The “fall surge” of Covid-19 cases created more deaths in nursing homes across the nation. But data reviewed by Broad + Liberty shows the fatality rate in Pennsylvania for the second surge was nearly two times the national average.
By Todd Shepherd
Democratic strategist linked to early push on controversial election grants
The first direct link in Pennsylvania between grants from the Chicago-based Center for Tech and Civic Life for the 2020 election and a source with an open partisan affiliation with Democrats.
Governor stands firm behind revamp of Pennsylvania’s charter school law
Gov. Tom Wolf remains devoted to reforming charter schools in Pennsylvania. Proponents of online and in-person charter schools are rising up in protest.
By Christen Smith
Delco Council pays 41% over advertised price for new office space
The County, which flipped to Democratic control in 2019, defended its decision to pay approximately $250,000 more taxpayer dollars in rent than the advertised price for office space that will house the county’s new health department.
By Todd Shepherd
Pennsylvania’s budget battle takes shape
Pennsylvania lawmakers are grappling with the state’s newest spending plan. Some leaders say now more than ever is the time to spend, while others push stewardship and for debts to be repaid.
By Christen Smith
Government unions in Pa. starting to lose millions
Unions could avoid the ongoing membership exodus if they focused on offering better services rather than acting as a political money funnel. But instead, they’ve sent the Freedom Foundation staff death threats, nasty emails and threatening voicemails–merely for telling their members the truth.
By Hunter Tower
Wolf administration hiding information on how it distributed PPE during pandemic
The Pennsylvania DOH is using the decades-old Disease Control and Prevention Law (DCPL) to shield information on how it purchased and distributed PPE. Transparency advocates argue that the department’s broad use of the DCPL is leaving citizens suspicious.
By Todd Shepherd
Boyle brothers’ shared political money spills into courtroom fight
A lawsuit by Northeastern Philadelphia State Sen. John Sabatina against Rep. Kevin Boyle has become focused on peculiar financial dealings between Kevin Boyle and his brother Brendan Boyle. Brendan has been transferring campaign money to Kevin’s campaign accounts for years.
By Todd Shepherd
Lawmakers attempt edit of Pennsylvania’s disaster declaration
State lawmakers moved a resolution Tuesday that would edit Pennsylvania’s existing disaster declaration to prevent business closures and stay-at-home orders should COVID-19 cases rise again.
By Christen Smith
Rep. Malinowski bought, sold up to $1 million in companies with a stake in pandemic response
U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski “bought or sold as much as $1 million of stock in medical and tech companies” with “a stake” in the COVID-19 pandemic response.
By Todd DeFeo