The Northeast Archives - Page 3 of 23 - The Pennsylvania Daily Star

Witness in Disbarment Trial of Trump’s Former Attorney John Eastman Found ‘Vote Laundering’ of 280,000 to 300,000 Votes in Pennsylvania’s 2020 Election

October 1, 2023September 30, 2023 Rachel Alexander

The sixth week of the disbarment trial of Donald Trump’s former attorney and constitutional legal scholar, John Eastman, wrapped up Friday with testimony by two witnesses from Eastman’s team. Attorney Kurt Olsen, who is representing Kari Lake in her election challenge, testified first. Next, Ray Blehar, a retired Department of Defense analyst, testified, discussing his findings that 280,000 to 300,000 votes in Pennsylvania were “vote laundered” through the electronic tabulating machines.
Olsen began his testimony explaining why he decided to become involved in an election lawsuit over the 2020 election. He said, “I believed that something was not right.” He listed what concerned him: video clips of poll workers not allowed to watch tabulation, the controversy in Michigan’s Antrim County, results that didn’t make sense such as the stopping of counting ballots overnight in key counties, and “clear violations of law.”

Pennsylvania State Police Interest Surging After College Credit Requirement Axed

October 1, 2023September 30, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania state police applications spiked over the last month after the governor axed the agency’s college credit requirement.

Nearly half of the 1,200 candidates were not eligible before the Aug. 28 announcement. Overall, interest has surged – in the previous half-year hiring period, the agency had received 1,745 applications.

Education Equity Divides Pennsylvania Policymakers

September 30, 2023September 29, 2023 The Center Square

For more than a decade, policymakers in Harrisburg – and the circle of education influencers that they attract – have struggled to define equity for public school students.

Now, with a court mandate baring down, the state must reimagine the free and fair public education system promised in its Constitution – the guarantee envisioned by revolutionary elected officials like Thaddeus Stevens, whose influence still looms large in the halls of the Capitol.

Physicist Testifying at Disbarment Trial of Trump’s Attorney Former John Eastman Discusses Report That Found 130,000 Instances of ‘Voter Fraud’ in Nevada

September 30, 2023 Rachel Alexander

Physicist and auditor John Droz testified all day Thursday in the ongoing disbarment trial of Donald Trump’s former attorney and constitutional scholar, John Eastman. California Disciplinary Court Judge Yvette Roland, who contributed to Democrats while on the bench, spent a large portion of the day successfully attempting to keep Droz’s investigative reports into the 2020 election and his testimony from being admitted into evidence. Some of his testimony that was struck from the record afterward discussed a report that attorney Jesse Binnall delivered to Congress, laying out what he found as 130,000 incidents of voter fraud in Nevada’s 2020 election.

More Money Means More Transparency in Higher Ed, Pennsylvania Lawmakers Say

September 29, 2023September 28, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania higher education is crucial, costly and confusing.

So said state policymakers during a recent meeting with a trio of college leaders invited to share thoughts about the high cost of a degree and how the vision for higher education should look.

Second GOP Presidential Debate Was Sloppy, At Times Chaotic, Ultimately Forgettable, Critics Say

September 28, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Wednesday evening’s chaotic GOP presidential primary debate at times felt more like an episode of “Jersey Shore” than a showcase of the best and brightest minds in conservative politics.

Pennsylvania’s $650 Million Windfall May Soon Vanish

September 28, 2023September 27, 2023 The Center Square

The Pennsylvania Treasury’s “dramatic” revenue gains may soon come to an end, according to a recent independent analysis.

Before 2019, investing unused state funds netted the treasury between $8 million to $72 million in revenue. As an analysis from the Independent Fiscal Office noted, revenue was only $9 million in fiscal year 2020-21.

Pennsylvania State Order Embraces Artificial Intelligence

September 27, 2023September 26, 2023 The Center Square

The governor’s administration says the state should encourage the responsible use of artificial intelligence throughout its agencies, rather than turn a blind eye to its capabilities.

Thus, a new executive order was born, Gov. Josh Shapiro said, which represents “the most comprehensive” action taken at the state level to incorporate AI programs.

