Stephen Caruso
@stephenjcaruso.bsky.social
Pennsylvania Capitol Reporter for Spotlight PA | Yankee Fan | Die Gedanken Sind Frei | scaruso[at]spotlightpa[dot]org
Pinned
These powerful interests donated $18M to PA’s top lawmakers
Lobbyists say political donations can lead to access, but PA’s weak transparency laws make it nearly impossible to trace influence.
www.spotlightpa.org
Hi folk. Maybe you realized I've been slow on stories this year. That's because for the past 3 months, I poured over the last 2 years of campaign contributions to the governor & legislative leaders. @spotlightpa.bsky.social has the first of those findings today.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
Boilo Day > Christmas Day
December 28, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Boilo Day > Christmas Day
New: Powered by dark money, Pennsylvania's Supreme Court retention races cost at least $18.7 million -- making it among the top 5 most expensive retention races in American history.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
At least $18.7M spent on PA Supreme Court retention races
Millions of dollars from outside groups helped three PA judges elected as Democrats keep their seats.
www.spotlightpa.org
December 27, 2025 at 1:12 PM
New: Powered by dark money, Pennsylvania's Supreme Court retention races cost at least $18.7 million -- making it among the top 5 most expensive retention races in American history.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
Why is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority advertising on my fortune cookie fortune.
December 19, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Why is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority advertising on my fortune cookie fortune.
Today in Access Harrisburg? Influencers at the governor's mansion, a bipartisan housing agenda is brewing for 2026, and the burgeoning market for politico-signed baseballs. All this and more if you subscribe.
December 18, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Today in Access Harrisburg? Influencers at the governor's mansion, a bipartisan housing agenda is brewing for 2026, and the burgeoning market for politico-signed baseballs. All this and more if you subscribe.
Inbox: State Reps. Dan Miller (D., Allegheny) and Josh Siegal (D., Lehigh) have resigned, a spokesperson for House Speaker Joanna McClinton says. The special elections for their seats will be on Feb. 24. Candidates will be picked by local party members.
December 18, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Inbox: State Reps. Dan Miller (D., Allegheny) and Josh Siegal (D., Lehigh) have resigned, a spokesperson for House Speaker Joanna McClinton says. The special elections for their seats will be on Feb. 24. Candidates will be picked by local party members.
News: An amendment to enshrine abortion access into Pennsylvania's state constitution has passed the Democratic-controlled state House 102-101. It goes to the GOP-controlled state Senate, who are unlikely to take it up.
December 17, 2025 at 11:07 PM
News: An amendment to enshrine abortion access into Pennsylvania's state constitution has passed the Democratic-controlled state House 102-101. It goes to the GOP-controlled state Senate, who are unlikely to take it up.
The state House is now debating an amendment to add abortion rights to the Pennsylvania Constitution. Follow here:
www.youtube.com/live/tFFyemY...
www.youtube.com/live/tFFyemY...
House Session -- December 17, 2025
YouTube video by Pa. House Video
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:33 PM
The state House is now debating an amendment to add abortion rights to the Pennsylvania Constitution. Follow here:
www.youtube.com/live/tFFyemY...
www.youtube.com/live/tFFyemY...
One area of bipartisan agreement in Harrisburg? Opposition to Trump's AI preemption executive order. Both Senate tech committee chair Tracy Pennycuick (R., Montgomery) House tech committee chair Joe Ciresi (D., Montgomery) put out critical statements on it yesterday.
December 17, 2025 at 12:49 PM
One area of bipartisan agreement in Harrisburg? Opposition to Trump's AI preemption executive order. Both Senate tech committee chair Tracy Pennycuick (R., Montgomery) House tech committee chair Joe Ciresi (D., Montgomery) put out critical statements on it yesterday.
A Pennsylvania judge asked a lawyer arguing against a state rule extending discrimination protections to gay and transgender people if his firm had used AI to write its filing in the case, citing hallucinatory citations.
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
Pennsylvania judge questions potential AI hallucinations in legal brief for gender-identity suit
The case involves a challenge to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission’s application of anti-discrimination protections to transgender students in public schools.
www.wesa.fm
December 17, 2025 at 4:04 AM
A Pennsylvania judge asked a lawyer arguing against a state rule extending discrimination protections to gay and transgender people if his firm had used AI to write its filing in the case, citing hallucinatory citations.
