Peter Hall
@petehallpa.bsky.social
📤 1439
📥 160
📝 243
Journalist covering Pennsylvania government and politics for
@penncapitalstar.bsky.social
.
reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
about 16 hours ago
The regional power transmission network and electricity market manager that serves Pennsylvania and 12 other states faces a mid-December deadline for a plan to manage the impact of data centers and other large energy consumers on electricity prices and reliability. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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PJM weighs proposals to manage data center impact on electricity affordability and reliability • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
PJM’s work to ensure grid and price stability in the face of growing demand comes as Pennsylvania lawmakers restated their energy policy goals for the coming year.
https://penncapital-star.com/economy/pjm-weighs-proposals-to-manage-data-center-impact-on-electricity-affordability-and-reliability/
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
4 days ago
If a slot machine gives skillful players the ability to win every time, is it illegal under Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code and Gaming Law? That was the question the state Supreme Court set out to answer Thursday in a pair of appeals. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Does an element of skill make a slot machine something other than a gambling device? • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The state agencies are challenging lower court rulings that neither the Gaming Law or the Criminal Code apply to skill games.
https://penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/does-an-element-of-skill-make-a-slot-machine-something-other-than-a-gambling-device/
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
6 days ago
Reproductive, maternal, and community health advocates called on state lawmakers Tuesday to safeguard women’s health care access from mounting threats in Washington, D.C. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Mission to protect reproductive rights and women's health care 'never more urgent' • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The caucus introduced eight bills related to maternal health in 2024 and two made it to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to become law.
https://penncapital-star.com/children-families/mission-to-protect-reproductive-rights-and-womens-health-care-never-more-urgent/
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
7 days ago
The panel is set to vote on legislation that would give state regulators the ability to set appropriate fees for operators of small modular reactors and micro reactors that, according to experts who testified, are inherently safer than plants built decades ago. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Next-generation nuclear reactors will be smaller, safer, Pa. House Energy Committee hears • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Small modular reactors require less space, are easier to build and are inherently safer than plants built decades ago, the panel heard.
https://penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/next-generation-nuclear-reactors-will-be-smaller-safer-pa-house-energy-committee-hears/
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
8 days ago
After long and difficult state budget negotiations ended without a plan to tax or regulate gambling devices that exist in a legal gray area, the leading maker of skill games across the nation is back in the public spotlight in Pennsylvania. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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A Pennsylvania jury found the nation's leading skill game maker liable for a store clerk's murder • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
After long and difficult state budget negotiations ended without a plan to tax or regulate gambling devices that exist in a legal gray area, the leading maker of skill games across the nation is back ...
https://penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/a-pennsylvania-jury-found-the-nations-leading-skill-game-maker-liable-for-a-store-clerks-murder/
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What does Pennsylvania’s new budget mean for K-12 schools?
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
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What does Pennsylvania’s new budget mean for K-12 schools? • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
While most policy shifts are relatively small, public education advocates have called the budget a positive step in the right direction.
https://penncapital-star.com/government-politics/what-does-pennsylvanias-new-budget-mean-for-k-12-schools/
11 days ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
12 days ago
The last state in the nation without some form of a budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year finally has a spending plan in place. Gov. Shapiro signed a $50.1 billion budget -- which increases overall spending by 4.7% compared to last year. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
and
@iankarbal.bsky.social
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135 days late, $50.1 billion Pennsylvania budget earns bipartisan support • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The budget, Shapiro’s third, increases overall spending by 4.7% compared to the previous year but represents a $1.4 billion reduction from his proposal in February.
https://penncapital-star.com/government-politics/135-days-late-50-1-billion-pennsylvania-budget-earns-bipartisan-support/
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Hey hon, we’re going to need a few more ovens.
19 days ago
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100% of what?
add a skeleton here at some point
20 days ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Adam Bonin
20 days ago
A Chester County (PA) judge has ordered that polling hours are extended to 10 PM tonight for all voters, helping to ensure that voters who were affected by today's poll book printing errors will not be disenfranchised. Post 8pm, voters will vote on provisional ballots. Dems/GOP agreed on this.