GOP Presidential Candidates Prepare for Critical Second Debate Without Trump

September 26, 2023 M.D. Kittle

If Wednesday’s second GOP presidential primary debate proves to be anything like the first, we’re in for a night of political punches and maybe a rhetorical gang fight or two as the candidates look to score points in another Trump-less bout.

State Aims for Smoother Online Hunting License Sales

September 26, 2023September 25, 2023 The Center Square

Although the launch of online hunting license sales started off rocky this year, the agency responsible says they have taken steps to improve the process.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans acknowledged issues with rollout on June 26, but said he expected the process to be smoother in the future during a recent Senate Game and Fisheries Committee hearing.

Pittsburgh to Get Twice-a-Day Amtrak Service to New York

September 24, 2023September 23, 2023 The Center Square

Thanks to an agreement between Norfolk Southern and Amtrak — and a $200 million investment from the commonwealth — western Pennsylvania will have more passenger rail coming through Pittsburgh.

On Friday, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a passenger rail expansion for Amtrak’s New York City-Harrisburg-Pittsburgh service, going from once daily to twice daily.

Pennsylvania Issues $1.6 Million Food Insecurity Grants

September 23, 2023September 22, 2023 The Center Square

State grants issued this week will help counties feed some of the 1.5 million residents facing food insecurity every day.

On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that $1.6 million will go to 40 food banks, pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens to make emergency meals easier to get in 26 counties.

Pennsylvania Eyes Veterans Home Advisory Board

September 22, 2023September 21, 2023 The Center Square

A push to reform the oversight of Pennsylvania’s half-dozen homes for veterans would create an advisory board to improve care and watch over the dwellings.

Senate Bill 933 would give a 15-member Veterans Home Advisory Board the responsibility to provide input on quality of care concerns for the more than 1,300 Pennsylvania veterans living in the six homes across the state.

Pennsylvania Special Election Tips State House to the Democrats

September 21, 2023September 20, 2023 Pennsylvania Daily Star Staff

A Democratic candidate has won a special election for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, retaining the party’s one-seat majority in the chamber.

Lindsay Powell is a Democratic political aide who previously served as an aide to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. On Tuesday, she won a special election to Pennsylvania’s state House District 21, which covers the suburbs of Pittsburgh, by a margin of 29% over Republican candidate Erin Authenreith according to results published by the Pennsylvania Department of State, which gives Democrats 102 seats to the Republicans’ 101.

Pennsylvania Launches ‘Automatic Voter Registration’ Plan Ahead of 2024

September 20, 2023September 19, 2023 Pennsylvania Daily Star Staff

Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday that he will implement “automatic voter registration” ahead of the 2024 election.

The governor rolled out his plan on National Voter Registration Day to “streamline” the voter registration process, which he argues will “save taxpayers time and money,” according to an announcement video. Shapiro’s plan will automatically enroll Pennsylvanians in the voting system, unless the individual opts out, when receiving an identification card or driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Pennsylvania’s Speed Camera Enforcement Laws Sunsetting Soon

September 19, 2023September 18, 2023 The Center Square

State lawmakers must act soon before a trio of authorizations expire for traffic cameras that capture drivers violating traffic laws.

Provisions will soon kick in that would put an end to speed cameras in active work zones; camera-equipped school buses that ticket drivers who fail to yield to a stop sign; and speed cameras along Philadelphia’s Roosevelt Boulevard — one of the commonwealth’s most dangerous roads.

Innovation Hyper-Focused in Philly, Pittsburgh, State College

September 17, 2023September 16, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania could become a national leader in innovation — if the support is there and state leaders embrace reform.

“Innovation matters so much to economic performance, yet the state’s innovation drift is resulting in a broader economic drift,” Brookings Metro Senior Fellow Mark Muro told legislators Friday at a Senate Majority Policy Committee hearing on innovation. “We’re really challenging the state to, above all, commit to innovation…the state needs to try harder on this front. We think you could win — if you actually tried harder.”

Philly City Council Bans Supervised Injection Sites for Drug Use

September 16, 2023September 15, 2023 The Center Square

After a raucous public comment period, Philadelphia City Council moved to ban supervised injection sites for narcotics across most of the city.

