Will Pennsylvania gun reform get a boost after the Pittsburgh massacre?
Corralling bipartisan support for firearms control "is just hard work."
Billy Penn in Harrisburg
News from the state capitol that affects city life
Sarah Anne Hughes is reporting on what you need to know about Gov. Wolf, the General Assembly, and state agencies — directly from the state capitol in Harrisburg. As a Report for America corps member, Sarah is tasked with covering stories that matter to readers in Philadelphia.
Have a question or story idea? Send her a tip.
A mural on the capitol steps decries the detention of immigrant families
One Republican leader called it "entirely inappropriate."
Punishment for ‘sanctuary cities’ moves forward in PA legislature
A bill that passed the Senate last year was overhauled in House committee.
A push to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Pennsylvania
No one thinks the legislation has a chance, but it's symbolic.
2,700 Philadelphians are serving life without parole. Will they get a chance at redemption?
Supporters compared life sentences to "death by incarceration."
A debate over ‘whether or not we trust women’ as PA House passes domestic violence bill
The bill would tighten restrictions on how accused domestic abusers can access firearms.
Wawa’s PAC donated $12,500 to GOP candidate Scott Wagner — and some money to help Tom Wolf, too
Yes, Wawa has a political action committee.
Plans to kill Philly’s paid sick leave advance in Harrisburg
The legislation passed on party lines. It could now be brought before the full House.
Philly’s paid sick leave is under new attack in Harrisburg
A House committee will vote on a preemption bill Monday, but Gov. Wolf has vowed to veto.
Will PA redistricting reform come from the House Speaker — or a 12-year-old?
Speaker Turzai plans to introduce a new proposal, while advocates are launching a new citizen campaign.
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Sharif Street’s district office is helping people register for medical marijuana
So far, the Philly state senator appears to be the only PA legislator to offer this service.
Pennsylvanians can finally file LGBTQ discrimination complaints
The Pa. Human Relations Commission has expanded the definition of "sex" as it applies to the state's anti-discrimination laws.
LIST: See the names of PA Catholic priests accused in grand jury report
A two-year investigation uncovered 301 "predator priests" and more than a thousand victims.
More than 300 ‘predator priests’ in PA sexually abused hundreds of children, grand jury finds
“We can’t charge most of the culprits,” the state attorney general said, “but we can tell our fellow citizens what happened.”
Gov. Wolf says Pennsylvania’s not ready for legal pot. Other elected officials disagree.
That includes the auditor general, several state legislators and the governor's own running mate.
A record number of LGBTQ candidates are running for state seats. Is Harrisburg ready?
Currently, Brian Sims is the General Assembly's only out legislator. That could soon change.
‘Young and naive’ climate activist Rose Strauss wants a word with Gov. Wolf
What's up with those campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry?