Government & Politics
Enviros fume as Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan downplays rift with Pa. over Chesapeake cleanup
Just a week ago, the Republican complained bitterly that Pennsylvania was falling short of its requirements to reduce nitrogen in state waterways and had a $320 million funding gap to meet federally mandated cleanup goals.
Pittsburgh Dem Ravenstahl attracts primary challenger in Bellevue’s Marburger
Marburger said she particularly wants to highlight Ravenstahl's previous opposition to abortion access — but he now says he is "pro-choice."
In states with red flag laws, critics are raising due process concerns. Are they right? | Thursday Morning Coffee
Pennsylvania could soon have its own red flag law. Advocates want to protect public safety - and protect civil liberties at the same time.
Pa. Republican looks to block PennDOT from officially offering gender-neutral licenses
A Republican lawmaker from central Pennsylvania wants to stop the Wolf administration from officially offering gender-neutral driver’s licenses. But under state law — which makes no reference to sex or gender on licenses — the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says its legal authority is clear and would oppose the bill. On Wednesday, Rep. Jesse Topper, […]
Pa. is 24th in the nation for worker-friendly policies: report
Of its neighboring states, only West Virginia finished behind Pa. in the report by the anti-poverty group Oxfam America.
Trump’s trade war could destabilize the U.S. economy, Pa. Sen. Pat Toomey warns | Tuesday Morning Coffee
"It's a double-edged sword," Toomey said of Trump's approach to China. "I would have preferred a different set of tactics."
Joe Walsh’s primary bid could be an actual problem for President Trump. This is why | Dick Polman
A disenchanted ex-Trump supporter is arguably the best candidate for grassroots Republicans, and GOP-leaning independents, looking to cast protest votes.
Four Pa. Republicans voted for a landmark gun control law in 1993. Now there’s just one yes vote. Here’s what that means
Despite increased pressure from Democrats and gun safety advocates, it’s far from certain that lawmakers will enact significant legislation.
More states are letting candidates use campaign dollars for childcare. What about Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law is vague — and unhelpful — in this area.
In central Pa., a new wall?: How a Trump rule could come between immigrants and their doctors | Friday Morning Coffee
"This is a motion to turn back the clock and cause more disparities in health care," one expert said.
Appointees, not lawmakers, should draw Pennsylvania’s political districts, Wolf-convened panel recommends
Pennsylvania’s state legislative and congressional districts should be drawn by an 11-member commission of gubernatorial and General Assembly appointees — not by lawmakers — come 2021, a panel convened by Gov. Tom Wolf recommended Thursday. The plan was crafted over six months with online and in-person input from more than 1,000 individuals, including those who […]
So you’re running for president, and you have a plan? Tell me more. Please | Lloyd E. Sheaffer
Caps, slogans, banners, vapid promises, social media blasts—these should not be the determiners of who will lead our governments. We need to demand more.