Council voted 13-1 vote on Bill #230410 to ban any site that “that provides space for any person to inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the person’s body an unprescribed controlled substance” in all but West Philadelphia’s District 3.

Both Parties Take Credit for Pennsylvania’s Improved Financial Outlook

September 15, 2023September 14, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania’s finances have improved in recent years, with Moody’s Investor Services announcing it has revised the state’s financial outlook from “stable” to “positive.”

The financial services company noted the commonwealth’s “recently improved financial position and above-average long-term liabilities dominated by its unfunded pension burden.”

Pennsylvania School Vouchers Called a Solution to ’19th Century’ Problem

September 14, 2023September 13, 2023 The Center Square

As Pennsylvania’s divide over education funding continues, House Republicans once again championed their plan to give scholarships to students in low-performing schools to enroll elsewhere.

The House Republican Policy Committee met Tuesday in Philadelphia to hear testimony from education professionals, private school students, and parents on how families would benefit from Lifeline Scholarships, which has been controversial with Democrats who worry about diverting funding from public schools.

‘Warehouse’ Growth Worrying Pennsylvania Environmental Groups

September 13, 2023September 12, 2023 The Center Square

The online shopping industry, and the multi-billion dollar logistics and distribution network at its core, depend on Pennsylvania’s roads, land and workers for its warehouses.

And yet, environmental groups say that zoning ordinances for these facilities fall short, leaving the state’s land, air and water vulnerable to destruction.

Pennsylvania Podiatrists May Soon Prescribe Medical Marijuana

September 10, 2023September 9, 2023 The Center Square

Podiatrists may soon prescribe medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, that is if the Legislature takes the advice of the state’s advisory panel.

The Medical Marijuana Advisory Board voted this week in favor of a recommendation to add podiatrists to a list of more than 1,800 medical providers that includes among others psychiatrists, primary care physicians, specialists, anesthesiologists, and oncologists.

Pittsburgh Mass Transit Budget Still Treading Water

September 9, 2023September 8, 2023 The Center Square

Amid declining ridership rates, Pittsburgh’s public transit system has become more dependent on federal funds to remain afloat.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County, which serves Pittsburgh’s 300,000 residents, budgeted $95 million in federal emergency funding to prevent the system from going into debt in fiscal year 2023, according to budget documents. The transit agency received $502.5 million in federal stimulus funding.

Philadelphia City Council Mulls Lawsuit over Unenforced Herbicide Ban

September 8, 2023September 7, 2023 The Center Square

The Philadelphia City Council may soon file suit against the city’s administration over an unenforced law.

A resolution on the council’s Sept. 14 agenda would permit legal counsel to compel Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney to enforce a ban on toxic herbicides on all city-owned or used public grounds. That would include parks, trails, recreation centers and playgrounds.

Philadelphia’s Police Commissioner to Resign, Mayor Confirms

September 7, 2023September 6, 2023 Just the News

Philadelphia’s first black female police commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, will leave her post in late September.

Outlaw assumed the post in February 2020 and will depart on Sept. 22 to assume a position with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Fox News reported.

Ramaswamy Blasts DeSantis ‘Monster PAC’ Following Report of Fake News Dirty Politics

September 4, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is blasting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and “Monster PAC” following a report exposing the political action committee\’s campaign in “spreading dirt” and “misstatements” about the poll-rising Ramaswamy.

Upcoming Supreme Court Elections in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan Could Tip Majorities on the Bench Just in Time for the 2024 Elections

September 3, 2023September 4, 2023 Admin

Three swing states will hold elections to their supreme courts over the next 18 months, potentially altering court compositions amid key cultural and political flashpoints such as abortion, guns and redistricting.

Pennsylvania College Credits No More for State Trooper Cadets

September 2, 2023September 1, 2023 The Center Square

Broadening opportunities for aspiring law enforcement officers, Gov. Josh Shapiro this week removed the 60-credit minimum requirement for state trooper applicants.

“This is the finest law enforcement agency in the nation,” he said during a news conference. “We need to show those who want to serve that this door of opportunity is open – and we want you on our team.”

