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Josh Shapiro (Governor of Pennsylvania) is, again, being threatened with subpoenas by Republicans in the PA State Senate, who want more details on the more than $1 million in state funds that Shapiro used to upgrade the security at his home, after his family was attacked by an arsonist earlier this year:

Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R., Lehigh), who chairs the chamber’s Intergovernmental Operations Committee, has threatened to subpoena the administration as early as next week for detailed financial and other records about the security upgrades at the Montgomery County house. His committee had been set to vote on the subpoenas late last month, but pulled back at the 11th hour.

New records reveal details on the $1M in taxpayer-funded security upgrades at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private residence →

Spotlight PA - Dec 5, 2025

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How Much Pollution Does It Take for Regulators to Step in?

WESA reports that PA's Department of Environmental Protection (D.E.P.) has fined U.S. Steel for polluting the Monongahela River with oily discharge. The thing that really sticks out here, though, is that this fine comes three years after locals started sharing complaints. That seems like an awfully long time:

The [PA Department of Environmental Protection] first observed an oil-like sheen in 2022 after receiving a complaint. It determined the plant was releasing “wastewater contaminated with oil” to the river. In 2023, DEP issued a notice of violation to U.S. Steel, mandating the plant put “hard booms” around its discharge pipes to prevent contamination from reaching the river. In total, the DEP determined the plant released oil-contaminated water on nine separate occasions, from August 2022 through April 2025. Once, according to the settlement, the DEP observed that the sheen traveled as far as 1.5 miles downriver.

U.S. Steel agrees to pay $135K fine, end oily releases into Mon River at Irvin Works →

WESA - Dec 5, 2025

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The Federal Government Wants to Shift from a "Housing First" Policy for Homeless Aid to a "Treatment First" Policy

As the Capital-Star reports, that shift means that federal aid for housing will start to carry stipulations like requirements for work and drug treatment—things that are famously difficult if you don't have already have a safe place to live. Last month, our Governor Josh Shapiro joined a group of 20 states suing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to stop these changes:

Under new rules announced last month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will place new restrictions on $3 billion in homelessness aid, allowing no more than 30% of federal grants to be used for permanent housing. That approach, known as Housing First, prioritizes getting people into safe, stable housing ahead of other treatment and enforcement, and had been a key focus for the federal government’s Continuum of Care Program for homelessness. Now, HUD’s new rules — a shift to Treatment First policies — could result in a major reprioritization of who gets funding and for what purpose.

With homelessness rising, new federal rules could benefit states that take tougher approaches →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Dec 5, 2025

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Our State Legislators Gave Themselves Raises this Year, which Is Not a Good Look after They Were Sooo Late with the State Budget

Our state laws are set up such that our State Representatives and State Senators get automatic rasies every year to keep up with inflation—no matter how they actually perform at their jobs. Interestingly, PA has the largest full-time state legislature in the country. Other states have more part-time state legislators, but all of ours are full-time, so the cost increases with these pay raise make an even bigger impact. Some of our legislators want to dial it down:

Rep. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) introduced a bill that would suspend automatic pay raises for legislators, the governor and the lieutenant governor any year that a budget is not passed by the constitutional deadline. This year’s budget, which was due on June 30, was passed on Nov. 12. “I think it’s completely unacceptable that it’s become the norm that our budget is late,” Shaffer said. “There needs to be some consequences”

Pa. lawmakers received their annual raise. Rank and file members now make $113,000 →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Dec 4, 2025

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Watchdog for electric grid in Pennsylvania, Ohio and other states wants a pause on data centers →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Dec 4, 2025

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Dan Frankel (Pennsylvania State Representative) spoke on Pennsylvania's change to how our state's Medicaid will cover GLP-1s, like Ozempic. Starting next month, PA will no longer cover the costs of the drugs for people using them just for weight loss. People using them for conditions like diabetes, however, will still be covered. Apparently, GLP-1s have been so popular in PA that the state's bill for covering these medications increased by $1 billion from 2022 to 2025. That number is especially wild considering that the entire state budget is, like, $50 billion:

While the medication has “extraordinary benefits for Pennsylvanians,” [Frankel] said, “at the end of the day, it's a budget buster,” he said. That’s especially true “ in an environment where state resources can't really fill the gaps … that are being foisted on us from Washington.” By next fall, the Trump administration will add extra work requirements and other cost-cutting rules to Medicaid, which Frankel said threaten coverage for nearly 700,000 Pennsylvanians.

Pa. Medicaid to stop paying for use of Ozempic-type meds to cover weight loss next month →

WESA - Dec 4, 2025

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Elizabeth Forward School District sues insurance company, alleging mishandled claim after 2023 school fire →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Dec 4, 2025

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Unsurprisingly, Higher Health Insurance Costs Will Hurt People

The Capital-Star shares a new poll showing that most of the people who rely on state health exchanges to purchase their health insurance won't be able to afford their monthly premiums if the U.S. Congress doesn't extend the subsidies that make those premiums cheaper. Just to recap, here: Democrats in the U.S, Senate shut down the federal government earlier this year, in part, to ensure that Republicans would include these subsidies in the budget for next year. After the longest federal government shutdown ever, all the Democrats could secure was a handshake agreement to consider the subsidies. Now, it's not looking good for them:

Nearly 60% of enrollees surveyed could not cover the costs of a $300 annual increase in their premiums, while an additional 20% said they couldn’t afford a $1,000 jump in prices per year... The Senate is expected to vote next week on a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies, though that legislation appears unlikely to get the 60 votes needed to advance in the Republican-controlled chamber.

Most ACA marketplace users can’t afford potential increases, poll shows →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Dec 4, 2025

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Amazon, SpaceX could receive millions in fed grants. Will it help Pa. residents in need of faster internet? →

Spotlight PA - Dec 4, 2025

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Here's how USDA's threat to withhold SNAP funds could impact the program →

WTAE - Dec 3, 2025

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Barb Warwick (Pittsburgh City Council Member) wants to protect funding for Pittsburgh's Housing Opportunity Fund, as the City Council tries to balance the unpopular 2026 budget proposed by outgoing mayor Ed Gainey. That proposal called for $10 million for the Housing Opportunity Fund, which supports everything from building affordable housing to protecting low-income renters facing evictions. The Council has punted on discussing the Fund for two weeks:

Councilwoman Barb Warwick, D-Greenfield, raised concerns about reducing money for the housing fund. “It’s always very easy to prey on the funding that supports our most vulnerable residents who are the least likely to get in touch with us when we cut the funding they desperately need,” she said, explaining she’d rather raise revenues than cut programs that benefit Pittsburghers.

