John Cole
@johnlcole.bsky.social
Journalist | Previously: Pennsylvania Capital-Star, PCN TV, PoliticsPA, Northeast Times | Archbishop Ryan and Temple grad
Reposted by John Cole
News: Pennsylvania has a budget, four months late, after lawmakers passed a $50.1 billion deal that continues to fund public schools, creates a tax credit for working families, reforms permitting, and pulls the state out of a plan to cap carbon emissions from power plants.
Pennsylvania ends budget impasse with $50.1B deal
Pennsylvania’s final budget boosts school funding, creates an earned income tax credit, and exits the RGGI climate initiative.
www.spotlightpa.org
November 12, 2025 at 8:46 PM
News: Pennsylvania has a budget, four months late, after lawmakers passed a $50.1 billion deal that continues to fund public schools, creates a tax credit for working families, reforms permitting, and pulls the state out of a plan to cap carbon emissions from power plants.
Heading to Wisconsin for the next few days to catch the Birds game at Lambeau Field and see Wisconsin vs Washington on Saturday. If anyone has any recommendations for Madison, Milwaukee, or Green Bay, let me know!
November 6, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Heading to Wisconsin for the next few days to catch the Birds game at Lambeau Field and see Wisconsin vs Washington on Saturday. If anyone has any recommendations for Madison, Milwaukee, or Green Bay, let me know!
State Rep. Amen Brown (D-Philadelphia) shared this post from 50 Cent on his Facebook story after the results of the New York City Mayoral race.
November 6, 2025 at 2:40 AM
State Rep. Amen Brown (D-Philadelphia) shared this post from 50 Cent on his Facebook story after the results of the New York City Mayoral race.
One year away from the 2026 midterm election, Roll Call released a list of the the 10 most vulnerable House members. U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-7th District) is the lone Pennsylvanian to make the list and is ranked as the the 4th most likely to flip. rollcall.com/2025/11/04/m...
The 10 most vulnerable House members of 2026
CQ Roll Call's latest list of the most vulnerable House members for the 2026 elections features several targets of mid-decade redistricting.
rollcall.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:03 PM
One year away from the 2026 midterm election, Roll Call released a list of the the 10 most vulnerable House members. U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-7th District) is the lone Pennsylvanian to make the list and is ranked as the the 4th most likely to flip. rollcall.com/2025/11/04/m...
In my final story for the Capital-Star, I wrote about a bipartisan push to revive cancelled federal farm and food bank program in Pennsylvania. Give it a read! penncapital-star.com/agriculture-...
Effort underway to revive cancelled federal farm and food bank program in Pennsylvania • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan said his proposal will be an important part of the Farm Bill 2.0 discussions.
penncapital-star.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:34 PM
In my final story for the Capital-Star, I wrote about a bipartisan push to revive cancelled federal farm and food bank program in Pennsylvania. Give it a read! penncapital-star.com/agriculture-...
Reposted by John Cole
this is a huge loss for the Capital-Star! John is an extremely talented journalist and no one works harder or with more enthusiasm. He was absolutely key to our 2024 election coverage and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Philly politics. Any newsroom would be lucky to have him
After two years of reporting for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, my final day was on Friday. I appreciated the opportunity to cover a wide range of stories impacting politics and policy throughout the state during my time there.
November 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
this is a huge loss for the Capital-Star! John is an extremely talented journalist and no one works harder or with more enthusiasm. He was absolutely key to our 2024 election coverage and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Philly politics. Any newsroom would be lucky to have him
After two years of reporting for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, my final day was on Friday. I appreciated the opportunity to cover a wide range of stories impacting politics and policy throughout the state during my time there.
November 3, 2025 at 2:07 PM
After two years of reporting for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, my final day was on Friday. I appreciated the opportunity to cover a wide range of stories impacting politics and policy throughout the state during my time there.
Reposted by John Cole
Nearly 190 farms and 13 regional food banks across the state participated in this program.
Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, which includes U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-8th District), have crafted legislation that could revive the intent of this program.
@johnlcole.bsky.social
Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, which includes U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-8th District), have crafted legislation that could revive the intent of this program.
@johnlcole.bsky.social
Effort underway to revive cancelled federal farm and food bank program in Pennsylvania • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan said his proposal will be an important part of the Farm Bill 2.0 discussions.
penncapital-star.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Nearly 190 farms and 13 regional food banks across the state participated in this program.
Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, which includes U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-8th District), have crafted legislation that could revive the intent of this program.
@johnlcole.bsky.social
Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, which includes U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-8th District), have crafted legislation that could revive the intent of this program.
@johnlcole.bsky.social
The PIAA is one vote away from implementing a shot clock for high school basketball. penncapital-star.com/government-p...
