Christen Smith

EXCLUSIVE from @John__Cole and @thecentersquare: Fetterman and McCormick campaigns team up for joint fundraising committee

Pennsylvania's public-school employees' pension fund is $41 billion short of what it needs to pay promised benefits. Last year, it missed the investment benchmark that officials set, a result they said was "primarily due to performance within private equity." Read more: thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a…

A proposed Pennsylvania data center is drawing fresh criticism after its developer mailed letters offering $10,000 to every household if the project is built. Read more: thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a…

Unions are pushing to expand paid leave and staffing requirements, raising questions about costs for employers and taxpayers. More on The Center Square Daily.

Organizers say Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office has not responded to multiple invitations to a virtual town hall on data centers. The meeting follows growing debate over proposed projects and calls for clearer statewide rules on development. Read more: thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a…

A report says uncertainty over carbon tax policies cost Pennsylvania an estimated $5.1 billion in lost investment. More on The Center Square Daily.

Debate rages on use of taxpayer money for security at Shapiro's private home Read more: thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a… via @thecentersquare

Fetterman wants SNAP to cover hot rotisserie chicken for beneficiaries. Read more: thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a… via @thecentersquare

Pa. Treasury can't pay for security upgrades at Shapiro's private home Read more here: thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a… via @thecentersquare

Ohio man charged after threatening voicemail left for a Pennsylvania state lawmaker has led to criminal charges. " ... if Pennsylvania thinks they're going to come after our guns," followed by a pair of words that included an obscenity, followed by " ... blood will roll. You get it?" According to a police affidavit, part of the voicemail left by a male caller on the morning of Dec. 17, stated. Officials say the incident reflects a broader rise in political threats across the country.

EXCLUSIVE: Ohio man charged after Pa. lawmaker gets 'blood will roll' phone message thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a… via @thecentersquare

“I’m willing to pay more taxes – I can afford to pay more to keep you out of here. I don’t want you.” Residents are fuming over data center farm takeovers in Pennsylvania. Read more: thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a… via @thecentersquare

The Cost of War With Iran Spending is rising quickly. In just weeks: $30+ billion spent Daily cost: nearly $891 million Key figures: • Up to $200 billion possible in new funding • $8 trillion spent on post-9/11 wars Long-term costs: • Around $2 trillion in interest • Ongoing veteran care • Broader impacts on fuel, food, and the economy How high could the cost go? Are we entering another long-term conflict?

Could a Democrat get Republican support in Pennsylvania? GOP leaders say they’d consider backing Sen. John Fetterman in 2028 if he switches parties. Here’s why this is getting attention: Strong approval among Republicans Falling support with Democrats Alignment on issues like immigration & foreign policy Fetterman has rejected the idea of switching parties — but the political dynamics heading into 2028 are already shifting. Read more: thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a…

Overtime trends in Allegheny County have shifted significantly over the past decade • Sheriff and police overtime were equal in 2016 • Sheriff overtime now far exceeds police • More high earners concentrated in the sheriff’s office The change is raising questions about how departments allocate resources. Read more: thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a…

Optimism abounds for Garrity’s second historic upset, this time against Shapiro thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a… via @thecentersquare

New findings show corrections officers in Western Pennsylvania are increasingly dependent on overtime, raising questions about staffing and costs. More on The Center Square Daily. youtu.be/CuZ8TaVuMUE

Non-disclosure agreements on data centers spur talk of 'secret deals' thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a… via @thecentersquare

Overtime is driving pay at Allegheny County’s jail. 107 guards earned at least half their income from overtime last year — up from just 28 in 2016. Total overtime: $12.2M. More:

Showers, toilet flushing optional as residents tackle high water bills in Pennsylvania ⁦@thecentersquare⁩ thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/a…