Pennsylvania Capital-Star

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star is a nonprofit news organization that provides unbiased and thorough reporting on state government, politics, and policies. With nearly 13 million residents in the state, it is crucial that their interests are represented by one of the largest and often costly state legislatures, which can sometimes be inefficient and corrupt. The decisions made by the legislative, executive, and judicial branches have a significant impact on nearly every part of life for the people of Pennsylvania.

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Trump taps former Pa. GOP chair to serve on Amtrak board of directors • Pennsylvania Capital-Star

1 month ago | penncapital-star.com | John Cole

President Donald Trump announced the nominations of several Pennsylvanians to serve in his administration, including the former head of the state’s Republican Party.
Kenyatta talks Democrats' direction after becoming DNC vice chair • Pennsylvania Capital-Star

2 months ago | penncapital-star.com | John Cole

In January, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) told the Pennsylvania Capital-Star that he wanted to help the Democratic Party “get back to basics” as he launched his candidacy for Democratic Party National Committee (DNC) vice chair. On Feb. 1, Democrats convened to elect a slate of new leadership and Kenyatta won one of the three DNC vice chair positions.
Corrections department recommends closing Pennsylvania prisons in Centre, Clearfield counties

2 months ago | penncapital-star.com | Ian Karbal

The Department of Corrections has released a report recommending the closure of Rockview Prison in Centre County and Quehanna Boot Camp in Clearfield County. The announcement follows a proposal by Gov. Josh Shapiro in his budget address to close two prisons as a cost savings measure.
Shapiro’s prison closure plan draws mixed reactions

2 months ago | penncapital-star.com | Ian Karbal

What has turned out to be one of the more controversial pieces of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget proposal was never mentioned during his 90-plus minute speech laying out the spending plan Tuesday. In budget documents, the governor proposed closing two Pennsylvania prisons, which his office says could save the state $100 million per year. He also proposed closing two community corrections centers for another $10 million in annual savings.
Trump: Nippon Steel will invest in U.S. Steel rather than acquiring the Pittsburgh-based company

2 months ago | penncapital-star.com | Peter Hall

Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel will provide an investment in Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel rather than continuing to pursue a $15 billion purchase of the former icon of American industrial might, President Donald Trump said Friday. Trump made the announcement in a White House news conference at the conclusion of trade talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Allentown adopts policy of non-collaboration with ICE as part of welcoming city movement

2 months ago | penncapital-star.com | Peter Hall

Eleven years ago Allentown was at the center of a federal court ruling that put local governments on notice that they could face legal jeopardy for collaborating with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. On Wednesday, Pennsylvania’s third-largest city formally adopted a policy that bars police and other city employees from supporting or assisting ICE and other immigration officials unless ordered by a federal judge.
Grant program for rural hospitals advances in Pa. House

2 months ago | penncapital-star.com | John Cole

by John Cole, Pennsylvania Capital-Star February 6, 2025 One day after Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his budget address, a pair of state House committees advanced legislation that aims to boost health care in rural Pennsylvania and prop up emergency medical services. House Bill 157, sponsored by state Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren), would create a rural health care grant program to help pay off educational debt of nurses, doctors, dentists and other professionals.
Bird flu bill is among first to pass Pennsylvania legislature this session

2 months ago | penncapital-star.com | Ian Karbal

Legislation intended to aid the state’s response to highly-pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, passed the Senate Wednesday. It was the first bill this session to pass through both chambers of the legislature. The bill, if signed by the governor, will eliminate citizenship requirements for people who want to become licensed poultry technicians in Pennsylvania, though they must be allowed to work in the country legally and undergo training.
Lawmakers, advocates react to Shapiro’s budget plans

2 months ago | penncapital-star.com | Ian Karbal |John Cole

Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his third budget address on Tuesday, calling for an increase in funding to public education, mass transit, minimum wage, and the legalization of adult use cannabis. Following Shapiro’s 90 plus minute address, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle weighed in on his proposed spending plan. So did advocacy groups representing a diverse set of issues and clients who would be impacted by his proposals.
Advocacy group's report contained 'significant errors,' charter academy says • Pennsylvania Capital-Star

2 months ago | penncapital-star.com | Peter Hall

Pennsylvania’s largest cyber charter school, Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA), said a report last week by a public education advocacy group contained “significant errors, falsehoods and intentional omissions aimed at maligning and defaming CCA.”The report, “Our Taxes, Their Slush Fund,” was based on check registers for May 2021 through June 2023 that Education Voters of PA obtained from CCA through public records requests under Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law.