-in-voting systems cannot be implemented before November's midterm elections. They urge the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain a stay on the order, citing constitutional concerns and risks of voter disenfranchisement, particularly for disabled and rural voters.

Democratic state officials argue that President Donald Trump's executive order mandating changes to mail-in-voting systems cannot be implemented before the November midterm elections due to time constraints. They claim the order is unconstitutional, as election administration is a state responsibility, and warn it could disenfranchise voters reliant on mail voting. The Supreme Court is considering the issue on its emergency docket.

Democrats have not controlled the Pennsylvania Senate since 1978, with Republicans maintaining a majority except for a brief 1993 period. The 2026 elections may determine whether Democrats break this nearly 50-year streak, as suburban swing districts could shift control of the state legislature, impacting policies like budgets, voting laws, and energy initiatives.

Democratic state officials, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, urged the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain a pause on President Donald Trump's executive order requiring changes to mail-in-voting systems. They argued the order would cause confusion and disenfranchise voters before November's midterm elections, citing insufficient time for compliance and risks to mail ballot delivery.

Democratic state officials argue that President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring changes to mail-in-voting systems cannot be implemented by November’s midterm elections and urge the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain a pause on the order. They claim the order, which involves the U.S. Postal Service and Department of Homeland Security, would disrupt voting systems and disenfranchise voters, particularly those relying on mail ballots.

Immigration advocates in Pennsylvania called on Gov. Josh Shapiro to close a youth detention center in Berks County and end state collaboration with ICE. Over 100 participants from 15 counties urged limits on ICE detainers and access to state databases. The Shapiro administration stated it is reviewing federal agency access to state systems, while advocates linked Shapiro's response to November election outcomes.

Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity has earned income from fracking wells near her property, leasing mineral rights to companies like Chesapeake and Equinor. Incumbent Governor Josh Shapiro has pursued a mixed approach to energy, supporting renewable initiatives and industry interests while facing criticism for insufficient climate action.

Pennsylvania's 2026 midterm elections feature key races for governor and congressional seats, with Democrats aiming to flip Republican-held districts and secure legislative control. The state's status as a swing state makes it pivotal for determining the U.S. House majority in the final years of President Donald Trump’s term, as both parties prepare competitive campaigns.

The article outlines potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates, highlighting Kamala Harris's lead among Black voters, AOC's position as a successor to Bernie Sanders, Gavin Newsom's political strengths and California challenges, and a TBD center-left candidate category with names like Josh Shapiro and Mark Kelly.

Pennsylvania launched a $10M grant program to help fruit growers recover from crop losses caused by an April freeze. Farmers like Strites’ Orchard reported significant losses, including 90% of apricots and 80% of peaches, with the program aimed at offsetting financial impacts.

Hakeem Jeffries emphasized 'affordability' as the core of his closing midterm pitch, highlighting access to jobs, housing, health care, education, and retirement. He outlined plans to lower costs by ending Trump-era tariffs, extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, and repealing the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act.' The event in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley included Governor Josh Shapiro and House candidate Bob Brooks.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries launched an affordability agenda in Pennsylvania’s 7th District, focusing on lowering costs for groceries, gas, and housing ahead of the midterm elections. The campaign highlights competitive races for House control, with GOP Rep. Ryan Mackenzie planning a counter-event. President Donald Trump is actively supporting Republican candidates while addressing issues like border security and transgender rights.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is launching an affordability agenda in Pennsylvania's 7th District, focusing on lowering costs for groceries, gas, housing, and healthcare. The effort aims to boost Democratic chances in the November midterms, as both parties prepare for competitive races with President Donald Trump actively supporting GOP candidates.

Pennsylvania's Child Death Review program received $242,000, a fraction of the $2.5 million requested by Governor Josh Shapiro, leading to struggles in meeting state mandates. Advocates, including Cathleen Palm of the Center for Children’s Justice, criticize the funding as insufficient, highlighting challenges in county teams' capacity to review child deaths effectively.

SEPTA's summer saw record ridership during FIFA World Cup matches, but advocates warn that the new state budget lacks dedicated transit funding, threatening progress. A community event highlighted both positive and negative SEPTA experiences, emphasizing the need for improved transit as a public health issue.

Governor Josh Shapiro joined over two dozen state leaders in suing the Trump administration over conditions tied to Homeland Security funding that require changes to election administration. The lawsuit challenges the legality of demands, including sharing voter registration lists and poll worker names, with Pennsylvania facing a potential $6 million loss in funding.

The federal government has abandoned plans to convert two warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill counties, Pennsylvania, into immigration detention centers. Gov. Josh Shapiro cited withdrawal of permit requests by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which had initially proposed housing 9,000 people at the sites in January.

The rapid expansion of energy-intensive data centers is becoming a pivotal issue in U.S. political campaigns, sparking cross-partisan opposition in rural areas due to concerns over water usage, pollution, and land use. This issue is influencing races in Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, with candidates from both parties addressing public fears about the impact of data centers on communities.

Democrats are leveraging rural opposition to energy-intensive data centers powering AI as a political issue in Texas and other states, with candidates like Gina Hinojosa highlighting concerns over water use, land loss, and corporate secrecy. The backlash is influencing statewide races, including challenges to Republican incumbents in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, as communities unite against data center projects over pollution and resource fears.