Pittsburgh council pauses $10M for affordable housing fund as it scrutinizes budget →

Trib Live - Dec 3, 2025

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There's 'room for everyone' in Allegheny County's expanded winter shelter system, officials say →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Dec 3, 2025

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Developer buys former Springdale coal plant for a planned data center →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Dec 3, 2025

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Josh Shapiro (Governor of Pennsylvania) seemed caught off guard by accusations from Kamala Harris—in her new book about her failed run for President—that Shapiro was not cool during his interview for the Vice President spot:

Asked if he felt betrayed by Harris, Shapiro dropped the gloves. “I mean, she’s trying to sell books and cover her ass,” said to Alberta. According to the author, there was a long pause. “I shouldn’t say ‘cover her ass.’ I think that’s not appropriate,” Shapiro said. His tone was suddenly collected. “She’s trying to sell books. Period.”

In A Look Behind the Curtain, Shapiro Says Harris’ Accounts About Him Are ‘Just Blatant Lies’ →

Politics PA - Dec 3, 2025

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Rachael Heisler (Pittsburgh City Controller) sounds like she doesn't love the structure of Pittsburgh's contract with Transdev, the company responsible for maintaining the city's vehicle fleet. This year, the city is hundreds of thousands of dollars over-budget for vehicle costs:

Pittsburgh Controller Rachael Heisler and several City Council members have attacked the payment structure. Heisler over the summer briefly withheld payments to Transdev as she sought more information and a legal opinion.

Pittsburgh vehicle repairs bust city budget by nearly $600K →

Trib Live - Dec 3, 2025

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R. Daniel Lavelle (Pittsburgh City Council Member) wants to protect funding for Pittsburgh's Housing Opportunity Fund, as the City Council tries to balance the unpopular 2026 budget proposed by outgoing mayor Ed Gainey. That proposal called for $10 million for the Housing Opportunity Fund, which supports everything from building affordable housing to protecting low-income renters facing evictions. The Council has punted on discussing the Fund for two weeks:

Council President R. Daniel Lavelle, D-Hill District, said he’d be a “fierce advocate” for ensuring the Housing Opportunity Fund gets its full $10 million allocation this year. However, he supported the two-week hold. “I understand we do have to take a fine-tooth look at every single thing,” Lavelle said.

Pittsburgh council pauses $10M for affordable housing fund as it scrutinizes budget →

Trib Live - Dec 3, 2025

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Deaths of older Pennsylvanians during abuse, neglect probes would be subject to mandatory reviews under new bill →

Spotlight PA - Dec 3, 2025

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Dan Frankel (Pennsylvania State Representative) is negotiating a bill to protect hospitals and other healthcare facilities from predatory acquisitions by for-profit companies. It's not obvious, but many healthcare offices—from big hospitals to small, local clinics—are actually owned by private equity and other investment groups. These for-profit companies are trying to make money, not provide the most accessible, comprehensive care. So, we see the trends of prices going up and facilities closing down altogether under the banner of "consolidation." Our state legislators like Frankel can, hopefully, install a better framework:

Mr. Frankel said including “long-term” health care facilities like nursing homes is the “primary issue of contention” in the negotiations. It’s possible, he said, that a compromise will be reached. Another question in the negotiations has been whether to include in the bill a ban on sale-leaseback arrangements. Mr. Frankel said that in what has become a pattern, private-equity interests purchase the land occupied by a hospital, lease the land back to the hospital at a “predatory rate,” and then take advantage of the situation when the hospital goes bankrupt.

Pa. lawmakers renew stalled plan to curb hospital closures as crisis continues →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Dec 3, 2025

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Erika Strassburger (Pittsburgh City Council Member) suggested that Pittsburgh needs to upgrade our city vehicles, rather than try to maintain a fleet of hoopties:

“This is just like putting a Band-Aid on a huge bleed,” Councilwoman Erika Strassburger, D-Squirrel Hill, said. “We need to upgrade our vehicles and stop repairing 25-year-old vehicles. That’s going to be the only solution here.”

Pittsburgh vehicle repairs bust city budget by nearly $600K →

Trib Live - Dec 3, 2025

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Chris Deluzio (United States Representative) called out the Trump administration for hypocrisy. Last month, President Trump called Deluzio and other Democrat legislators "seditious" and threatened that the punishment for sedition was "DEATH," after the group released a video reminding military service members that they don't have to follow illegal orders. Now, a video from 2016 has resurfaced, showing Trump's Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, saying... that military service members don't have to follow illegal orders:

Deluzio called the administration’s response to the lawmakers’ recent video, in light of Hegseth’s 2016 remarks, “hypocrisy on display.” “It just highlights how outrageous and out-of-bounds the response is. What Pete Hegseth said (in 2016) is not controversial. It’s something you learn in boot camp or as I did at the Naval Academy … that you obey lawful orders and that no one can force our service members to follow an illegal one. That’s a bedrock principle grounded in the Constitution.”

Resurfaced Hegseth video intensifies clash over Democrats’ message on illegal military orders →

Trib Live - Dec 3, 2025

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Bob Charland (Pittsburgh City Council Member) is resigned to the fact that Pittsburgh has gone over-budget this year on vehicle maintenance costs for the city:

“This is tough to look at,” Councilman Bob Charland, D-South Side, said. “I don’t know what else we can do, but we do have to pay our bill.”

Pittsburgh vehicle repairs bust city budget by nearly $600K →

Trib Live - Dec 3, 2025

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Pennsylvania Has a Lower Minimum Wage than 30 Other States

Can you believe that PA's minimum wage is still stuck at $7.25, despite years of surging inflation? Earlier this year, Democrats in the PA State House of Representatives passed a bill that would raise the minimum wage to as high as $15, but it ultimately stalled in the Republican-controlled State Senate. The Capital-Star reports that, meanwhile, other states are doing more for wages:

The minimum wage for workers will increase in 19 states and 49 cities and counties next month, with the wage floor reaching $15 per hour in dozens of localities, a new report found.

Dozens of cities, states hiking minimum wages in 2026 amid federal inaction (but not in Pa.) →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Dec 3, 2025

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Bob Charland (Pittsburgh City Council Member) called for a two-week pause on discussing funding for Pittsburgh's Housing Opportunity Fund, as the City Council tries to balance the unpopular 2026 budget proposed by outgoing mayor Ed Gainey. That proposal called for $10 million for the Fund, which supports everything from building affordable housing to protecting low-income renters facing evictions:

But the city’s budget realities dictate closer scrutiny, according to Councilman Bob Charland, D-South Side. “As we all said, everything is on the table right now,” Charland said. “And I don’t want to obligate ourselves to this at this point.” Though Charland called for the pause, he also reiterated that cutting money from the program was not his goal.

Pittsburgh council pauses $10M for affordable housing fund as it scrutinizes budget →

Trib Live - Dec 3, 2025

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Anthony Coghill (Pittsburgh City Council Member) seems dubious of Pittsburgh's contract structure with Transdev, the company responsible for maintaining the city's vehicle fleet. This year, the city is hundreds of thousands of dollars over-budget for vehicle costs:

Firmin Maurice, the city’s senior fleet manager, told council the $400,000 amounts to about six months of work on close to 400 vehicles. It won’t cover any work done this month. “That seems incredibly high, it really does,” Councilman Anthony Coghill, D-Beechview, said.

