News
A new report studied potential emissions from seven planned gas-fired plants that would fuel data centers in Pennsylvania. The industry says it’s investing in clean technology.
Much of the declining positivity comes from Democrats, who polling suggests have become increasingly disenchanted with the United States in the years since President Donald Trump was first elected.
The arrest numbers come after the agency shifted its approach from high-profile arrest sweeps in major American cities to quieter ways to reach President Trump's mass deportation goals.
Another budgetary impasse threatens public school districts, low income Pennsylvanians, county governments, public transit riders, libraries and those who rely on “discretionary” state funding.
Business groups object. So do some liberal policy organizations.
Opinion
As America approaches its 250th birthday, perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer those who signed the Declaration of Independence is not merely celebrating their courage, but exercising the responsibility they entrusted to us.
Do not let the current ugly ideology infecting our government lead you to sorrow on this July 4th, writes Newtown's Steve Cickay.
Without swift state intervention, Big Tech's unregulated stampede through the state threatens to derail our climate goals, overwhelm local infrastructure and spike electricity bills for working families.
The planet’s first trillionaire is not a sign of economic health. It’s an indicator of extreme inequality and the dangers of concentrated power.
Juneteenth made clear that freedom was not just confined to someone’s physical enslavement, but mental enslavement as well, bound in the laws that barred enslaved people from receiving an education in Southern states.
Education
“Our taxpayers deserve to know if their tax dollars are reaching the students they are intended to help and students deserve to receive the scholarships for which they qualify,” said state Rep. Nikki Rivera, the bill's sponsor. “H.B. 2632 provides the transparency needed to make that a reality.”
Parents and staff were “blindsided” by the decision to shutter the service.
Juneteenth made clear that freedom was not just confined to someone’s physical enslavement, but mental enslavement as well, bound in the laws that barred enslaved people from receiving an education in Southern states.
“This will leave our most vulnerable students and families who have been shut out of our education system without the services they need and without protection when they face discrimination,” said Rachel Gittleman, president of the union that represents department employees.
Reaching out to your representatives can make a real difference, writes Tabitha Dell'Angelo.
Elections
The Department of Justice could now appeal the ruling, as it has in other states.
Left-wing insurgents are increasingly challenging legacy political institutions that often are led by Black and Latino lawmakers.
U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani on Thursday sided with a coalition of nearly two dozen states that challenged the Republican president’s order. Her ruling applies to this year's midterm election cycle.
Whether this translates to national politics is a next test for the progressive movement.
Only about a quarter of independents without a college education have a positive view of Trump, while the president's standing among Black and Hispanic independents has also dropped considerably.
Watch or Listen to Behind The Beacon!
Recent Votes:
- H.Res. 1399: Directing the Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly release records relating to monetary settlements involving acts of sexual harassment. June 30, 2026Vote: Passed 420/0 Rep. Fitzpatrick [R-PA1]: Yea
- H.Con.Res. 108: Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon. June 30, 2026Vote: Failed 189/235 Rep. Fitzpatrick [R-PA1]: Nay
- H.Res. 1398: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8800) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to June 30, 2026Vote: Failed 198/224 Rep. Fitzpatrick [R-PA1]: Not Voting
- On Ordering the Previous Question: H.Res. 1398: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8800) to authorize appropriations for fiscal … June 30, 2026Vote: Passed 215/210 Rep. Fitzpatrick [R-PA1]: Yea