Pennsylvania
PA Commits $39M to Redevelop Industrial Sites for Data Centers
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) announced $39 million in Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES) funding to transform former coal mines and industrial properties into hubs for logistics and data centers. The initiative supports 11 projects statewide and underscores Pennsylvania’s role as a net energy exporter amid growing demand from tech companies. Technical.ly has more.
PA House Bills Target Data Center Oversight Amid Rapid Growth
Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced five bills to regulate data centers, proposing measures on energy and water reporting, prevailing wages, efficiency standards, and emergency preparedness. Sponsors say transparency and sustainability are critical as development accelerates statewide. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
PA Bill Would Require Naloxone in All High Schools
A proposed law would mandate every Pennsylvania high school to stock naloxone, making the state one of few with such overdose-prevention requirements. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Schools Plead for Budget Deal as $3B in State Aid Stalls
Pennsylvania’s budget impasse has left 500 districts without over $3 billion in funding, forcing loans, layoffs, and depleted reserves. Education leaders warn schools cannot sustain operations much longer and urge lawmakers to compromise immediately. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Penn State Trustees Approve WHYY Takeover of WPSU
Penn State will transfer control of its public media station WPSU to WHYY, ending a $17.6 million subsidy and ensuring continued service in central PA. The revised deal includes commitments to retain staff and operate the station for at least three years. WHYY has more.
Philadelphia
Council Tackles Reservation Scalping, Street Rules, School Facilities
On Thursday, the Philadelphia City Council introduced a bill to ban third-party reservation resales without restaurant consent, debated amendments to loading zone regulations following a court ruling, and called for hearings on school facilities planning. Members also honored advocates for women’s sports, including comedian Wanda Sykes, for efforts to bring a WNBA team to the city. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Council Advances Security Guard Training Proposal for Further Review
The Philadelphia City Council moved a bill forward that would require employer-funded training for private security guards, while incorporating amendments such as exemptions for guards with state lethal weapons certifications and signaling openness to additional adjustments to balance safety goals with stakeholder concerns. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Pittsburgh
City Council Rewrites Affordable Housing Plan, Extending Debate
The Pittsburgh City Council voted 5-4 to replace Mayor Ed Gainey’s (D) mandatory inclusionary zoning proposal with a voluntary program offering tax incentives for affordable units. The measure now heads to the Planning Commission, delaying resolution of the citywide housing policy and continuing Pennsylvania’s broader debate over affordability. WESA has more.
Council Member Considers Spending Freeze to Address Budget Strains
City Councilmember Theresa Kail-Smith (D-District 2) plans to propose a bill pausing non-essential city spending and hiring to help stabilize Pittsburgh’s finances and avoid potential tax hikes amid declining revenues and recent court rulings. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.
Federal
New Federal Tax Credit Sparks PA School Choice Debate
A new federal education tax credit, co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), will fund scholarships for private and public school services starting in 2027, prompting discussion over whether Pennsylvania will opt in amid ongoing disagreements about school choice policies. WESA has more.
Congressional Stalemate Triggers Premium Surge for PA Marketplace Plans
Nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians face staggering health insurance hikes as lawmakers fail to renew pandemic-era tax credits, with partisan gridlock over spending priorities leaving families scrambling to afford coverage. PennLive has more.