Pittsburgh vehicle repairs bust city budget by nearly $600K →

Trib Live - Dec 3, 2025

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Buckle Up: Driverless Cars Are Coming Back to Pittsburgh

Sorry for the terrible headline pun. Pittsburgh has long served as a hub for autonomous driving research. Uber's self-driving project operated out of the city until homegrown autonomous trucking startup Aurora purchased it in 2020. Now, Waymo—which spun out of Google, and currently operates self-driving taxis in cities around the country—is bringing autonomous vehicles back to Pittsburgh:

Autonomous ride-hailing service Waymo is expanding into the Steel City along with Baltimore, St. Louis and Philadelphia, the California-based company announced in a blog post Wednesday. Human-led test drives will start this week in Downtown Pittsburgh as Waymo confirms its technology works on the city’s roads.

Driverless cab service Waymo coming to Pittsburgh →

Trib Live - Dec 3, 2025

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Patrick Catena Jr. (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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The Race to Determine the Next Leader of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee Begins Now

WESA reports that Sam Hens-Greco, the leader of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, has stepped down. While you probably haven't heard of this guy, the role is a powerful one: Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two-to-one in Allegheny County, and the Democratic Committee serves as one of the key power brokers for Democrat politicians here. With Hens-Greco retired, the next leader of the Committee will have a big hand in shaping what kind of Democrats—centrist, progressive, or somewhere in-between—will rise in Southwestern PA over the coming years:

Historically, leadership of the committee has swung, pendulum-like, between a progressive faction and one that aligns with an older-school base that tends to be more moderate. (Hens-Greco himself took the reins from Eileen Kelly, who aligned more with the party’s old guard.) Such tensions have defined the Democratic Party nationally as well, and they may shape the choice for Hens-Greco’s full-term replacement. Democrats will choose local leaders in June after new committee members are elected the month before.

Hens-Greco to step down as leader of Allegheny County Democrats in January →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Erika Strassburger (Pittsburgh City Council Member) defended Pittsburgh Water's odd track record of voting "yes" on almost everything. Strassburger is, notably, both a member of Pittsburgh Water's board and the Pittsburgh City Council. She was part of the bloc of City Council Members that recently approved the sale of Pittsburgh's water and sewage infrastructure to Pittsburgh Water.

Pittsburgh Water board members say substantive deliberation does occur, but much of it happens outside public view in executive sessions and Executive Committee meetings before each monthly meeting. Strassburger said resolutions that reach the public agenda have typically been vetted through multiple prior discussions. She said the board spends “at the very least an hour-long executive session” taking a “deeper dive” into the same topics raised in other, open meetings.

Two years, zero ‘no’ votes on Pittsburgh Water board as rate hike looms →

Pittsburgh's Public Source - Dec 2, 2025

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Tawana Cook Purnell (Pittsburgh Public Schools Director) was sworn in as a member of the P.P.S. Board of Directors, just after the previous Board declined a major proposal to restructure the district. Purnell will now have to work with her fellow Directors to chart a new future for Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Pittsburgh School Board elects new officers amid financial uncertainties →

Trib Live - Dec 2, 2025

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Bethany Hallam (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Pittsburgh Just Sold Our Water Infrastructure. Public Source Has Found Some Odd Behavior from the Board that Now Controls It.

Public Source reports the surprising finding that the Board that oversees Pittsburgh Water, the public utility company that manages water for much of the area, almost never votes "no" on anything. Just last week, the Pittsburgh City Council agreed to "sell" the city's water infrastructure to Pittsburgh Water for $1. One of the key reasons cited by the Council Members who approved the decision was that Pittsburgh Water's board was still accountable to the people of Pittsburgh. Public Source's report, however, suggests that we may have work to do make Pittsburgh Water feel truly transparent and accountable:

Between October 2023 and September 2025, the board voted on 228 resolutions. The board voted unanimously on 223 of those. The other five included abstentions, but no nays. Meeting minutes show more than two-thirds of those resolutions were approved without questions. The votes authorized more than $870 million in spending. Research on governance and board dynamics shows that prolonged unanimity can mean a lack of meaningful oversight, and can dampen public involvement. In the case of the Pittsburgh Water board, the unanimity streak comes amid decisions that will affect the wallets of thousands of households.

Two years, zero ‘no’ votes on Pittsburgh Water board as rate hike looms →

Pittsburgh's Public Source - Dec 2, 2025

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Pittsburgh small businesses pledge to support community in public safety campaign →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Gene Walker (Pittsburgh Public Schools Director) lamented that P.P.S. is proposing to raise taxes on households, after all the public drama surrounding the failed proposal restructure the district:

School board president Gene Walker said it will be difficult to ask city taxpayers to shoulder the millage increase when board members “weren’t willing to make a decision on our end that would help mitigate some of these issues.” While Walker has long supported the district’s closure and reconfiguration plans, he voted against them last week after expressing concerns that administrators would not be able to successfully implement the sweeping changes planned without broader support.

Pa. cyber charter reforms give PPS budget unexpected ‘wiggle room’ amid last-minute revisions →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Dan Grzybek (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously, with Grzybek adding some context to the decision to include increases on fees for County facilities:

Councilman Dan Grzybek, D-Bethel Park, defended an amendment that increased fees for recreational services. Without the increases, Grzybek said, the county might have to raid its rainy-day fund and taxpayers would effectively be subsidizing the cost of people using amenities like South Park’s golf course.

Allegheny County Council unanimously OKs budget without tax hike →

Trib Live - Dec 2, 2025

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Paul Klein (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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DeWitt Wilson (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Sara Innamorato (Allegheny County Executive) successfully passed her Allegheny County budget for 2026. The vote, approved by the County Council, was unanimous:

“I appreciate Council balancing the need for fiscal restraint with the need to provide resources for our families and neighbors across Allegheny County,” she said. “While the federal government is cutting important programs, the county is doing what we can with our resources to provide critical human services, affordable housing, public safety initiatives and more.” Innamorato’s proposal included a total of $3 billion in operating and capital spending. The $1.2 billion operating budget, which covers day-to-day costs, called for what the administration has called “a very modest 1.5% increase” over the previous year’s spending. The goal, Innamorato’s office has said, is to keep the county running while officials navigate challenging economic headwinds.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Donald Trump (President of the United States) is using the U.S. Department of Agriculture to threaten to withhold S.N.A.P. (formerly known as "food stamps") funding from PA and other states, unless those states share additional personal data on S.N.A.P. recipients. Wherever you fall on the political spectrum, it's heartbreaking to see our neediest neighbors used as a political football here—especially after the issues caused by the federal government shutdown this year:

The data USDA has sought from states includes verification of SNAP recipients’ eligibility, along with a host of personal information such as Social Security numbers.