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...
News: A bill to ban the sale of vapes not yet approved by the FDA in Pennsylvania, slashing the amount that can be sold in the commonwealth down to a few dozen, is on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk after passing the state House 147-56.
December 16, 2025 at 8:47 PM
News: A bill to ban the sale of vapes not yet approved by the FDA in Pennsylvania, slashing the amount that can be sold in the commonwealth down to a few dozen, is on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk after passing the state House 147-56.
Inbox: State Sen. Lindsey Williams (D., Allegheny) is introducing a ban on the "surveillance pricing" which charged different customers different prices at the center of a recent @consumerreports.org investigation of groccery delivery app Instacart.
December 15, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Inbox: State Sen. Lindsey Williams (D., Allegheny) is introducing a ban on the "surveillance pricing" which charged different customers different prices at the center of a recent @consumerreports.org investigation of groccery delivery app Instacart.
ICYMI: Pennsylvania Medicaid recipients will no longer have access to Ozempic and other similar drugs for weight loss after a quiet move by the Shapiro administration to save the state money amid growing budget woes.
New: Pennsylvania's Medicaid program quietly axed coverage of GLP-1s for weight loss, reversing an expensive two year old coverage expansion as state policymakers increasingly grapple with the commonwealth's shaky long term financial picture.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
Pennsylvania restricts Medicaid coverage for GLP‑1 drugs
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Pennsylvania will limit GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs under Medicaid — threatening access for thousands of low‑income patients.
www.spotlightpa.org
December 11, 2025 at 5:21 PM
ICYMI: Pennsylvania Medicaid recipients will no longer have access to Ozempic and other similar drugs for weight loss after a quiet move by the Shapiro administration to save the state money amid growing budget woes.
In your inbox, if you subscribe to @spotlightpa.org's Access Harrisburg: A retiring state lawmaker will lead an advocacy group while in office, a bill to restrict most vape sales is close to the governor's desk, and a rundown of Josh Shapiro's recent media blitz. Plus much more!
December 11, 2025 at 5:14 PM
In your inbox, if you subscribe to @spotlightpa.org's Access Harrisburg: A retiring state lawmaker will lead an advocacy group while in office, a bill to restrict most vape sales is close to the governor's desk, and a rundown of Josh Shapiro's recent media blitz. Plus much more!
Team PA is partnering with a Pittsburgh-based "AI Strike Team" to "cement [Pennsylvania's] leadership in the New AI Economy," Joanna Doven, a former mayoral aide, PR consultant, and establishment Democratic challenger who runs the team, said.
www.post-gazette.com/business/tec...
www.post-gazette.com/business/tec...
AI Strike Team finds a new partner and fresh leadership
The AI Strike Team — formed nearly one year ago to bring new tech jobs and investment dollars to the Pittsburgh region — is getting a facelift.
“Pennsylvania...
www.post-gazette.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Team PA is partnering with a Pittsburgh-based "AI Strike Team" to "cement [Pennsylvania's] leadership in the New AI Economy," Joanna Doven, a former mayoral aide, PR consultant, and establishment Democratic challenger who runs the team, said.
www.post-gazette.com/business/tec...
www.post-gazette.com/business/tec...
Today in 1805, abolitionist journalist William Lloyd Garrison was born. In 1831, he founded The Liberator, which popularized opposition to slavery, and was almost lynched in 1835 for this work. But he did not stop the presses until Dec. 1865, after the 13th Amendment became law.
December 10, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Today in 1805, abolitionist journalist William Lloyd Garrison was born. In 1831, he founded The Liberator, which popularized opposition to slavery, and was almost lynched in 1835 for this work. But he did not stop the presses until Dec. 1865, after the 13th Amendment became law.
News: Penn State University's faculty -- including full and part time professors at the main and satellite campuses -- have filed for a union election with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board with SEIU Local 668, setting up the state's largest union election in decades.
SEIU, who are organizing the Penn State faculty into a union, are holding a rally in the rotunda.