The PIAA is one vote away from implementing a shot clock for high school basketball • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
If approved, implementation would be for the 2028-2029 school year.
penncapital-star.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:52 PM
The PIAA is one vote away from implementing a shot clock for high school basketball. penncapital-star.com/government-p...
Reposted by John Cole
High school basketball coaches in Pennsylvania may soon have to factor the shot clock into their game plans.
If the PIAA approves the 35-second shot clock for high school varsity and junior varsity games, it will be added in three years.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
If the PIAA approves the 35-second shot clock for high school varsity and junior varsity games, it will be added in three years.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
The PIAA is one vote away from implementing a shot clock for high school basketball • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
If approved, implementation would be for the 2028-2029 school year.
penncapital-star.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:49 PM
High school basketball coaches in Pennsylvania may soon have to factor the shot clock into their game plans.
If the PIAA approves the 35-second shot clock for high school varsity and junior varsity games, it will be added in three years.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
If the PIAA approves the 35-second shot clock for high school varsity and junior varsity games, it will be added in three years.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5 announced their 2025 endorsements earlier today and are backing Kevin Dougherty, a Democrat’s, bid for retention on the State Supreme Court, while also supporting GOP district attorney candidates Pat Dugan in Philly and Jen Schorn in Bucks County.
October 30, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5 announced their 2025 endorsements earlier today and are backing Kevin Dougherty, a Democrat’s, bid for retention on the State Supreme Court, while also supporting GOP district attorney candidates Pat Dugan in Philly and Jen Schorn in Bucks County.
The amount of fentanyl seized in Pennsylvania this year set to surpass last year’s figures. penncapital-star.com/criminal-jus...
The amount of fentanyl seized in Pennsylvania this year set to surpass last year’s figures • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Fentanyl has replaced heroin as the opioid most commonly found in Pennsylvania, state Attorney General Dave Sunday said.
penncapital-star.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The amount of fentanyl seized in Pennsylvania this year set to surpass last year’s figures. penncapital-star.com/criminal-jus...
Reposted by John Cole
Standing alongside various law enforcement officials, Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that as of the beginning of September, the state had seized over 50 million doses of fentanyl.
For perspective, Pennsylvania seized 50 million doses during all of 2024.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
For perspective, Pennsylvania seized 50 million doses during all of 2024.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
The amount of fentanyl seized in Pennsylvania this year set to surpass last year’s figures • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Fentanyl has replaced heroin as the opioid most commonly found in Pennsylvania, state Attorney General Dave Sunday said.
penncapital-star.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Standing alongside various law enforcement officials, Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that as of the beginning of September, the state had seized over 50 million doses of fentanyl.
For perspective, Pennsylvania seized 50 million doses during all of 2024.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
For perspective, Pennsylvania seized 50 million doses during all of 2024.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
Last night, I was at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg for a state dinner recognizing the contributions of over a dozen Pennsylvanians to their respective communities. Gov. Josh Shapiro also talked with me about the security updates made there. penncapital-star.com/government-p...
First dinner hosted in Governor's Residence since firebombing honors over a dozen of Pennsylvanians • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Security updates include a dedicated unit patrolling the grounds, as well as a 10-foot brick wall.
penncapital-star.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Last night, I was at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg for a state dinner recognizing the contributions of over a dozen Pennsylvanians to their respective communities. Gov. Josh Shapiro also talked with me about the security updates made there. penncapital-star.com/government-p...
Reposted by John Cole
“After the attack, the First Lady and I really wanted to get this building repaired as quickly as possible, so that we could open it back up to be a place that all Pennsylvanians could come,” Gov. Shapiro said. “We want this place to be warm and welcoming for all.”
From our @johnlcole.bsky.social
From our @johnlcole.bsky.social
First dinner hosted in Governor's Residence since firebombing honors over a dozen of Pennsylvanians • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Security updates include a dedicated unit patrolling the grounds, as well as a 10-foot brick wall.
penncapital-star.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:36 PM
“After the attack, the First Lady and I really wanted to get this building repaired as quickly as possible, so that we could open it back up to be a place that all Pennsylvanians could come,” Gov. Shapiro said. “We want this place to be warm and welcoming for all.”
