Author

Cassie Miller

Cassie Miller

A native Pennsylvanian, Cassie Miller worked for various publications across the Midstate before joining the team at the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. In her previous roles, she has covered everything from local sports to the financial services industry.

PJM, which coordinates the flow of electricity from power generators to utility companies in 13 states and the District of Columbia, is facing complaints about how it ensures it will have enough capacity to keep the electricity flowing during a winter storm or summer heat wave. (Photo by fhm/Getty Images)

Energy price changes coming on Dec. 1, PUC reports

By: - November 29, 2023

The rate changes taking effect next month include all PUC-regulated electric utilities and vary depending on the energy distribution company. 

Environmental group sues Allegheny County Health Dept. over failure to issue Clean Air Act permits

By: - November 28, 2023

The suit, filed by Washington D.C.-based Food & Water Watch earlier this month, seeks to force the county agency to act on Title V permitting requirements outlined in the federal Clean Air Act. 

With federal and state laws changing and litigation unresolved, the Abortion Defense Network helps patients, their loved ones, providers and support groups with free legal advice, pro bono representation, and help paying legal expenses. (Getty Images)

Shapiro signs informed consent bill into law

By: - November 27, 2023

The bill, now Act 31, was sponsored by state Reps. Liz Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) and Liz Hanbidge (D-Montgomery) and would require medical facilities in Pennsylvania to obtain consent before performing pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on anesthetized patients.

Pa. Dept. of State ‘satisfied’ Northampton Co. election results meet code after Election Day voting issues

By: - November 24, 2023

In a hotly debated 4-5 vote, Northampton County election officials voted to certify the results of the Nov. 7 general election, according to news reports. 

Pa. PUC to evaluate settlement with PPL over electric billing issues that affected thousands of customers

By: - November 22, 2023

The proposed settlement, which includes payment of a $1 million civil penalty and PPL’s agreement to absorb more than $16 million in related costs, is a joint effort between PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement and PPL, and has been submitted for review and consideration by the PUC Commissioners, who will make a final determination on the proposal. 

Shapiro says state will appeal Commonwealth Court’s RGGI decision

By: - November 21, 2023

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration announced Tuesday that it will appeal the Commonwealth Court’s decision to block Pennsylvania from entering the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) program.  In a statement from the Governor’s office, Shapiro said he would appeal the Nov. 1 decision to block the Commonwealth from joining neighboring states in the multi-state carbon […]

A group of Pa. lawmakers is urging President Biden to protect immigrants

By: - November 20, 2023

The 20 state lawmakers — from the House and Senate — noted that immigrants make up 7.3% of Pennsylvania’s total population, and added that federal protections empower immigrants to fill critical jobs amid pressing labor shortages.

Pennsylvania Democrats seek balance between environmental policy and loyalty to labor

By: and - November 19, 2023

Democratic leaders, however, caught between the competing interests of the environmental movement and building trade unions — both traditionally strong allies of the party — didn’t share the goal of putting sweeping climate and environment legislation up for votes.

Everything you need to know about LIHEAP

By: - November 17, 2023

During the 2022-2023 LIHEAP season, 312,169 households statewide received more than $125 million in LIHEAP cash benefits, and these households received an average season benefit of $402, according to DHS data. 

‘Not just an urban issue:’ Lawmakers hear from experts, advocates on child homelessness in Pa.

By: - November 16, 2023

On Wednesday morning, the Committee and members of the House Education Committee held a joint hearing to discuss child and youth homelessness. 

With federal and state laws changing and litigation unresolved, the Abortion Defense Network helps patients, their loved ones, providers and support groups with free legal advice, pro bono representation, and help paying legal expenses. (Getty Images)

Legislature sends informed consent bill to Shapiro’s desk

By: - November 16, 2023

The bill, which passed through the House Health Committee in March, would require medical facilities in Pennsylvania to obtain consent before performing pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on anesthetized patients.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

‘A beacon of hope and fairness:’ Pa. House passes bill to allow striking workers to collect unemployment

By: - November 15, 2023

House Bill 1481, which advanced out of the 25-member Labor & Industry Committee along party lines last month, amends Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation Law to allow eligible workers who file a UC claim to collect benefits if they are unemployed due to a labor dispute.