December 9, 2025 at 9:36 PM
News: Penn State University's faculty -- including full and part time professors at the main and satellite campuses -- have filed for a union election with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board with SEIU Local 668, setting up the state's largest union election in decades.
SEIU, who are organizing the Penn State faculty into a union, are holding a rally in the rotunda.
December 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM
SEIU, who are organizing the Penn State faculty into a union, are holding a rally in the rotunda.
New: Pennsylvania's Medicaid program quietly axed coverage of GLP-1s for weight loss, reversing an expensive two year old coverage expansion as state policymakers increasingly grapple with the commonwealth's shaky long term financial picture.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
Pennsylvania restricts Medicaid coverage for GLP‑1 drugs
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Pennsylvania will limit GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs under Medicaid — threatening access for thousands of low‑income patients.
www.spotlightpa.org
December 9, 2025 at 12:47 PM
New: Pennsylvania's Medicaid program quietly axed coverage of GLP-1s for weight loss, reversing an expensive two year old coverage expansion as state policymakers increasingly grapple with the commonwealth's shaky long term financial picture.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
Inbox: There will be no SEPTA strike, pending approval of a tentative agreement between the transit agency and its operators' union. In a release, the union credits Gov. Josh Shapiro and his staff. "Without the Governor’s intervention we would have been on strike this morning."
December 8, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Inbox: There will be no SEPTA strike, pending approval of a tentative agreement between the transit agency and its operators' union. In a release, the union credits Gov. Josh Shapiro and his staff. "Without the Governor’s intervention we would have been on strike this morning."
Gov. Josh Shapiro "has quietly and methodically tightened his grip on Pennsylvania's Democratic machine in recent months — recruiting key congressional candidates, clearing the field for them and remaking the state party," reports axios. His 2028 chips, they note, are on 2026.
Axios 2028
Go inside the biggest stories shaping the Democrats' quest to win back power and the forces shaping 2028. With Alex Thompson and Holly Otterbein.
www.axios.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Gov. Josh Shapiro "has quietly and methodically tightened his grip on Pennsylvania's Democratic machine in recent months — recruiting key congressional candidates, clearing the field for them and remaking the state party," reports axios. His 2028 chips, they note, are on 2026.
More 2026 news: Kofi Osei, a stalwart opponent of water privatization and Democratic Towamencin supervisor, is running against GOP state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick. Her exurban Philly district will likely be a closely watched as Democrats try to flip the upper chamber.
December 6, 2025 at 8:20 PM
More 2026 news: Kofi Osei, a stalwart opponent of water privatization and Democratic Towamencin supervisor, is running against GOP state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick. Her exurban Philly district will likely be a closely watched as Democrats try to flip the upper chamber.
“It’s David vs. Goliath,” Jeff Yass said. “I represent David.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Meet the billionaire pushing taxpayer-funded school vouchers
How one of the richest people on the planet presses his pet issue: school choice
www.washingtonpost.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
“It’s David vs. Goliath,” Jeff Yass said. “I represent David.”
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Inbox: Democrat Elizabeth Moro, a Chadds Ford author and cafe owner, will again run against former prosecutor and GOP state Rep. Craig Williams in a swingy exurban state House seat straddling Chester and Delaware counties. She came within 4 points of defeating Williams in 2024.
December 5, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Inbox: Democrat Elizabeth Moro, a Chadds Ford author and cafe owner, will again run against former prosecutor and GOP state Rep. Craig Williams in a swingy exurban state House seat straddling Chester and Delaware counties. She came within 4 points of defeating Williams in 2024.
Five Democratic Pennsylvania state legislators want to "prohibit the political weaponization" of SNAP or other food assistance programs by allowing the state to dock federal payments or place liens on federal property equivalent in value to unlawfully lost funding.
December 5, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Five Democratic Pennsylvania state legislators want to "prohibit the political weaponization" of SNAP or other food assistance programs by allowing the state to dock federal payments or place liens on federal property equivalent in value to unlawfully lost funding.
This is the best profile anyone has done of Josh Shapiro so far, IMO:
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Operator
Josh Shapiro has spent his life preparing to lead an America that might no longer exist.
www.theatlantic.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:21 PM
This is the best profile anyone has done of Josh Shapiro so far, IMO:
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...