Trump administration threatens to yank food stamps funding from Democratic-led states, including Pennsyvlvania →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Dec 2, 2025

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Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Chris Deluzio (United States Representative) co-sponsored a new bill—introduced by another one of our U.S. Representatives, Summer Lee—meant to prevent companies from using A.I. to discriminate against specific groups of people.

Legislation from Summer Lee, Democratic colleagues would combat discriminatory AI →

Trib Live - Dec 2, 2025

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Suzanne Filiaggi (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously, with Filiaggi adding some context to the decision to include increases on fees for County facilities:

“I do believe — and this is coming from me — that the administration has made a thorough attempt to bring these fees [on county assets like parks] in line with where they need to be,” said Councilor Suzanne Filiaggi, who serves as council’s lone Republican and whose district includes North Park itself.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Eva Diodati (Pittsburgh Public Schools Director) was sworn in as a member of the P.P.S. Board of Directors, just after the previous Board declined a major proposal to restructure the district. Diodati will now have to work with her fellow Directors to chart a new future for Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Pittsburgh School Board elects new officers amid financial uncertainties →

Trib Live - Dec 2, 2025

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Robert J. Palmosina (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously, with Palmosina adding some context to the decision:

Last year’s tax hike, which increased property levies by more than one-third, “was painful on a lot of people, but there [were] a lot of programs that needed to be funded, a lot of people that needed our help,” said Councilor Bob Palmosina, who chairs the budget and finance committee, on Tuesday night. Tuesday’s vote “was a lot less painful,” he said. He said this year’s process reflected improved communication between council and the executive’s office. “Moving forward, we will be ahead of the game and [raising taxes] will be the last thing I ever try to do again till, you know, a few years down the road, maybe,” Palmosina said.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Why Pittsburgh's $6 Million City Plan Might Stall Out →

City Cast Pittsburgh - Dec 2, 2025

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Alex Rose (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Erikka Grayson (Pittsburgh Public Schools Director) was sworn in as a member of the P.P.S. Board of Directors, just after the previous Board declined a major proposal to restructure the district. Grayson will now have to work with her fellow Directors to chart a new future for Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Pittsburgh School Board elects new officers amid financial uncertainties →

Trib Live - Dec 2, 2025

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Wait, 34% of P.P.S. Students are Chronically Absent?

A new report out this week from A+ Schools finds that more than a third of students in Pittsburgh Schools Schools are missing more than 10% of the school year. That's troubling! The report does, however, find more positive trends, such as the rise in students who are learning English as a second language. You can read the report for yourself, or check out highlights from WESA:

“In an era of blame for immigrants and refugees as problems for this country, we wanted to be very clear that what we see in the data is the exact opposite,” Fogarty added. “Immigrant and refugee families are keeping PPS from having precipitous population decline.”

Pittsburgh's school test scores and absenteeism remain dismal, but English learner population rises →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Josh Shapiro (Governor of Pennsylvania) was named the Chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council:

The Executive Council consists of the governors of the six watershed states – Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and West Virginia – the mayor of Washington, D.C., the chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Shapiro Named Chair of Chesapeake Executive Council →

Politics PA - Dec 2, 2025

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John F. Palmiere (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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The Latest P.P.S. Budget for 2026 is Less Bad Than the Previous One

Pittsburgh Public Schools shared its latest budget proposal for 2026, and, while it still shows a multi-million dollar deficit, it's a smaller deficit than the last draft. The key changes here are: (1) The district isn't moving forward with the restructuring plan it voted down last month; (2) The PA State Budget now allows P.P.S. to pay less money to charter schools; and (3) The district will be raising taxes for housholds by 4%. A key term to know here is "millage rate"—this is how the district calculates taxes, and it breaks down to some tax amount per $1,000 of home value:

The subsequent $732.3 million budget, shared during Tuesday’s budget and finance committee meeting, includes an operating deficit of $6.3 million. The proposed budget also factors in the cyber charter transition reforms, as well as a 4% millage increase. That would result in a millage rate of 10.66. For a house in Pittsburgh, where the median assessed value is $68,200, taxes would increase by roughly $28. Taxes on a home with a $100,000 assessed value would see a $41 increase. The millage increase is expected to generate an additional $6.9 million in tax revenue. Without those dollars, the district’s operating deficit would balloon to about $13 million.

Pa. cyber charter reforms give PPS budget unexpected ‘wiggle room’ amid last-minute revisions →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Jordan Botta (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously.

Allegheny County Council unanimously backs Innamorato 2026 budget with no tax increase →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Summer Lee (United States Representative) introduced a new bill meant to prevent companies from using A.I. to discriminate against specific groups of people:

Markey said the legislation would “prohibit companies from offering, licensing or using algorithms that discriminate based on a protective characteristic such as race or sex.” It also would require companies to “complete independently audited evaluations and impact assessments to identify and mitigate any algorithmic discrimination,” while also providing people with the right to appeal a decision made using AI to a “human decisionmaker,” Markey said.

Legislation from Summer Lee, Democratic colleagues would combat discriminatory AI →

Trib Live - Dec 2, 2025

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State budget was 135 days late, but Pa. lawmakers got their pay raise on time →

Trib Live - Dec 2, 2025

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Pa.’s home care workers want to be included in the next state budget →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Dec 2, 2025

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Need help with utility bills? LIHEAP opens Wednesday in Pennsylvania →

WESA - Dec 2, 2025

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Nicholas Futules (Allegheny County Council Member) voted in favor of County Executive Sara Innamorato's new Allegheny County budget for 2026. The budget was passed unanimously, with Futules adding some context to the decision to include increases on fees for County facilities:

“I’ve been on this council for quite a long time now and our park fees are not even close to breaking even,” Councilman Nicholas Futules said. “There was a time when we spent as much as $30 million to operate our parks and we would lose $25 million because we were only making between $5 and $7 million in revenue. So no matter what fees we do we’re still really far behind.”

Allegheny County Council passes budget to cut costs amid inflation, tariffs and federal cuts →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Dec 2, 2025

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The Esplanade Project Sounds Like It's Going to Be Crazy

Pittsburgh Magazine breaks down the ambitious new project—which broke ground in this week in the "Chateau" neighborhood near the Science Center and the Casino—and how it's planned to roll out over the coming years:

The project will be done in phases, with Mascaro Construction starting work to prepare the site for construction. The next phase will include the Ferris wheel, apartments, retail, parking garage and the Current. Construction is expected to begin on that phase in 2026 and anticipated to be open in 2028. The condominium building will be built shortly after those buildings. The final phase, anticipated to open in 2029, will include additional housing, potential innovation workspace, a hotel, and a specialty entertainment destination.

Here’s What to Know About the Esplanade Project That Just Broke Ground on Pittsburgh’s North Side →

Pittsburgh Magazine - Dec 2, 2025

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Josh Shapiro (Governor of Pennsylvania) was in Verona this week to announce new state funding to pay for bonuses for childcare workers:

Gov. Josh Shapiro visited a Verona day care Monday to tout $25 million in new state-funded bonuses for industry workers, which he says will help attract and retain staff.