Democrats are leveraging rural opposition to data centers in Texas and other states, positioning the issue as a threat to rural life and water resources. The backlash against energy-intensive data centers is influencing statewide campaigns, with candidates like Texas gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa and Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod Brown criticizing their impact. The issue is splitting conservative rural areas and challenging Republican dominance in states like Texas, where data center growth is projected to surge.

Two far-left House Democrats, Summer Lee and Ilhan Omar, mistakenly attacked Rep. Josh Gottheimer, confusing him with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, then faced backlash after Gottheimer highlighted their votes for a Ukraine aid package. The dispute arose after Gottheimer criticized democratic socialists in the Democratic Party, accusing them of hijacking the party, while Lee and Omar defended their stance on Ukraine aid and Israel support.

Two far-left House Democrats, Summer Lee and Ilhan Omar, incorrectly accused moderate Rep. Josh Gottheimer of signing Ukraine-bound artillery shells, confusing him with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Gottheimer retaliated by highlighting their votes for a $60.8 billion Ukraine aid package, exposing their role in funding military assistance. The incident reflects broader Democratic Party infighting over antisemitism and support for Israel.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has abandoned plans to convert two Pennsylvania warehouses into detention centers due to denied water and wastewater permits from the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection cited concerns about inadequate local infrastructure in Berks and Schuylkill counties. ICE’s decision follows a $38 billion expansion plan under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which was paused after her replacement, Markwayne Mullin, took office.

Pennsylvania's new budget allocates $16.2 million to train 380 new state troopers across four cadet classes and includes a $4.5 million boost for information technology and radio systems. Governor Josh Shapiro has prioritized this funding in each of his four budgets, aiming to fulfill his campaign promise of adding 2,000 troopers during his first term.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $125 million state initiative, Innovate in PA 2.0, to support life sciences startups through funding, clinical trials, and workforce development. The program was unveiled at B+labs in Schuylkill Yards, Philadelphia, where Shapiro highlighted partnerships like Eli Lilly’s biotech incubator and emphasized Pennsylvania’s growing role in biotechnology research and investment.

Gov. Josh Shapiro launched a multimillion-dollar campaign called 'Rise Up Pennsylvania' to support Democrats in November elections. The initiative includes coordinated voter outreach and aims to flip four Republican-held congressional seats. The campaign will use $3.3 million, 27 field offices, and nearly 100 organizers to target battleground communities.

Pennsylvania is set to eliminate criminal charges targeting people living with HIV after Gov. Josh Shapiro is expected to sign the bill. The law, which previously allowed felony charges for prostitution-related offenses against HIV-positive individuals, will be replaced by Senate Bill 45, supported by activists and lawmakers, to reduce stigma and promote public health. The bill also increases penalties for human traffickers and funds preventative grants.

A Commonwealth Court judge ruled Pennsylvanians can temporarily use Medicaid to cover abortions, overturning a 40-year ban. The decision follows a 4-3 ruling in April that found the ban violated the state constitution’s Equal Rights Amendment. The Republican state Attorney General has appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, but a judge allowed the lower court’s decision to stand pending review.

Pennsylvania's cyber charter school funding remains steady this year despite previous cuts, with new policies mandating weekly wellness checks for students. Lawmakers, including Democrats and Republicans, emphasized student safety and accountability, while school leaders expressed gratitude for maintaining financial stability.

Two Democratic state senators, Nikil Saval and Katie Muth, voted against Pennsylvania's bipartisan $50.8 billion state budget, criticizing it for avoiding major issues like rising energy costs, affordable housing, and public transit funding. The budget passed with bipartisan support, but the senators argued it deferred critical policy challenges, particularly in transportation and housing.

Sen. Dave McCormick and Gov. Josh Shapiro highlighted Pennsylvania's historical and future role in defense innovation, citing a $10 billion investment in the state's defense industrial base and emerging technologies. They emphasized the state's 9,000 defense-related companies and partnerships like Hanwha Group's $5 billion investment in the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Both leaders warned of China's rapid military advancements and the need for faster U.S. defense innovation.

JPMorgan Chase is investing $24 million in Philadelphia's shipbuilding industry, including a $13 million loan to Rhoads Industries for a submarine facility at the South Philadelphia Navy Yard, which will create 450 jobs. The investment aligns with the Trump administration's push for a national defense buildup.

Pennsylvania is advancing a statewide 'bell-to-bell' cellphone ban in public schools through companion Senate and House bills, with Governor Josh Shapiro seeking its enactment. The policy aims to reduce digital distractions, enhance classroom engagement, and address conflicts fueled by social media. However, experts warn students with problematic smartphone use may face short-term academic and behavioral challenges adapting to the restrictions.

Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget includes new school code initiatives prioritizing student safety and mental health, allocating $900 million for public schools, $100 million for mental health and safety resources, and implementing policies on cyberbullying, social media literacy, and eating disorder awareness education.

Pennsylvania's 2026-2027 state budget allocates $11.8 billion for schools, including a $157 million increase for Philadelphia’s district amid declining enrollment. The budget addresses a court-ordered school funding reform with $565 million in adequacy funding, boosts basic and special education funding, and adds stipends for teacher training, though it falls short of the governor’s proposals for early childhood education and a school cellphone ban.