Pennsylvania Moves to Shift Primary Date Up

September 1, 2023August 31, 2023 Pennsylvania Daily Star Staff

A Pennsylvania state Senate committee unanimously voted Wednesday to move its presidential primary election up in 2024.

The State Government Committee approved the bill, proposed by Vice Chair Republican Sen. David Argall, which would change Pennsylvania’s presidential primary from late April to March 19, according to the state legislature’s website. The proposed new primary date for the third Tuesday in March comes just two weeks after Super Tuesday, when over a dozen states hold their nominating contests.

Pennsylvania Higher Ed System Hopes for Boost from Certificate Programs

August 31, 2023August 30, 2023 The Center Square

In an effort to attract students and the general public alike, Pennsylvania’s higher education system will partner with Google to offer certificate programs that demonstrate their skills to potential employers.

Students can earn a certificate as they get college credit within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and the public can earn a certificate through non-credit courses and workshops without enrolling in PASSHE.

Data Analysis Reframes Pennsylvania Education Issues

August 30, 2023August 29, 2023 The Center Square

As Pennsylvania’s legislators prepare to return to Harrisburg to sort out the state’s education system and budget, a new report challenges what they call “funding cuts and teacher shortage myths.”

A recently released report by the Commonwealth Foundation provides data showing increased spending and hiring alongside dropping enrollment numbers – suggesting more efficient spending options, including pension system reforms.

Policymakers Debate Skill Games Regulation

August 28, 2023 The Center Square

Corner stores, malls, and independent businesses that dabble in the unregulated gray area between games of skill and chance may soon find themselves facing stricter — or clearer — guidance from legislators.

The Democratic Policy Committee in Radnor this week to discuss the proliferation of skill games across Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Waives Bus Driver Regulation amid Persistent Shortage

August 27, 2023August 26, 2023 The Center Square

The pandemic revealed all sorts of problems in Pennsylvania’s education system. School districts struggling to recruit school bus drivers was an overlooked one, and the problem hasn’t abated.

PennDOT, however, took a step forward recently in removing a licensing requirement that’s long been a stumbling block.

Two Pennsylvania Local Level Officials Join Forward Party

August 26, 2023August 26, 2023 The Center Square

A third party seeking to bridge the political divide and offer more choices for voters has added two local Republicans to its roster.

One official, a longtime Democrat – although defeated in the primary election – won enough write-in votes to secure the GOP nomination. He will again be facing his opponent in November, but from the other side of the fence.

Addiction Recovery Services Grant Possible in Pennsylvania

August 25, 2023August 24, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania’s state government has taken action in recent years to legalize fentanyl test strips and expand medication for opioid use disorder in county jails and state prisons.

Now, some are looking to provide more funding for recovery services to help people stay sober and find community.

Don Jr. Says Christie’s Expected Attacks on Trump at Debate Will Do Him Little Good in Republican Presidential Race

August 24, 2023 M.D. Kittle

As expected, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie took some big swings at GOP presidential front-runner and former president Donald Trump Wednesday night at the first debate of the 2024 primary season.

Despite Budget Crisis, Penn State Offers In-State Tuition to Illegal Immigrants

August 24, 2023August 23, 2023 Pennsylvania Daily Star Staff

Amidst a budget crisis, Pennsylvania State University offers in-state tuition rates to qualifying illegal immigrants while American citizens across the country are charged out-of-state tuition.

An admissions page on the university’s website states that “Undocumented students, with or without DACA, can be eligible for in-state tuition if they meet Penn State’s residency requirements.”

Despite Trump’s Absence, Plenty of Fireworks at First Republican Presidential Debate of the 2024 Season

August 23, 2023 M.D. Kittle

For those who thought a Trump-less GOP presidential primary debate was doomed to be a snooze fest, the two-hour political bar brawl disabused them of that notion.

Pennsylvania School Voucher Battle Heads Back to Campaign Trail

August 23, 2023August 22, 2023 The Center Square

Though school choice supporters lost a budget fight over a $100 million voucher program, the next battle appears to be at the ballot box.