Shapiro visits Verona to tout $25M in funding for child care workers →

Trib Live - Dec 1, 2025

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Private acquisition of municipal water system is under a new spotlight as utility giants plan to merge →

City & State Pennsylvania - Dec 1, 2025

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Alex Rose (Allegheny County Council Member) spoke on how he sees his role as the sole member of the Labor Party on County Council:

Republicans and Democrats have “some political considerations” when making policy, he said, like how their actions might affect other races. By contrast, “I don't have a party behind me necessarily working on advancing my political agenda.” [...] “I certainly have disagreements with Democratic Party leadership on a number of topics. So, we'll have to see exactly what comes before council,” Rose said. He added that he is “willing to break [with the Democrats] if necessary to uphold what I campaigned on.”

Allegheny County Council’s newest member is an independent. How will Alex Rose govern? →

WESA - Dec 1, 2025

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Ugh: Your Electric Bill is Going Up, Starting Today

As more customers—espcially power guzzlers like data centers—come onto the grid, the cost of generating electricity is going up. WESA reports that today, a new rate hike is hitting Pittsburgh:

The residential rate for Duquesne Light customers is rising 10.6%, from 12.43 cents per kilowatt hour to 13.75 cents per kwh. For an average household, that could amount to an extra $10 per month. Actual bills will depend on factors including weather, home energy efficiency, and usage. West Penn Power’s residential rate is going up 6.1%, or 10.947 cents per kwh.

Pittsburgh and Western Pa. electric rates increasing Dec. 1. Here's what to do if you can't pay. →

WESA - Dec 1, 2025

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New flu strain impacting Western Pennsylvania →

WTAE - Dec 1, 2025

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is, somehow, still more popular with Republicans than Democrats, according to a recent poll. There's a lot of time until Fetterman is up for reelection in 2028, so let's see how this numbers change in the coming years:

In the survey commissioned by RealClearPennsylvania and Emerson College, Fetterman has a 31% job approval rating from Democrats compared to 57% from Republicans and 30% from independents.

Poll shows Fetterman still tanking among Dems, while Republicans give him a thumbs up →

Trib Live - Dec 1, 2025

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Lindsey Williams (Pennsylvania State Senator) was in Verona this week to announce new state funding to pay for bonuses for childcare workers:

State Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, said child care workers, many of them working mothers, are “the ones that allow everyone else to get to work” while “setting up the workforce of tomorrow.” “We don’t pay them like they’re the keystone of our economy, and they are,” she said.

Delayed Pa. budget aims to tackle child care workforce crisis →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Dec 1, 2025

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Jessica Benham (Pennsylvania State Representative) expressed some optimism for Act 77, a law she developed that's meant to help support independent pharmacies and regulate the large Pharmacy Benefit Managers (P.B.M.s) that are threatening their business. Other lawmakers, including our State Senator Lindsey Williams, are concerned that enforcement of Act 77 isn't going far enough to be effective:

State Rep. Jessica Benham (D., Allegheny), the lawmaker who was the prime sponsor of the bill that became Act 77, described it as “a good first step,” said it has had a positive impact, and that it will take time to understand the full scope of that impact. She also expressed support for more legislative action at both the federal and state levels. Additional Insurance Department funding in the recent state budget could resolve some implementation issues, she told Spotlight PA. She wants to see that impact before demanding specific implementation changes. “Implementation of a complicated bill like Act 77 was always going to take some time,” she said. “And it was going to run into some tangles that would need to be worked through.”

Pennsylvania loses hundreds of pharmacies after a law promised help →

Spotlight PA - Dec 1, 2025

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Josh Shapiro (Governor of Pennsylvania) announced state funding for the new North Side Esplanade project:

Gov. Josh Shapiro, also in attendance at the groundbreaking, lauded the commitment to working with city leaders to create a development that improved the city. He announced that the commonwealth would invest $35 million in the project. “You’ve heard me say this before: I think for our commonwealth to thrive, we need a thriving Pittsburgh, so it is critical to me that Pittsburgh have what it needs to be able to be successful,” Shapiro said, harkening back to statements he made when announcing a $63 million investment in Pittsburgh’s Downtown in October 2024.

Pittsburgh’s Esplanade development has officially broken ground. When will it be finished? →

NEXTPittsburgh - Dec 1, 2025

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Josh Shapiro (Governor of Pennsylvania) spoke to the New Yorker about political violence, following the arson attack on the Governor's Residence earlier this year:

Many of the guests were spending the night; as Balmer broke another window in the dining room and climbed inside, about twenty people were asleep upstairs. He lit a second Molotov cocktail and smashed it on the floor. Almost immediately, the tablecloths in the room, which was still set up for the seder, caught fire. On one side of the room, Balmer encountered a locked double door, the only barrier between him and the rest of the house. He would later tell police that, if he had encountered Shapiro, he would have attacked him with the sledgehammer. But, when he tried kicking the doors open, the lock held. The fire, meanwhile, was spreading rapidly. Balmer broke a third window and fled. He’d been inside for a little more than a minute.

In the Line of Fire →

The New Yorker - Dec 1, 2025

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Austin Davis (Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania) was in Verona this week to announce new state funding to pay for bonuses for childcare workers.

Mr. Davis, who co-chairs the Early Learning Investment Commission, said commissioners and other officials over the past few years had visited child care centers and employers and learned that these “investments would show their work has value.” “After all, they’re caring for our most valuable resource — our children,” he said.

Delayed Pa. budget aims to tackle child care workforce crisis →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Dec 1, 2025

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Who Plows Your Roads When It Snows in Pittsburgh? →

City Cast Pittsburgh - Dec 1, 2025

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Lindsey Williams (Pennsylvania State Senator) is part of a group of PA state legislators calling for stronger enforcement of Act 77, a law meant to support independent pharmacies in the face of the growing power of large Pharmacy Benefit Managers (P.B.M.s). You've probably started to see the shuttered storefronts of pharmacies like Rite-Aids around the city; this law is part of the effort to keep our pharamcy ecosystem healthy:

In their letter to the Insurance Department, the six state senators shared detailed questions about the agency’s actions. They asked about guidance for typically high-cost specialty drugs, appeals received, the status of a study into patient steering and spread pricing, and the department’s interactions with PBMs. They wrote that the legislature did not empower the Insurance Department “for the agency to ignore the primary industry at which Act 77 was intended to address.”

Pennsylvania loses hundreds of pharmacies after a law promised help →

Spotlight PA - Dec 1, 2025

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SNAP benefits are flowing again, but many enrollees will soon hit another hurdle →

WTAE - Dec 1, 2025

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Donald Trump (President of the United States) issued a two-year delay on a Biden-era rule that would have required coke plants—part of the steel-making process—to monitor for cancer-causing chemicals:

The Biden-era rule, finalized in 2024, was designed to lower the amount of this pollution. It would have required plants such as U.S. Steel’s Clairton Plant – the largest coke plant in North America – to monitor for cancer-causing emissions at the fence line. “Exempting these coke ovens from the 2024 coke oven rule, as the president appears to have done, [will] put people who live near Clairton coke works in harm’s way,” said Haley Lewis, an attorney with Environmental Integrity Project.

Trump reverses course on coke oven rule for toxic air pollution, granting 2-year waivers to comply →

WESA - Dec 1, 2025

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Our Legislators Can't Seem to Find Room in the State Budget for a Popular Housing Program

The Capital-Star has an interesting report on how, for several years now, the state has failed to fund a popular program that helps people repair aging houses:

Gov. Josh Shapiro earmarked $50 million for the state program in his proposed budget, but the request quietly disappeared after a monthslong impasse that concluded earlier this month. “Our best guess is that there were a lot of funding priorities in this budget and when it came to coming up with the funding number, they did not find money for this program,” said Saval. “Frankly, they didn’t find money for virtually any housing program, and that’s really unfortunate given the nature and scale of the housing crisis.”

Pennsylvania’s home repair program left out of state budget, despite high demand →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Dec 1, 2025

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Wayne D. Fontana (Pennsylvania State Senator) spoke on the PA state Waterfront Development Tax Credit, a somewhat contentious program that's supporting development on the riverfront:

“We were afraid it was going to be eliminated,” said state Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Brookline. “There was a big push to get it increased. There is a big demand if we can get more money.”

Waterfront Development Tax Credit survives Pennsylvania budget battle →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 30, 2025

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A Growing Number of Kids in the Pittsburgh Area Are Going Unvaccinated

The Trib reports that more and more kids in the region are skipping out on vaccines, for reasons ranging from medical safety (some people have illnesses that prevent them from safely tolerating a vaccine) to religious objections (some faiths refuse vaccines and other medical interventions). The recent return of Measles to Texas show us what can happen when these trends continue:

Almost 1,800 students in Allegheny County submitted medical, religious or philosophical vaccination exemptions in 2024, compared with about 1,300 in 2020, a 38% increase, according to figures from the state health department. Westmoreland County saw an even bigger jump — about 130% — with 926 students filing for exemptions in 2024, compared with just under 400 in 2020.

Vaccination rates in schools cause concern for parents, medical professionals →

Trib Live - Nov 30, 2025

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Jay Costa Jr. (Pennsylvania State Senator) spoke on the PA state Waterfront Development Tax Credit, a somewhat contentious program that's supporting development on the riverfront:

State Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills and the Senate minority leader, said the tax credit has helped several local projects move forward. “It helps to close the gap on a lot of those projects,” Mr. Costa said. “You just can’t expect private businesses to carry that burden [without a tax benefit].”

Waterfront Development Tax Credit survives Pennsylvania budget battle →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 30, 2025

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What's Up with the President's "Golden Share" in U.S. Steel?

Remember the "Golden Share?" It was part of the deal that ultimately allowed Japan's Nippon Steel to acquire U.S. Steel. Per the deal, the "Golden Share" igives the U.S. President exceptional sway over operations:

Without the consent of the President or a designee, U.S. Steel cannot: move its headquarters from Pittsburgh, change the company’s name, “reduce, waive, or delay” Nippon’s planned $14 billion “near-term” investments, or transfer production or jobs outside the United States. The company also cannot close or idle plants “before certain time frames other than normal course” which could include temporary idling for safety or upgrades. The share also includes protections for employee salaries, according to Mr. Lutnick’s post.

U.S. Steel-Nippon deal hinged on Trump having a say in future operations. How will he use that power? →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 30, 2025

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Pushback mounts as data centers flourish in Pennsylvania →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 30, 2025

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Who ensures Western Pa. fire hydrants are working — or even available? The answer can be complicated →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 29, 2025

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Pa. man accused of double voting in 2020 election says Trump pardon applies to him →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Nov 28, 2025

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Sharpsburg, Etna, Millvale ramp up efforts to connect residents with food resources →

Trib Live - Nov 28, 2025

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Jay Costa Jr. (Pennsylvania State Senator) said that he's working to get more state funding for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, after the state gave funding to Philly's S.E.P.T.A. system:

“Behind the scenes, I am working with PRT and the administration” in an attempt to secure extra funding for the smaller Pittsburgh regional system, said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny.

After state assists Philly transit system, lawmakers look for more funding for PRT →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 28, 2025

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Alex Rose (Allegheny County Council Member) was sworn in as one of our two at-large Allegheny County Council Members. By law, at least one of the at-large Council Members must be from a political party that doesn't hold the majority on the Council. Today, Democrats hold that majority and—though Rose was a Democrat until recently—Rose now represents the Labor Party. One of his biggest responsibilities will be serving on the County Board of Elections, and since he defeated a Republican that used to hold this seat, Rose is going out of his way to assure Republicans that he's going to do a good job:

Mr. Rose will also be serving on the County Board of Elections — which oversees local elections and is comprised of the two at-large council members and the county executive — and he reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining fairness in that role. “Obviously, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I hope I can win them over by showing some really good priorities and investments into our community and standing up for our democracy,” he said. “I said it before and I’ll keep saying it, in my role on the Board of Elections, I will crawl over hot coals to make sure any Republican who hates my guts and wants to vote against me has the right to do that.”

Alex Rose sworn in as Allegheny County at-large councilman →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 28, 2025

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Donald Trump (President of the United States) threatened to "permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries," after a pair of National Guard members were shot in Washington D.C. this week. As a community, we should be able to condemn this violence, while also recognizing that we are a country of immigrants—that diversity is our greatest strength. Wait, what does it say on the Statue of Liberty? Oh, yeah:

Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries... →

Truth Social - Nov 28, 2025

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Josh Shapiro (Governor of Pennsylvania) criticized Republicans, who control the PA State Senate, for holding up more state funding for public transit agencies, like Pittsburgh Regional Transit:

“Sadly, the Republicans who lead the Senate have been unwilling to come up with a deal to deliver reliable recurring funding for mass transit,” Mr. Shapiro said. “They have come up with a ton of excuses but they haven’t come up with the funding.” Senate Republican Majority Leader Joe Pittman of Indiana County fired back. The governor and legislative Democrats, he said, rejected a Senate-passed transportation funding deal in “an effort to score cheap political points.”