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A judge in Chester County, Pa., has ordered polls to remain open for two additional hours until 10 p.m. after the board of elections delivered poll books from last spring's primary to all 230 polling locations.
www.chesco.org/156/Voter-Se...
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Voter Services | Chester County, PA - Official Website
https://www.chesco.org/156/Voter-Services
20 days ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
24 days ago
As two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to release food assistance money, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Friday the state will make $5 million available to a network of food banks across the commonwealth. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Gov. Shapiro declares disaster emergency over SNAP benefits suspension • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Lori Jones-Brown, CEO of Philabundance, said food pantries across the region are already using reserves to meet increased demand.
https://penncapital-star.com/food-insecurity/gov-shapiro-declares-disaster-emergency-over-snap-benefits-suspension/
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Capital-Star Q&A: DNC Chair Ken Martin says Pa. Supreme Court election stakes are high
penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
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Capital-Star Q&A: DNC Chair Ken Martin says Pa. Supreme Court election stakes are high • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Martin spoke to the Capital-Star about why the Democratic National Committee is investing resources to support Donohue, Dougherty and Wecht.
https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/capital-star-qa-dnc-chair-ken-martin-says-pa-supreme-court-election-stakes-are-high/
25 days ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
26 days ago
A heavyweight in the legal cannabis industry visited Pennsylvania’s Capitol to meet with state lawmakers Wednesday. Known as “the baddest man on the planet” at the height of his boxing career, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson entered the cannabis ring in 2021. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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'Iron Mike' Tyson goes a round with Pa. lawmakers in support of safe and legal cannabis • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson entered the cannabis ring when he started the brand Tyson 2.0 in 2021.
https://penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/iron-mike-tyson-goes-a-round-with-pa-lawmakers-in-support-of-safe-and-legal-cannabis/
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
26 days ago
One of two nuclear reactors at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in Luzerne County shut down automatically Tuesday night at the same time firefighters were dispatched to the plant, its owner Talen Energy reported to federal regulators. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Talen Energy reports automatic shutdown at Luzerne County nuclear power plant • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
“Out of an abundance of caution, plant personnel contacted EMS. First responders were dispatched, but no emergency actions were necessary," a Talen spokesperson said.
https://penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/talen-energy-reports-automatic-shutdown-at-luzerne-county-nuclear-power-plant/
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One of Talen Energy's nuclear reactors in Luzerne County automatically SCRAMed Tuesday night after a cloud of hydrogen ignited in a conflagration outside the plant.
penncapital-star.com/energy-envir...
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Talen Energy reports automatic shutdown at Luzerne County nuclear power plant • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
“Out of an abundance of caution, plant personnel contacted EMS. First responders were dispatched, but no emergency actions were necessary," a Talen spokesperson said.
https://penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/talen-energy-reports-automatic-shutdown-at-luzerne-county-nuclear-power-plant/
26 days ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Nick Kristof
28 days ago
If you know anyone who was exploited on Backpage before it was closed down for human trafficking, tell them that there is a pool of money available for survivors and free legal help in applying for it:
www.backpageremissionnetwork.org
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Backpage Survivor Remission Network
https://www.backpageremissionnetwork.org/
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Pittsburgh-based Westinghouse would produce an unspecified number of the company's AP1000 reactors in a deal with Japan providing a $100B investment and expertise. The last two efforts to build new reactors in the U.S. have not gone well.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
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U.S. inks $80 billion deal with Westinghouse for nuclear reactors
The partnership would be funded with help from Japan and gives U.S. taxpayers an ownership stake in the plants.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/10/28/nuclear-trump-japan-westinghouse/
28 days ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Carl Quintanilla
28 days ago
JOHNSON: “It’s been a great run, but I think the president knows ..”