On Monday, the Commonwealth Partners PAC announced plans for a $10 million campaign “to elect school-choice lawmakers,” saying the group would “continue to fight for kids’ interest against special interests,” according to a press release.

Solar Power Comes to University of Pittsburgh Campus

August 22, 2023August 21, 2023 The Center Square

Officials and community members recently cut the ribbon on one of the largest solar projects in western Pennsylvania.

Through a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh and Vesper Energy, the school says it is achieving its renewable energy commitments while providing educational opportunities.

Massachusetts Pro-Family Group Warns Sex Is on School Calendar ‘All Year Long’

August 22, 2023August 21, 2023 Susan Berry, PhD

LGBTQ activists are seeking to ensure Massachusetts public schools are celebrating their agenda’s events throughout the academic year, Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI) warns parents.

“Sex on the school calendar has become commonplace all over the nation,” a downloadable document from MFI states.

Natural Gas Well Setbacks Questioned After Health Impact Study in Pennsylvania

August 20, 2023August 19, 2023 The Center Square

Regulations that dictate appropriate setbacks for natural gas wells from drinking water sources and buildings may not be generous enough, according to the state’s agency tasked with overseeing the industry.

The Department of Environmental Protection said it would support efforts to reconsider whether 1,000 feet constitutes a safe distance after a study from the University of Pittsburgh suggested links between unconventional wells and incidences of asthma and childhood cancer.

Study Finds ‘Dirty-to-Clean’ Pennsylvania Job Transition Rare

August 19, 2023August 18, 2023 The Center Square

Though more workers have jumped in recent years from carbon-intensive jobs – like natural gas extraction – to “green” jobs in renewable energy, the numbers remain miniscule.

Fewer than 1% of workers make a fossil fuel-to-renewable jump, while most end up in another carbon-intensive job, an unrelated job, or find no work at all.

Undone Pennsylvania Budget Leaves Struggling Schools Empty-Handed

August 18, 2023August 17, 2023 The Center Square

As the first day of school nears across Pennsylvania, the undone budget will leave the poorest districts without the earmarked funds the state promised.

Teachers, administrators, and advocates recently told the House Education Committee that without the money, schools can’t address worker shortages, or provide mental health support, programs for pandemic-induced learning loss, technology upgrades, and building maintenance.

More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Coming to Pennsylvania

August 17, 2023August 16, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday Pennsylvania will spend $34 million on dozens of projects in the commonwealth to build out charging stations for electric vehicles.

The money is part a five-year, $172 million federal grant and the latest installment will support 54 projects in 35 counties.

Ramaswamy Tops DeSantis in Latest Scott Rasmussen Poll, Trump Expands Frontrunner Position

August 16, 2023August 16, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Ohio entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has overtaken Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in another national Republican primary poll.

Campaign Trail Roundup: GOP Presidential Candidates Make Pitches at Iowa State Fair, DeSantis Booed at Iowa Racetrack

August 15, 2023August 14, 2023 M.D. Kittle

What a wild weekend in Iowa.

The presidential candidates who turned out for the Iowa State Fair came close to outnumbering the selections of food on a stick at the Iowa State Fair.

In-State Tuition at Pennsylvania State University, University of Pittsburgh Among Costliest Nationwide

August 15, 2023August 14, 2023 The Center Square

Attending a public college is an affordable choice for many students, and the costs are significantly lower for those in-state.

Even so, two Pennsylvania state-related universities rank among the top 10 of those with the highest in-state tuition in the nation.

Rural Health Care Safety Net Faces Irreparable Tear in Pennsylvania

August 13, 2023August 14, 2023 The Center Square

Health care access in rural Pennsylvania becomes less tenable day by day, and many fear what this means for the state’s efforts to revive its most remote communities.

“The people in rural PA are truly scared about access to health care,” said Rep. Marty Causer, R-Bradford, during a recent meeting of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania hosted in his district.

Labor Shortages, Red Tape Mean Pennsylvania High Home Prices, Months of Delay

August 12, 2023August 11, 2023 The Center Square

Pennsylvania homebuilders are caught in a bind: labor costs are high and the state’s bureaucracy slows down construction.

The result is a situation where it takes months longer to build a house in the commonwealth and prices are higher.