From our @johnlcole.bsky.social
From our @johnlcole.bsky.social
Reposted by John Cole
As the federal government shutdown reached its 27th day, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) re-upped his calls for the passage of a continuing resolution (CR) and pointed at Democrats for the ongoing stalemate.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
McCormick talks government shutdown, SNAP, and health insurance subsidies in visit to Harrisburg • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
U.S. Senator Dave McCormick not in favor of abandoning the filibuster to end the shutdown.
penncapital-star.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:47 PM
As the federal government shutdown reached its 27th day, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) re-upped his calls for the passage of a continuing resolution (CR) and pointed at Democrats for the ongoing stalemate.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
ICYMI: U.S. Sen. John Fetterman's campaign raised just under $330,000 during Q3, which is the lowest fundraising total over a three-month stretch since he announced his candidacy for the office in 2021. His campaign has spent more than it's raised in 2025. penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
US Sen. John Fetterman's fundraising woes continue • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Democrat posts lowest quarter since declaring bid for U.S. Senate in 2021
penncapital-star.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
ICYMI: U.S. Sen. John Fetterman's campaign raised just under $330,000 during Q3, which is the lowest fundraising total over a three-month stretch since he announced his candidacy for the office in 2021. His campaign has spent more than it's raised in 2025. penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
Reposted by John Cole
For the first time in the 2026 cycle, a Democratic challenger in Pennsylvania has outraised an incumbent in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched U.S. House races in the country.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
Nearly all Pa. GOP US House members outraised Democrats in Q3 -- Scott Perry's the exception • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The former television anchor in central Pennsylvania, raised $1.24 million over three months.
penncapital-star.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:50 PM
For the first time in the 2026 cycle, a Democratic challenger in Pennsylvania has outraised an incumbent in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched U.S. House races in the country.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
For the first time in the 2026 cycle, a challenger in Pennsylvania has outraised an incumbent in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched U.S. House races in the country. Janelle Stelson’s $1.24 million haul in Q3 led all candidates in PA. penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
Nearly all Pa. GOP US House members outraised Democrats in Q3 -- Scott Perry's the exception • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The former television anchor in central Pennsylvania, raised $1.24 million over three months.
penncapital-star.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:11 PM
For the first time in the 2026 cycle, a challenger in Pennsylvania has outraised an incumbent in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched U.S. House races in the country. Janelle Stelson’s $1.24 million haul in Q3 led all candidates in PA. penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
Reposted by John Cole
V.J. Edgecombe's 14 points in the first quarter is the most points in the first quarter of a player's debut from at least 1996 on (as far back as our quarter scoring goes).
Lebron James was the previous most with 12.
Lebron James was the previous most with 12.
October 23, 2025 at 12:30 AM
V.J. Edgecombe's 14 points in the first quarter is the most points in the first quarter of a player's debut from at least 1996 on (as far back as our quarter scoring goes).
Lebron James was the previous most with 12.
Lebron James was the previous most with 12.
Reposted by John Cole
"It’s the third consecutive quarter where Fetterman’s campaign spent more than it raised. His campaign used $1.54 million, while gaining $1.23 million so far this year" penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman's fundraising woes continue • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Democrat posts lowest quarter since declaring bid for U.S. Senate in 2021
penncapital-star.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:05 AM
"It’s the third consecutive quarter where Fetterman’s campaign spent more than it raised. His campaign used $1.54 million, while gaining $1.23 million so far this year" penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
Reposted by John Cole
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s fundraising woes continue penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman's fundraising woes continue • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Democrat posts lowest quarter since declaring bid for U.S. Senate in 2021
penncapital-star.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:21 PM
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s fundraising woes continue penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s third quarter haul is his lowest fundraising total over a three-month stretch since he announced his candidacy for the office in February 2021. Here’s my story breaking down Fetterman’s Q3 finance report. penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman's fundraising woes continue • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Democrat posts lowest quarter since declaring bid for U.S. Senate in 2021
penncapital-star.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:08 PM
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s third quarter haul is his lowest fundraising total over a three-month stretch since he announced his candidacy for the office in February 2021. Here’s my story breaking down Fetterman’s Q3 finance report. penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
Reposted by John Cole
Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s third quarter haul is his lowest fundraising total over a three-month stretch since he announced his candidacy for the office in February 2021.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman's fundraising woes continue • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Democrat posts lowest quarter since declaring bid for U.S. Senate in 2021
penncapital-star.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s third quarter haul is his lowest fundraising total over a three-month stretch since he announced his candidacy for the office in February 2021.
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
From @johnlcole.bsky.social
Reposted by John Cole
The deadline to vote in next months election, where three state Supreme Court justices are on the ballot, is Monday. penncapital-star.com/voting/penns...
Pennsylvanians have until Monday to register to vote • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Statewide judicial races will be at the top of the ballot for Pennsylvanians this election.
penncapital-star.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The deadline to vote in next months election, where three state Supreme Court justices are on the ballot, is Monday. penncapital-star.com/voting/penns...