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Your election questions answered | 2023 Election Mailbag
By: Cassie Miller - September 15, 2023
Why? The Capital-Star’s voters’ guide aims to answer the most commonly asked election questions, but we recognize that our guides might not answer every question readers have about the election or the voting process in Pennsylvania.
Pa. misses 7th RGGI auction as litigation keeps involvement in limbo
By: Cassie Miller - September 13, 2023
Pennsylvania remains unable to participate in the carbon credit auction, the most recent of which occurred on Sept. 6, due to two “separate but related” lawsuits, regarding the constitutionality of the commonwealth’s involvement in the multi-state program, aimed at limiting and reducing industrial carbon emissions.
U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean and her son discuss substance use, recovery in Harrisburg
By: Cassie Miller - September 13, 2023
Dean and her son Harry Cunnane, who struggled with substance use disorder as a teenager and young adult, joined Department of Drug and Alcohol Secretary Latisha Jones for a discussion about substance use disorder and addiction during a National Recovery Month event at the Capitol on Monday night.
Fetterman, Braun introduce organic agriculture research bill to protect funding
By: Cassie Miller - September 12, 2023
The bipartisan bill, known as the Streamlining Organic Research Act, would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study the feasibility of certifying more research land as organic, and by protecting mandatory funding for the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), which supplies grants to universities and other organizations for organics research.
Pa.’s 911 call centers need funding renewed before expiring in 2024, officials said Monday
By: Cassie Miller - September 11, 2023
Members of the state Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee heard testimony about the surcharge and what would happen to funding for 911 call centers if that funding source were allowed to expire.
Casey signs on to letter asking MV Realty CEO for answers on allegations of predatory practices
By: Cassie Miller - September 7, 2023
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., joined two colleagues in the Senate this week in sending a letter to the CEO of a real estate brokerage accused of predatory practices in six states, including Pennsylvania, asking its chief executive for information and raising concerns about allegations of predatory behavior.
Everything you need to know to vote in the Nov. 7 general election
By: Cassie Miller - September 6, 2023
The November general election is 10 weeks away. To help voters prepare to cast their ballots, the Capital-Star has compiled this guide of deadlines and helpful resources. How do I register to vote? New voters can register one of four ways — online, by mail, at a PennDOT driver’s license center, or at your county […]
Pennsylvania sees ‘dramatic increase’ in reports of child labor law violations
By: Cassie Miller - September 5, 2023
Since January, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has opened 403 child labor investigations compared to 107 cases during the same period last year, marking a 276% increase.
Pa. launches Office of Outdoor Recreation
By: Cassie Miller - August 31, 2023
The office will coordinate efforts across state agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the departments of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Health, and Transportation (PennDOT), to create a “cohesive strategy for the growth and expansion of the outdoor sector,” state officials said from Yough River Park in Connellsville, Pa. on Thursday.
Pa. cleared to resume normal poultry trade following HI-PATH outbreak
By: Cassie Miller - August 30, 2023
After more than a year of combating an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, afflicting poultry farms across the commonwealth, state officials said Wednesday that Pennsylvania has received the “all clear” to resume normal international poultry trade.
State police see an increase in applicants after waiving college education requirements
By: Cassie Miller - August 30, 2023
Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro shared on “X” the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the Pennsylvania State Police has received 297 applications since Monday’s announcement waiving the requirements, including 137 applicants who would not have met the previous education requirement.
Shapiro admin waives college degree requirements for state police cadets
By: Cassie Miller - August 28, 2023
Cadets must still meet eligibility requirements outlined by the PSP and must pass the qualifying examination, complete a polygraph examination, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before attending 28 weeks of training at the academy.