@politico.com
www.politico.com/live-updates...
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For the second morning in a row legislative leaders from both chambers and parties met in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office. No comment from Republicans except Senate President Pro Tem. Judy Ward, who said, “We’re working.”
28 days ago
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Possible Pa. budget action today. Leaders from all four legislative caucuses went into Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office in the last 10 minutes or so.
29 days ago
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Much as Democrats have drawn a line at school vouchers, the GOP is steadfast in its opposition to a flat rate for cyber charter tuition. House Dems proposed a compromise that would let districts deduct the costs cybers don’t incur, like tax collection and sports.
penncapital-star.com/education/de...
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Democrats propose compromise on cyber charter tuition amid Pa. budget impasse • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The commonwealth’s 14 taxpayer-funded cyber charters have been the subject of scrutiny for soaring bank balances and questionable spending.
https://penncapital-star.com/education/democrats-propose-a-compromise-on-cyber-charter-tuition-amid-pa-budget-impasse/
29 days ago
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I guess we’re drawing to an end of the 10 months where 7/8 of the state government isn’t running for reelection.
add a skeleton here at some point
29 days ago
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@wtyppod.bsky.social
Have you guys done an episode on the flying crowbar? If not, it would be timely now.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
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Russia tests nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile, military says - BBC News
The experimental weapon is hailed as having a potentially unlimited range - though Western experts have questioned its value.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qp8ed877jo.amp
29 days ago
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Harrisburg man pleads guilty to attempted murder and arson in Governor’s Residence firebombing
penncapital-star.com/criminal-jus...
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Harrisburg man pleads guilty to attempted murder and arson in Governor’s Residence firebombing • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Balmer, 38, will serve a total sentence of 25 to 50 years. He’ll be eligible for parole in 2050 when he is 63 years old.
https://penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/harrisburg-man-pleads-guilty-to-attempted-murder-and-terrorism-in-governors-residence-firebombing/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Stephanie Farr
about 1 month ago
During a recent review of the Ellen Greenberg case, Philly Chief M.E. Lindsay Simon stood by the city's suicide ruling, despite finding 3 more stab wounds & 20 more bruises never accounted for before, raising the total number of bruises to 31 and stab wounds to 23.
www.inquirer.com/news/philade...
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Philadelphia stands by suicide ruling in Ellen Greenberg case following a review revealing three more stab wounds
The determination goes against the position of the pathologist who conducted the autopsy who now believes it “should be designated as something other than suicide."
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/ellen-greenberg-case-update-2025-suicide-ruling-pennsylvania-20251013.html
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On this disappointing night in Philly sports, here’s an alarming fact: Thursday Night Football is nearly 20 years old. If you remember a time without TNF, you’re old or getting there. If you don’t, get off my lawn.
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
about 2 months ago
100 days in and Pennsylvania is still the only state in the country without some form of spending plan in place for 2025-2026 fiscal year. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
,
@iankarbal.bsky.social
, and
@ejprev.bsky.social
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House Democrats send new budget proposal to Senate on 100th day of impasse in Pennsylvania • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Pennsylvania is the only state in the country without some form of spending plan in place for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
https://penncapital-star.com/government-politics/house-democrats-send-new-budget-proposal-to-senate-on-100th-day-of-impasse-in-pennsylvania/
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State lawmakers' robocalls to constituents don't violate the federal telemarketing law, the 3rd Circuit ruled this week. The decision ends a lawsuit against Pa. House Majority Leader Matt Bradford over calls about events and services in his distrirct.
