Peter Hall
@petehallpa.bsky.social
Journalist covering Pennsylvania government and politics for @penncapitalstar.bsky.social.
FERC orders PJM to clarify its rules as data center builders seek to connect electricity-hungry AI directly to power plants. penncapital-star.com/energy-envir...
Federal regulators say more clarity is needed on how data centers connect to power sources • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
FERC said the revisions will help to manage electricity costs as the race to develop AI drives an unprecedented increase in electricity use.
penncapital-star.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:02 AM
FERC orders PJM to clarify its rules as data center builders seek to connect electricity-hungry AI directly to power plants. penncapital-star.com/energy-envir...
As a long-awaited jobs report reinforced concerns about the economy Tuesday, Vice President J.D. Vance worked to rally a group of supporters in the Lehigh Valley with claims the nation is on the brink of an economic comeback.
penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
December 17, 2025 at 1:45 AM
As a long-awaited jobs report reinforced concerns about the economy Tuesday, Vice President J.D. Vance worked to rally a group of supporters in the Lehigh Valley with claims the nation is on the brink of an economic comeback.
penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
Reposted by Peter Hall
Gov. Josh Shapiro is urging federal energy officials to consider comments from consumer advocates, state utility regulators and power companies before deciding a case that could determine how AI data centers and other large electricity users connect to the grid.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Shapiro urges feds to consider comments on data centers connecting to PJM grid • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Data Center Coalition and PJM Power Providers Group argued the case would be “a distraction and a waste of time."
penncapital-star.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Gov. Josh Shapiro is urging federal energy officials to consider comments from consumer advocates, state utility regulators and power companies before deciding a case that could determine how AI data centers and other large electricity users connect to the grid.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
A group of five independent voters including political commentator Michael Smerconish filed a lawsuit Wednesday asking a Pennsylvania court to end the commonwealth’s bar against independent voters participating in primary elections.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Independent voters file Commonwealth Court lawsuit to end closed primaries in Pa. • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Under the Election Code, people who are not registered as members of the two major political parties cannot vote in partisan primaries.
penncapital-star.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:51 PM
A group of five independent voters including political commentator Michael Smerconish filed a lawsuit Wednesday asking a Pennsylvania court to end the commonwealth’s bar against independent voters participating in primary elections.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
President Donald Trump kicked off his midterm campaign to retain Republican control of the U.S. House with a rally Tuesday in one of Pennsylvania’s most competitive congressional districts.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Trump delivers 'a simple message' on affordability in battleground Pa. congressional district • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The rally, Trump's first since July, was billed as focusing on affordability, a topic that Trump dismissed as a Democratic hoax.
penncapital-star.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:18 AM
President Donald Trump kicked off his midterm campaign to retain Republican control of the U.S. House with a rally Tuesday in one of Pennsylvania’s most competitive congressional districts.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Here's an important law that passed along with the Pa. budget that should've gotten more attention.
Now that the CROWN Act is law in PA, younger generations won’t need to worry about being judged for jobs or promotions based on their hairstyle or texture. Thankful that Gov. Shapiro signed the new landmark law at Island Design Natural Hair Studio. www.delcotimes.com/2025/11/29/s...
December 8, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Here's an important law that passed along with the Pa. budget that should've gotten more attention.
Transgender health advocates see long fight to keep children’s medical records private penncapital-star.com/civil-rights...
Transgender health advocates see long fight to keep children's medical records private • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) sued to quash a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice in June.
penncapital-star.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Transgender health advocates see long fight to keep children’s medical records private penncapital-star.com/civil-rights...
Reposted by Peter Hall
Pennsylvania regulators will investigate a proposed rate increase by the state’s largest water and wastewater utility. The potential move could increase bills for some customers by more than 40%.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Utility regulators vote to investigate Pa. American Water's proposed rate increase • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Pennsylvania American Water Co. (PAWC) filed the rate request last month, citing $1.2 billion in ongoing system improvements.
penncapital-star.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Pennsylvania regulators will investigate a proposed rate increase by the state’s largest water and wastewater utility. The potential move could increase bills for some customers by more than 40%.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
A York County judge who was accused of stealing unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to return to the bench after the federal indictment against him was dismissed.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Pa. court lifts suspension for York County judge after federal prosecutors drop indictment • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Stambaugh was suspended without pay in October 2024 after a federal grand jury returned a 31-count indictment against him.
penncapital-star.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:24 PM
A York County judge who was accused of stealing unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to return to the bench after the federal indictment against him was dismissed.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
State Budget Secretary Uri Monson is leaving Gov. Josh Shapiro’s cabinet to serve as executive director of the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System (PSERS).
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Shapiro Budget Secretary Uri Monson stepping down to lead PSERS • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The PSERS board selected Monson after a nationwide search to succeed interim Executive Director Ben Cotton.
penncapital-star.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:52 PM
State Budget Secretary Uri Monson is leaving Gov. Josh Shapiro’s cabinet to serve as executive director of the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System (PSERS).
