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Special to the Capital-Star

Special to the Capital-Star

The latest and best in state and national coverage from our content partners and sites across the States Newsroom network.

Pa.’s largest coal plant is retiring. Could it transition to renewables?

By: - May 15, 2023

Homer City Generating Station has been used to delay environmental regulations. Could the infamous site become a symbol for the just transition?

The future of youth detention hangs in balance of Pittsburgh election

By: - May 14, 2023

Social workers are pushing the candidates in the Democratic primary for Allegheny County executive to not re-open a local juvenile jail.

A voting sign in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, local organizations help voters with housing insecurity

By: - May 14, 2023

A significant issue that housing insecure voters face is that a permanent address is required for voter registration.

Lawyer fees draw scrutiny as Camp Lejeune claims stack up

By: - May 12, 2023

Advocates and lawmakers worry high lawyer fees could shortchange those injured.

Civil rights group files ethics complaint against Allegheny Co. DA Stephen Zappala

By: - May 11, 2023

The complaint focuses on whether politics may have influenced charging decisions the Democratic prosecutor made.

Report: Pennsylvania ranked fourth nationally in greenhouse gas emissions in 2020

By: - May 10, 2023

The southwestern region of the state accounts for nearly half of the commonwealth’s pollution.

Pa. Senate approves bill creating SEPTA crimes division in Philly DA’s office

By: - May 9, 2023

The bill sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Cambria, is now before the House Judiciary Committee.

4-day school weeks, gaining in popularity, face pushback from lawmakers

By: - May 9, 2023

Several states have imposed restrictions or bans on four-day schools

Report: Philly schools miss the mark on performance and progress

By: - May 8, 2023

Fifteen percent of district schools have met most or all performance targets or improved on at least half of them.

Fourth graders study in a view through a classroom window. Many states are questioning whether third graders should be promoted to the next grade or held back a year if they fail to pass certain reading tests. (George Frey/Getty Images)

Debate over holding back third graders roils state legislatures | Analysis

By: - May 8, 2023

At least 17 states and the District of Columbia require third graders to repeat the year if they don’t meet certain test scores, although many have 'good cause' exemptions.

Allegheny Co. judicial candidates spar over labor endorsements

By: - May 7, 2023

Patrick Sweeney, Anthony DeLuca, and Andy Szefi are facing off in a 3-way contest in the May primary.

Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Council passes bill protecting residents in affordable housing

By: - May 6, 2023

By Stephen Williams PHILADELPHIA — City Council has approved legislation that provides some relief and protection for thousands of Philadelphia families living in dwellings where owners have affordable housing contracts set to expire. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, D-3rd District, who authored the legislation approved Thursday, said more than 12,000 families are living in properties with owners […]