Pittsburgh Public Schools is considering a policy to require advance parental notice when classroom lessons could conflict with 'sincerely held' religious beliefs, stirring debate over teacher burden and parental rights.

Senate Democrats unveiled an Affordability Action Plan in Harrisburg with student‑debt relief, universal school meals and a path to $15 by 2029. The GOP is pitching temporary tax holidays in response.

A 4‑3 Commonwealth Court ruling finds Pennsylvania’s Medicaid ban on abortion funding unconstitutional and recognizes reproductive autonomy under the state constitution. The decision could expand coverage for low‑income patients.

Gov. Josh Shapiro pressed the head of Pennsylvania’s civil-rights agency to resign amid a review of the commission’s spending. The departures leave the PHRC short-handed and could slow discrimination cases.

The city controller questioned a $600 procurement‑card catering charge for a memorial tied to Councilman Khari Mosley and asked council to seek legal and ethics guidance.

FEC filings show incumbents in Western Pennsylvania have seven‑figure war chests while many challengers report only five‑figure accounts before the May primary.

A petition backing Aspinwall Borough Council’s censure of Mayor Scott Zimmermann has gathered signatures after his admission that he secretly recorded a private meeting. Organizers hope to grow the list through April.

A four-bill package introduced by Pittsburgh-area lawmakers aims to shield domestic violence survivors from financial abuse and improve offender accountability.

A federal budget request would anchor NETL’s Pittsburgh and Morgantown labs as industry-focused centers for oil-and-gas and coal research, reshaping local lab priorities.

On the one‑year anniversary of an arson at the governor’s residence, Gov. Josh Shapiro met with faith leaders in Harrisburg as the state moved to distribute nearly $11M in security grants to nonprofits and houses of worship.

A FEMA-funded ambulance for Sugarcreek Township remains stuck at an upfitter while a DHS review holds the grant, leaving the rural EMS dependent on an aging 2006 rig. Local leaders have appealed to lawmakers for a quick resolution.

A legislative study requested by Rep. Rob Matzie urges the PIAA to create transfer oversight, tighten feeder‑school rules for private schools and clarify championship‑site standards.

Early statewide polls give Gov. Josh Shapiro a double‑digit lead over Stacy Garrity; fundraising and turnout will shape the May primary and the November race.