Pennsylvania

Key PA Court Races Could Reshape Caregiving, Education, Parental Rights

Upcoming judicial races for Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth and Superior Courts could significantly impact caregiving policies, as recent rulings have shaped school funding, abortion access, LGBTQ+ parental rights, and juvenile sentencing standards across the state. Spotlight PA has more.

Voters Head to Polls for Key Mayoral Primaries Across Commonwealth

Pennsylvania’s 2025 primary election features competitive Democratic mayoral races in cities like Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Scranton, where incumbents face strong challengers amid debates over crime, development, and leadership. With most cities leaning heavily Democratic and a lack of Republican candidates for many positions, Democratic primary winners are expected to dominate in November’s general election.

Mail-In Voting Gains Ground in Lehigh Valley Ahead of 2025 Primary

Mail-in ballots are becoming increasingly popular in the Lehigh Valley, with both Democratic and Republican voters contributing to a rise in early voting ahead of Tuesday’s primary. This trend is helping boost turnout in typically low-participation municipal elections, signaling growing acceptance of mail-in voting across party lines. LehighValleyNews.com has more.

PA Faces Power Surge from Data Centers, But Grid Upgrades Offer Hope

Pennsylvania energy leaders warn that surging electricity demand—driven by data centers and AI—threatens grid reliability, but new generation projects and infrastructure investments aim to keep the state a net power exporter. PJM and state officials stress the need for balanced policies to avoid shortages and protect consumers. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.

Philadelphia

DA Primary Likely to Decide City’s Next Top Prosecutor

Philadelphia’s Democratic primary for district attorney pits progressive incumbent Larry Krasner against tough-on-crime challenger Patrick Dugan in a heated race that will likely determine the winner, as no Republican is running in November. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Philadelphians Celebrate New Schuylkill River Trail Bridge Extension

Over the weekend, residents celebrated the opening of the long-awaited 650-foot Christian to Crescent cable bridge, extending the Schuylkill River Trail to Grays Ferry and enhancing access to green space, community connectivity, and safe recreation in South Philadelphia. WHYY has more.

$30M Investment to Transform Navy Yard into Innovation Hub

Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $30 million investment to redevelop 54 acres of the Philadelphia Navy Yard into advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and commercial spaces, aiming to create thousands of jobs and boost Pennsylvania’s economy through the new PA SITES program. South Philly Review has more.

Pittsburgh

Gainey, O’Connor Share Final Pitches for City’s Future Ahead of Mayoral Primary

In the final hours of a contentious primary, incumbent Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is touting progress on public safety, affordable housing, and downtown revitalization while challenger Corey O’Connor proposes reforms focused on neighborhood investment, economic growth, and stronger nonprofit contributions.

Allegheny County Unveils $20M Opioid Crisis Plan  

Allegheny County will invest $20 million from opioid settlement funds into jail-based treatment, recovery housing, and harm reduction programs to address substance use disorder and reduce overdose deaths, which have declined significantly since 2017. WESA has more.

Data Reveals Stark Racial Disparities in Allegheny County Juvenile Detention

An analysis of juvenile detention data from Allegheny County’s Shuman Center shows that nearly 78% of detained youth were Black boys—despite Black residents comprising less than 14% of the county’s population—raising concerns about systemic racial bias and a lack of transparency in detention practices. WESA has more.

Federal

Former President Biden Shares Strength After Cancer Diagnosis

Former President Joe Biden revealed over the weekend that he has an aggressive, metastatic form of prostate cancer, prompting bipartisan support and well wishes. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Beltway Briefing—Middle East Deals, Reconciliation & Birthright Citizenship

As Republicans continue negotiations to finalize the reconciliation package and the Supreme Court takes up oral arguments on birthright citizenship, Trump heads to the Middle East to pursue a series of economic deals—from AI chips to a Qatari jet. Listen to the latest episode featuring Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Meagan Foster here. 

State AG Pulse—Massive Google Settlement Shows AGs Serious About Privacy

Following the recent $1.375 billion settlement between the Texas AG and Google over its use of embedded tracking software, the latest episode of State AG Pulse episode asks whether consumers really understand how their personal data is being used and what privacy safeguards exist. Chris Allen and Hannah Land look at ways state AGs use their broad UDAP authority to rein in corporate behavior and the importance of engaging early in dialogue with AGs. Listen to the episode here.