The election is over, and you may have heard, Pennsylvania Democrats picked up some new congressional seats–and helped flip the U.S. House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Democrats in the state House and Senate also made progress. The Senate flipped at least five seats and ended a Republican supermajority–and the House snagged at least eleven–thought to be … Continue reading "Episode 8: The election is over; what lies ahead for Pennsylvania?"

On Saturday, eleven people were murdered in a Pittsburgh synagogue, and six others were injured. A man named Robert Bowers was arrested and has been charged with anti-Semitic hate crimes. He has pleaded not guilty. In the days since, members of Pittsburgh’s robust Jewish community have been grappling with the sudden deaths of their own, … Continue reading "Episode 7: Pittsburgh"

The state House and Senate ended their legislative session with a bang Wednesday night. Negotiations on a priority statute of limitations bill—which aimed to make it easier for victims of child sexual abuse to sue abusers—melted down. Plus, polling!

Joining us to explain which congressional races to watch is Associated Press political reporter Marc Levy. Public radio reporters Lindsay Lazarski (of WHYY) and An-Li Herring (of WESA) will also give their input on a couple of interesting, individual races they’ve been following.

When it comes to funding public defense for poor—or indigent—people, Pennsylvania is an outlier. The commonwealth leaves that funding totally up to the counties, and provides no statewide oversight. Reporters Emily Previti, Lindsay Lazarski, Annette John-Hall, and Min Xian join us to explain the situation.

A look back at a month of changes for the PA Corrections Department. Segments: Corrections Secretary John Wetzel, ACLU PA Legal Director Vic Walczak, and one man who has been experiencing the new rules firsthand, as a visitor to his incarcerated fiancée.

After a long summer recess, the House and Senate are officially returning to Harrisburg on Monday. There won’t be much time for lawmakers to tie up all their loose ends before the session ends and all bills have to be started from scratch. However, there are a couple things that are high on the agenda. … Continue reading "Episode 1: The Fall Session Begins"

Our introductory episode with guest Kathleen Pavelko, President & CEO of WITF.