Pennsylvania lawmakers approved a $50.8B 2026–27 budget after a weekend push, boosting education and pensions while preserving the Rainy Day Fund.

A Butler County man and Gun Owners of America sued Pennsylvania, arguing a 1994 marijuana conviction shouldn’t block a license to carry. The federal filing leans on recent Supreme Court and ATF changes.

Surviving spouses say Pittsburgh still won’t cover post-retirement health costs despite court rulings, forcing widows to buy their own coverage. The union estimates millions owed.

Lawmakers left Harrisburg without a spending plan, pushing the state past its June 30 deadline and raising the risk of delayed payments to schools and social-service providers.

Sen. Dawn Keefer and Rep. Wendy Fink pushed a plan to eliminate school property taxes in a July 1 telephone town hall, proposing to replace local levies with higher income and sales taxes. Supporters promise relief while critics warn the swap could hit low‑income households harder.

Audit and actuarial numbers show Allegheny County’s pension is under half funded and projected to be depleted by 2039. County leaders and a DA lawsuit are pressing for solutions.

Penn Hills School Board approved a 1‑mill (3.1%) increase for 2026‑27 to shore up reserves; median homeowners face about a $64 rise in school property tax.

Karen Dixon returns to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police as Assistant Chief of Administration on June 29, 2026. She’ll focus on personnel, training and administration.

The Westmoreland County sheriff’s office withdrew from ICE’s Jail Enforcement Model amid months of local pushback and legal questions.

Councilman Anthony Coghill has proposed a three‑tier levy on skill games, claw machines and jukeboxes, saying the fee could net Pittsburgh $2–3 million as state courts push regulation. The move comes amid a statewide scramble over how to tax and police the machines.

The Pittsburgh police union says a commander who lives outside the city was promoted to acting assistant chief, arguing the move violates the Home Rule Charter.

City Council opened the process Tuesday to pay $445,000 in settlements to 10 people injured when the Fern Hollow Bridge collapsed in January 2022.

Lawmakers advanced ADU rules, fast‑track approvals and incentive grants as Pennsylvania grapples with a statewide housing shortfall.