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
More than 850 West Virginians could lose their housing because of the Trump administration’s plan to shift homeless services funds away from permanent housing programs.
via @westvirginiawatch.com
via @westvirginiawatch.com
Changes to federal funding could make hundreds of West Virginians homeless, advocacy group says
The Trump administration’s plan to shift homeless services funds away from permanent housing programs toward transitional housing could cause more than 850 West Virginians to lose their housing,…
www.newsfromthestates.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:01 PM
More than 850 West Virginians could lose their housing because of the Trump administration’s plan to shift homeless services funds away from permanent housing programs.
via @westvirginiawatch.com
via @westvirginiawatch.com
Sport Utility Valley: When you can’t see out of your parking spot because the vehicles in adjacent spots tower over your car.
December 3, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Sport Utility Valley: When you can’t see out of your parking spot because the vehicles in adjacent spots tower over your car.
Reposted by Peter Hall
Student journalists: Want a hands on opportunity to learn government and political journalism alongside a crew of veteran reporters, diving into the machinations of a key swing state? Then apply to the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association internship!
PLCA Interships
The Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association (PLCA) offers paid summer journalism internships to two college students or recent graduates.
www.pacapitolreporters.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Student journalists: Want a hands on opportunity to learn government and political journalism alongside a crew of veteran reporters, diving into the machinations of a key swing state? Then apply to the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association internship!
Reposted by Peter Hall
Just a reminder...today is Giving Tuesday.
When we think about what we’re thankful for, the first thing that comes to mind is readers like you.
After all, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star wouldn’t exist without your support.
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday.
Can we count on you to make a gift that helps us get closer to our EOY goal of $5,000?
After all, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star wouldn’t exist without your support.
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday.
Can we count on you to make a gift that helps us get closer to our EOY goal of $5,000?
Donate • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
penncapital-star.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Just a reminder...today is Giving Tuesday.
Reposted by Peter Hall
Buried in a code bill passed with the 2025-26 state budget is a provision giving a single school district $5 million, outside of the typical formulas that are used to distribute funds to Pennsylvania’s school districts.
From @iankarbal.bsky.social
From @iankarbal.bsky.social
State budget sent $5 million to a struggling school district represented by the Pa. House speaker • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Buried in a code bill passed with the 2025-26 state budget is a provision giving a single school district $5 million, outside of the typical formulas that are used to distribute funds to Pennsylvania’...
penncapital-star.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Buried in a code bill passed with the 2025-26 state budget is a provision giving a single school district $5 million, outside of the typical formulas that are used to distribute funds to Pennsylvania’s school districts.
From @iankarbal.bsky.social
From @iankarbal.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
An outsider with puffed-up credentials tells middle America that they face an outside existential threat which will lead to increased crime and the corruption of youth, but he can fix it all, and even when they realize he's a con man they still love him.
This movie has no contemporary relevance.
This movie has no contemporary relevance.
#ComingUpOnTCM
THE MUSIC MAN (1962) Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett
Dir.: Morton DaCosta 2:15 PM PT
A con man who hawks musical instruments to small-town suckers falls for an Iowa librarian.
2h 31m | Musical | TV-G
#TCM #TCMParty #MeredithWillson
THE MUSIC MAN (1962) Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett
Dir.: Morton DaCosta 2:15 PM PT
A con man who hawks musical instruments to small-town suckers falls for an Iowa librarian.
2h 31m | Musical | TV-G
#TCM #TCMParty #MeredithWillson
November 24, 2025 at 9:53 PM
An outsider with puffed-up credentials tells middle America that they face an outside existential threat which will lead to increased crime and the corruption of youth, but he can fix it all, and even when they realize he's a con man they still love him.
This movie has no contemporary relevance.
This movie has no contemporary relevance.
Reposted by Peter Hall
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
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
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.
penncapital-star.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:43 PM
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
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
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
That was the question the state Supreme Court set out to answer Thursday in a pair of appeals.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
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.
penncapital-star.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:49 AM
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
That was the question the state Supreme Court set out to answer Thursday in a pair of appeals.
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
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
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
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.
penncapital-star.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:06 AM
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
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
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
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
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.
penncapital-star.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:38 AM
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
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
Reposted by Peter Hall
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
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
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 ...
penncapital-star.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:10 PM
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
From @petehallpa.bsky.social
What does Pennsylvania’s new budget mean for K-12 schools? penncapital-star.com/government-p...
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.
penncapital-star.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:43 PM
What does Pennsylvania’s new budget mean for K-12 schools? penncapital-star.com/government-p...
Reposted by Peter Hall
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
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
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.
penncapital-star.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:50 AM
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
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
Hey hon, we’re going to need a few more ovens.
November 6, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Hey hon, we’re going to need a few more ovens.
100% of what?
Texas Governor Greg Abbott says that after the NYC polls close he will impose a 100% tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC.
Governors can’t impose tariffs.
Also, Mamdani scares the crap out of these guys and I think that’s awesome.
Governors can’t impose tariffs.
Also, Mamdani scares the crap out of these guys and I think that’s awesome.
November 5, 2025 at 12:42 AM
100% of what?