After state assists Philly transit system, lawmakers look for more funding for PRT →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 28, 2025

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P.P.S. Administrators and Board Members Need to Get on the Same Page

Now that Pittsburgh Public Schools has officially declined the recent proposal to consolidate and restructure, the district needs to figure out what happens next. There are two groups working alongside each other to do so: The P.P.S. administration (unelected professionals like the superintendent) and the P.P.S. Board of Directors (a nine-member group of elected officials that oversee the administration). The administration wanted the proposal to move forward, but the board ultimately voted it down. The Post-Gazette reports this week that the superintendent, Wayne Walters, has extended something of an olive branch:

The vote came after nearly two years of work that started as the district grappled with declining enrollments. The Pittsburgh Public Schools has the capacity for 40,000 students but currently educates 18,380 as its budget deficit continues to grow... As the city schools seek to move ahead, Mr. Walters said he is willing to work collaboratively with board members to identify a path that honors the concerns raised about the plan and meets the district’s financial and legal responsibilities.

Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent warns rejection of closure plan carries major financial impact →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 27, 2025

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Our State Lawmakers Punt on Regulating "Skill Games," for Now...

It sounds like Governor Shapiro and the PA General Assembly want to revisit the idea of regulating "skill games"—the odd casino-looking things in bars, gas stations, and other places—after they failed to make progress this year:

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro called the matter “unfinished business,” and legislative leaders have also indicated interest in taking up the issue again next year. “This building has a long history of going through gaming debates, and they are very complex and very tedious and very difficult,” state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) said after the budget passed on Nov. 12. “I certainly believe gaming reform is — and must be — an important policy initiative going forward.”

Skill games avoid regulation again in Pa. as gambling lobby war intensifies →

Spotlight PA - Nov 26, 2025

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The P.P.S. Board of Directors Voted "No" on the Plan to Restructure the District, Raising the Question: Uh... What Now?

After years of planning and discussions, the proposal to close schools, restructure P.P.S., and redistribute resources around the district has been officially denied. The plan on the table had a lot of open questions and vague details that raised concerns from parents, so it seems that the Board of Directors ultimately rejected this particular version—not the idea that change needs to come to the district. What happens next is unclear, which must be terribly frustrating for students and their families. Even the Board sounds confused and bummed:

"Tonight was very harmful for the work that we have ahead of us, and Dr. Walters and his team just have a steeper climb because it looks like we didn't know what we were doing tonight," Board President Gene Walker said after the meeting. Walker voted "no" after he told Pittsburgh's Action News 4 he was in favor of the plan before the meeting. He said many factors changed his decision. "What we heard, not just last night, but over the course of months, is that there's more work to do," Walker said. The board discussed the plan for over two hours. Walker first introduced a motion to table the vote altogether, which failed five to four. Then, member Yael Silk introduced amendments to the plan that would essentially push back the timeline. That motion failed seven to two.

Pittsburgh Public Schools board of directors vote against closing nine schools Tuesday →

WTAE - Nov 26, 2025

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Trump admin says drug price negotiations will save Medicare roughly $12 billion →

WTAE - Nov 26, 2025

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Jay Costa Jr. (Pennsylvania State Senator) is dubious of a recent report from the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office (the I.F.O., which provides the official projections for PA's finances) that warns about a growing deficit in PA's budget over the next five years. Costa seems optimistic that we can create new revenue sources—like legalizing cannabis and taxing it—to close that deficit. But, Democrats and Republicans went four months over the deadline to pass this year's state budget and had to punt on issues like cannabis, so any real results will hinge on which party controls the State Senate and State House in coming years. Costa also noted how the federal budget can change the math for the state budget:

According to Mr. Costa, some attention should be paid to the expectation that the massive financial bill signed by President Donald Trump on July 4 will force the state to spend more money in years to come — perhaps offsetting revenue increases achieved elsewhere. An example, he said, is greater administrative costs for the state for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

New 5-year outlook on Pa. state finances shows lots of red ink →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 26, 2025

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Wow, So this Is What Happens in a Tied Election

It turns out that PA has a very lo-fi solution to deciding who wins:

Under Pennsylvania law, if an election is tied, the contest goes to a process called the “casting of lots.” This is effectively a game of chance to determine the winner. Counties use a variety of methods to cast lots, but it typically involves drawing a numbered object — a piece of paper, ping pong ball, playing card, etc. — out of a box or bag. Depending on the county, whichever candidate draws the higher or lower number wins the election.

Why marbles, playing cards, and ping pong balls decide so many local Pennsylvania races →

Votebeat - Nov 26, 2025

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While Waiting for a Judge's Decision, U.P.M.C. Has Held Out on Sharing Trans Patients' Records with the Trump Administration

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice issued supboenas to U.P.M.C. and other hospitals around the country, looking for the personal information of trans patients receiving things like gender-affirming care. Some of those patients sued to block the subpoenas and U.P.M.C. has refused to share their info with the Trump administration while waiting for a judge to make a decision in the case. Early rulings in cases involving other hospitals look promising for anyone who cares about medical freedom and privacy protections:

...Attorneys representing transgender patients said the subpoenas are part of an effort by the Trump administration to end gender-affirming care through intimidation and threats. In September, four UPMC patients filed a motion to quash the subpoena, arguing it was a violation of their privacy rights, and that the government could offer no compelling reason why the information was required. Several hospital systems also have filed motions to quash the subpoenas. Those motions have been granted in Boston, Seattle and most recently, on Friday, in Philadelphia.

UPMC has not turned over transgender patient records to the Justice Department →

Trib Live - Nov 26, 2025

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Chris Deluzio (United States Representative) put out a new ad criticizing President Trump and corporations for continued inflation this holiday season. Trump recently threatened Deluzio after Deluzio and a group of Democrat lawmakers released a video reminding the troops that they don't have to follow illegal orders.

Prices are still up →

TikTok - Nov 26, 2025

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Suit to block Education Department closure expanded amid agency transfers plans →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Nov 26, 2025

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State police, emergency management score additional funding in Pa.’s budget →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Nov 26, 2025

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The F.B.I. Wants to "Interview" Deluzio and Other Lawmakers about their Recent Message to the Troops

In the latest piece of political theatre, the F.B.I. is now seeking interviews with our U.S. Representative, Chris Deluzio, and the other Democrat politicians who released a video reminding military service members that they don't have to do anything illegal:

Deluzio posted a group statement from the legislators Tuesday afternoon, confirming that the FBI had requested interviews, and contending that President Donald Trump “is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.

FBI seeks interviews on video message by Deluzio and other Dems, as they decry 'intimidation' →

WESA - Nov 25, 2025

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Dwayne Barker (Pittsburgh Public Schools Director) voted in favor of the proposal to close a number of P.P.S. schools and restructure the district. The proposal was ultimately defeated.

Pittsburgh Public Schools directors vote against closing schools →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 25, 2025

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Gene Walker (Pittsburgh Public Schools Director) voted against the proposal to close a number of P.P.S. schools and restructure the district, despite recently being one of the plan's biggest supporters. The proposal was ultimately defeated:

”It's my personal opinion that we are not in a space where we can properly support the superintendent and his team in this work,” Walker said. “That is what he deserves and we should be able to give it to him. And I don't feel confident that we can at this point.” Walker said the board should instead have another conversation about its expectations for district leaders and set firm targets that the administration must hit in order to win board approval.