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
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Federal appeals court nixes lawsuit over state House Democratic leader's robocalls • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
“Such communications related to the health, safety and general welfare of the people clearly serve the ‘public good,'" the judges said.
https://penncapital-star.com/government-politics/federal-appeals-court-nixes-lawsuit-over-state-house-democratic-leaders-robocalls/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
about 2 months ago
A Montgomery County lawyer who’s made a career out of suing telemarketers has been dealt a loss in a case seeking damages from Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Matt Bradford over pre-recorded calls to his constituents. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Federal appeals court nixes lawsuit over state House Democratic leader's robocalls • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
“Such communications related to the health, safety and general welfare of the people clearly serve the ‘public good,'" the judges said.
https://penncapital-star.com/government-politics/federal-appeals-court-nixes-lawsuit-over-state-house-democratic-leaders-robocalls/
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The train to Harrisburg I'm on this morning hit and killed a person just past Middletown. Feeling awful for the conductor who had to get off and confirm what they were already pretty sure about.
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
about 2 months ago
Pennsylvania’s vote-by-mail law has been the subject of a seemingly endless stream of court cases since casting an absentee ballot without an excuse became an option in 2020. So what has changed with voting by mail since last November’s presidential election? From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Court decisions on voting by mail in Pa. keep coming; What do they mean for voters? • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The state Supreme Court has heard two cases scrutinizing county election officials’ handling of flawed mail-in ballots.
https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/court-decisions-on-voting-by-mail-keep-coming-what-do-they-mean-for-voters/
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reposted by
Peter Hall
dan sinker
about 2 months ago
not a single news org signed. that's what it takes. stand together. everywhere, every time.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Peter Hall
ACLU
about 2 months ago
BREAKING: Our client Mario Guevara, an Emmy-winning journalist detained by ICE in retaliation for livestreaming law enforcement activity, will be deported tomorrow to El Salvador. Mario and his family are being punished for his reporting. This cruelty is meant to stifle our free press.
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
about 2 months ago
Pennsylvanians would be required to disclose whether a property they’re selling is in a flood zone and requires flood insurance, under legislation passed unanimously Wednesday in the state House. From our
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Flood disclosure bill to help home buyers recognize risks passes in Pa. House • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Warren said he hopes the legislation will help would-be property owners recognize the risks of property located in flood-prone areas.
https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/flood-disclosure-bill-to-help-home-buyers-recognize-risks-passes-in-pa-house/
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They still make that?
add a skeleton here at some point
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
about 2 months ago
Emotional debate and rising tempers preceded a vote Wednesday on state House legislation to ban devices used to make semi-automatic handguns fire as quickly as machine guns. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Debate on 'Glock switch' ban draws warning about threats and slurs on Pa. House floor • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The bill, which would add machine gun conversion devices, known as Glock switches, to Pennsylvania’s list of prohibited offensive weapons.
https://penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/debate-on-glock-switch-ban-draws-warning-about-threats-and-slurs-on-pa-house-floor/
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It’s a perfectly cromulent word.
add a skeleton here at some point
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
about 2 months ago
Lawmakers in the state House passed legislation that would require background checks for the sale and transfer of rifles and shotguns, which is not currently required in Pennsylvania. The 104-99 vote was one of three held to try to toughen the commonwealth’s gun laws. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Pa. House Democrats pass firearms background check bill with GOP support • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Five Republicans joined the majority of Democrats in support of the bill, which now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
https://penncapital-star.com/government-politics/pa-house-democrats-pass-firearms-background-check-bill-with-gop-support/
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The Pennsylvania House is voting on a suite of gun safety laws. HB 1859, which would create extreme risk protection orders, aka a red flag law, was just voted down 101-102. Here's our recent coverage:
penncapital-star.com/gun-violence...
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Pa. House Democrats advance a package of bills to toughen state gun laws • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
After a high profile string of deadly shootings, Democratic lawmakers in the state House are moving to tighten Pennsylvania’s firearm laws.
https://penncapital-star.com/gun-violence/pa-house-democrats-advance-a-package-bills-to-toughen-state-gun-laws/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
about 2 months ago
"Imagine trying to plan your own personal budget without a complete picture of your income, or trying to pay all of your bills without as much as 70% of your income. That’s the position school districts find themselves in because of this year's late state budget.” From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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With no end to budget impasse in sight, Pa. school districts and counties warn of program cuts • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The partisan deadlock will soon force school districts and counties to borrow money to keep programs running or reduce services.
https://penncapital-star.com/government-politics/with-no-end-to-budget-impasse-in-sight-pa-school-districts-and-counties-warn-of-program-cuts/
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Pa. Supreme Court to weigh special licensing rule for carrying a gun in Philadelphia
penncapital-star.com/civil-rights...
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Pa. Supreme Court to weigh special licensing rule for carrying a gun in Philadelphia • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
To carry a gun in Philadelphia, a person must have a concealed carry license, regardless of whether they carry it openly or not.
https://penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/pa-supreme-court-to-weigh-special-licensing-rule-for-carrying-a-gun-in-philadelphia/
about 2 months ago
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Someone get a little ahead of themselves?
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
about 2 months ago
County election officials are required to accurately report when voters’ mail-in ballots have been set aside because of disqualifying errors and allow their votes to be counted on provisional ballots, Pennsylvania’s highest court has ruled. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Election officials must notify voters if mail-in ballots are set aside, Pa. high court rules • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The state Supreme Court’s ruled Washington County officials violated voters’ rights by misleading them about their mail-in ballots.
https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/election-officials-must-notify-voters-if-mail-in-ballots-are-set-aside-pa-high-court-rules/
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Election officials must notify voters if mail-in ballots are set aside, Pa. high court rules
penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
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Election officials must notify voters if mail-in ballots are set aside, Pa. high court rules • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The state Supreme Court’s ruled Washington County officials violated voters’ rights by misleading them about their mail-in ballots.
https://penncapital-star.com/campaigns-elections/election-officials-must-notify-voters-if-mail-in-ballots-are-set-aside-pa-high-court-rules/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
2 months ago
Families of children who received gender-affirming care at two Pennsylvania hospitals are fighting a U.S. Department of Justice effort to obtain medical records and personal information about transgender youth. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Patients at Pa. hospitals fight DOJ's demand for gender-affirming care records • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
"Parents and patients are extremely worried about having their identities disclosed to the Department of Justice," PILC Legal Director Mimi McKenzie said.
https://penncapital-star.com/children-families/patients-at-pa-hospitals-fight-dojs-demand-for-gender-affirming-care-records/
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
2 months ago
The organization that manages the electric grid for Pennsylvania and 12 other states has moved too slowly in response to skyrocketing energy demand and consumers are paying for it, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Pa. Gov. Shaprio said electric grid operator PJM needs reform to put consumers first • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
“We need to be thinking about consumers and their costs, something that PJM ... doesn't really spend a whole lot of time focused on,” Shapiro told reporters
https://penncapital-star.com/economy/pa-gov-shaprio-said-electric-grid-operator-pjm-needs-reform-to-put-consumers-first/
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
2 months ago
“It is my hope that it will not get to that here in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Josh Shapiro told reporters Wednesday. “I can tell you that we are preparing aggressively on that front.” From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Trump has deployed troops to three cities; Could Philadelphia be on his list? • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Trump hasn't announced plans to send troops to Philadelphia, but Gov. Josh Shapiro said he's prepared to respond if it happens.
https://penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/trump-has-deployed-troops-to-three-cities-could-philadelphia-be-on-his-list/
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Name something you had in your house in the 2020s that kids today (2055) wouldn’t understand.
2 months ago
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reposted by
Peter Hall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
2 months ago
Electricity customers across a broad swath of the country will bear the costs of running an outdated fossil fuel power plant in Pennsylvania that federal energy regulators pulled back from the brink of retirement earlier this year. From
@petehallpa.bsky.social
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Pa. electric customers will pay to keep an old power plant running under federal orders • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Constellation Energy had planned to retire the Eddystone Generating Station in Delaware County at the end of May.
https://penncapital-star.com/economy/pa-electric-customers-will-pay-to-keep-an-old-power-plant-running-under-federal-orders/
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