Pittsburgh Public Schools board votes down consolidation plan, rendering its fate unclear →

WESA - Nov 25, 2025

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Devon Taliaferro (Pittsburgh Public Schools Director) voted against the proposal to close a number of P.P.S. schools and restructure the district. The proposal was ultimately defeated.

Pittsburgh Public Schools directors vote against closing schools →

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Nov 25, 2025

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Chris Deluzio (United States Representative) issued a joint statement with the other Democrat lawmakers threatened by President Trump over their recent video message to the troops:

Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire separately issued a joint statement alleging that “Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress.” “No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution,” they wrote. “We swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship.”

Democrats threatened by Trump over video, including two from Pa., say they’re now being probed by the FBI →

Pennsylvania Capital-Star - Nov 25, 2025

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PURPLES | Beta

Our elected officials are supposed to work for us. Purples shows you what they're up to, so you can show them who's boss.

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Allegheny County Finances →

Allegheny County sets its own taxes and manages its own money—just like the City of Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

City Finances →

The “rainy day” fund is shrinking, the NFL draft is coming in 2026, and the roads are always bad. We’ve got a lot to watch out for with how the city spends its money.

Pennsylvania's Drama-Filled State Finances →

The PA state budget controls how billions of dollars flow into our community. Yet, it's been late in each of the last four years because Republicans and Democrats can rarely agree on the details.

New Activity

How Much Pollution Does It Take for Regulators to Step in?

The Federal Government Wants to Shift from a "Housing First" Policy for Homeless Aid to a "Treatment First" Policy

Our State Legislators Gave Themselves Raises this Year, which Is Not a Good Look after They Were Sooo Late with the State Budget

Watchdog for electric grid in Pennsylvania, Ohio and other states wants a pause on data centers →

Elizabeth Forward School District sues insurance company, alleging mishandled claim after 2023 school fire →

Unsurprisingly, Higher Health Insurance Costs Will Hurt People

Amazon, SpaceX could receive millions in fed grants. Will it help Pa. residents in need of faster internet? →

Here's how USDA's threat to withhold SNAP funds could impact the program →

There's 'room for everyone' in Allegheny County's expanded winter shelter system, officials say →

Developer buys former Springdale coal plant for a planned data center →

Deaths of older Pennsylvanians during abuse, neglect probes would be subject to mandatory reviews under new bill →

Pennsylvania Has a Lower Minimum Wage than 30 Other States

Buckle Up: Driverless Cars Are Coming Back to Pittsburgh

The Race to Determine the Next Leader of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee Begins Now

Pittsburgh Just Sold Our Water Infrastructure. Public Source Has Found Some Odd Behavior from the Board that Now Controls It.

Pittsburgh small businesses pledge to support community in public safety campaign →

Why Pittsburgh's $6 Million City Plan Might Stall Out →

Wait, 34% of P.P.S. Students are Chronically Absent?

The Latest P.P.S. Budget for 2026 is Less Bad Than the Previous One

State budget was 135 days late, but Pa. lawmakers got their pay raise on time →

Pa.’s home care workers want to be included in the next state budget →

Need help with utility bills? LIHEAP opens Wednesday in Pennsylvania →

The Esplanade Project Sounds Like It's Going to Be Crazy

Private acquisition of municipal water system is under a new spotlight as utility giants plan to merge →

Ugh: Your Electric Bill is Going Up, Starting Today

New flu strain impacting Western Pennsylvania →

Who Plows Your Roads When It Snows in Pittsburgh? →

SNAP benefits are flowing again, but many enrollees will soon hit another hurdle →

Our Legislators Can't Seem to Find Room in the State Budget for a Popular Housing Program

A Growing Number of Kids in the Pittsburgh Area Are Going Unvaccinated

What's Up with the President's "Golden Share" in U.S. Steel?

Pushback mounts as data centers flourish in Pennsylvania →

Who ensures Western Pa. fire hydrants are working — or even available? The answer can be complicated →

Pa. man accused of double voting in 2020 election says Trump pardon applies to him →

Sharpsburg, Etna, Millvale ramp up efforts to connect residents with food resources →

P.P.S. Administrators and Board Members Need to Get on the Same Page

Our State Lawmakers Punt on Regulating "Skill Games," for Now...

The P.P.S. Board of Directors Voted "No" on the Plan to Restructure the District, Raising the Question: Uh... What Now?

Trump admin says drug price negotiations will save Medicare roughly $12 billion →

Wow, So this Is What Happens in a Tied Election

While Waiting for a Judge's Decision, U.P.M.C. Has Held Out on Sharing Trans Patients' Records with the Trump Administration

Suit to block Education Department closure expanded amid agency transfers plans →

State police, emergency management score additional funding in Pa.’s budget →

The F.B.I. Wants to "Interview" Deluzio and Other Lawmakers about their Recent Message to the Troops

How Much Pollution Does It Take for Regulators to Step in?

The Federal Government Wants to Shift from a "Housing First" Policy for Homeless Aid to a "Treatment First" Policy

Our State Legislators Gave Themselves Raises this Year, which Is Not a Good Look after They Were Sooo Late with the State Budget

Watchdog for electric grid in Pennsylvania, Ohio and other states wants a pause on data centers →

Elizabeth Forward School District sues insurance company, alleging mishandled claim after 2023 school fire →

Unsurprisingly, Higher Health Insurance Costs Will Hurt People

Amazon, SpaceX could receive millions in fed grants. Will it help Pa. residents in need of faster internet? →

Here's how USDA's threat to withhold SNAP funds could impact the program →

There's 'room for everyone' in Allegheny County's expanded winter shelter system, officials say →

Developer buys former Springdale coal plant for a planned data center →

Deaths of older Pennsylvanians during abuse, neglect probes would be subject to mandatory reviews under new bill →

Pennsylvania Has a Lower Minimum Wage than 30 Other States

Buckle Up: Driverless Cars Are Coming Back to Pittsburgh

The Race to Determine the Next Leader of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee Begins Now

Pittsburgh Just Sold Our Water Infrastructure. Public Source Has Found Some Odd Behavior from the Board that Now Controls It.

Pittsburgh small businesses pledge to support community in public safety campaign →

Why Pittsburgh's $6 Million City Plan Might Stall Out →

Wait, 34% of P.P.S. Students are Chronically Absent?

The Latest P.P.S. Budget for 2026 is Less Bad Than the Previous One

State budget was 135 days late, but Pa. lawmakers got their pay raise on time →

Pa.’s home care workers want to be included in the next state budget →

Need help with utility bills? LIHEAP opens Wednesday in Pennsylvania →

The Esplanade Project Sounds Like It's Going to Be Crazy

Private acquisition of municipal water system is under a new spotlight as utility giants plan to merge →

Ugh: Your Electric Bill is Going Up, Starting Today

New flu strain impacting Western Pennsylvania →